What you need to get an Illinois learner's permit
An Illinois learner's permit is issued by the Secretary of State's office and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 15 years old. To get one, you'll visit a Secretary of State facility in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you don't have one.
Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address. You'll also need to pass a written test on Illinois traffic laws and road signs — the test has 35 questions and you need to answer at least 28 correctly.
There is a fee for the permit. The exact amount varies depending on how long you want the permit to last, so check the Secretary of State website or call your local facility before you go. Bring payment in cash, check, or debit card — not all facilities accept credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs to get a learner's permit in Illinois.
- Bring your birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and proof of your Social Security number to your Secretary of State visit.
- The written test has 35 questions and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass.
- You must have a licensed adult driver in the car with you at all times while you are driving on a learner's permit.
How to prepare for the written test
The Illinois Secretary of State publishes a free study guide called the Rules of the Road that covers everything on the written test. You can read it from the Secretary of State website or pick up a printed copy at any Secretary of State facility. The guide covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, traffic signs, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies.
Many people study the guide for a few days before taking the test. There is no time limit on how long you can study before you take the test — you can take it whenever you feel ready. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another time at no extra cost.
Where to go and what to bring
You'll visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Illinois has facilities in most towns and cities, and you can find the one nearest you on the Secretary of State website. You do not need an appointment — most facilities operate on a walk-in basis, though some locations now offer online scheduling.
Bring all your documents in one folder so you don't lose anything while you're waiting. The line can be long during lunch hours and after school, so going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait. Bring your phone or a book because wait times vary widely by location.
Rules for driving on your learner's permit
Once you have your permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult is in the front seat next to you. That adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only other permit holders or unlicensed people in the car.
Illinois does not have a curfew for learner's permit holders, but your permit comes with other restrictions. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. You must wear a seatbelt, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. Speed limits explore to you the same way they explore to licensed drivers.
These rules stay in effect for the entire time you hold your learner's permit. Once you pass your driving test and get your license, the restrictions lift — though some restrictions come back if you get a junior license, depending on your age.
How long your permit lasts
An Illinois learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can renew it if you haven't yet passed your driving test and gotten your license. When your permit expires, you can go back to the Secretary of State facility and renew it for another year — you'll pay the renewal fee but you won't have to take the written test again.
If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at any Secretary of State facility. Bring your ID and proof of residency again, and there will be a replacement fee. It's a good idea to keep your permit in a safe place at home and carry a photo of it on your phone in case you need proof while you're driving.
Moving forward to your driving test
After you've had your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule a driving test with the Secretary of State. The test takes about 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets and highways, parking, and following traffic laws. You'll take the test in a vehicle — usually your own car or the car of the adult supervising you.
To schedule your test, go to the Secretary of State website or call the facility where you want to take it. You'll need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you're using, and the vehicle itself. The person supervising you during the test must be at least 21 and hold a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?
Yes. Illinois does not require you to be enrolled in a school to get a learner's permit. You only need to be 15 years old and meet the document requirements. Homeschooled students follow the same process as any other student.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another time. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their second try after studying the Rules of the Road guide more carefully.
Do I need car insurance to get my learner's permit?
No, you don't need insurance to get the permit itself. However, the car you practice in must be insured, and the adult supervising you is responsible for that insurance. When you take your driving test, you'll need to show proof of insurance for the vehicle.
Can I drive on highways with my learner's permit?
Yes, you can drive on highways as long as a licensed adult is in the front seat with you. There are no restrictions on where you can drive with your permit, only on who can be in the car with you and how you use your phone.
What if I move to another state while I have my Illinois permit?
Your Illinois permit is only valid in Illinois. If you move, you'll need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents and tests you'll need.