What you need to do to get an Illinois driver's license
To get an Illinois driver's license, you will visit a Secretary of State facility in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes at least two visits — one for your written exam and one for your road test — and the whole thing typically takes several weeks from start to finish. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail; Illinois requires you to show up and demonstrate that you can actually drive.
The order matters: you take the written test first, get a permit if you pass, then schedule your road test. You cannot take the road test without passing the written test first. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter and take longer because of the graduated licensing system.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State facility twice — once for the written test and once for the road test — and bring specific documents both times.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
- After you pass the written test, you get a permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test.
- The road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the car in real conditions.
- Fees vary depending on your age and how long you want the license to last, but expect to pay between $20 and $40 for the written test and another amount for the license itself.
Documents you must bring to the Secretary of State
Bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. You also need a document that proves your date of birth — a birth certificate, passport, or state ID all work. Bring proof of your current address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.
If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring these documents to both your written test appointment and your road test appointment. The Secretary of State will not let you test without them.
If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the facility. Bring their ID as well. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind you need to board a domestic flight), bring an additional proof of address document — you will have two total instead of one.
Taking the written test and getting your permit
Schedule your written test appointment online through the Secretary of State website or call your local facility directly. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted but waits can be long. When you arrive, bring all your documents. The examiner will verify your identity and take your photo.
The written test has 35 questions about Illinois traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to finish. You need to score at least 28 out of 35 (80 percent) to pass. The test is available in English and several other languages; ask at the facility if you need an interpreter.
If you pass, you get your permit when ready. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. If you are under 18, you must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you want, but the Secretary of State recommends practicing for at least a few weeks.
If you fail, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again each time you take it.
Scheduling and passing the road test
Once you have your permit, schedule your road test through the same Secretary of State system. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so book as soon as you are ready. The test itself takes about 20 minutes and happens on public roads near the facility.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They watch how you use mirrors, signal, and respond to traffic. They are looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. Common reasons people fail include not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking.
Bring your permit, a valid photo ID, and the same address proof you brought to the written test. The car you drive must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you start. If anything is broken, you cannot test that day.
If you pass, you get your license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the road test fee again and wait for the next available appointment.
Fees and how long your license lasts
The written test fee is $20. The road test fee is $20. The license itself costs between $5 and $40 depending on your age and how long you want it to last. A standard license for someone 21 or older costs $30 and is valid for four years. If you want an eight-year license, it costs $40. Drivers under 21 pay less but their licenses expire sooner.
You pay the written test fee when you take the written test. You pay the road test fee when you take the road test. You pay the license fee when you pass the road test and receive your license. The Secretary of State accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most facilities.
If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for domestic air travel starting in 2025), there is no extra fee, but the process takes longer because the Secretary of State verifies your documents more thoroughly. Plan for an extra week or two.
Rules for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, Illinois has a graduated licensing system that adds steps and restrictions. You must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test, even if you pass the written test on your first try. You also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the Secretary of State facility.
Once you get your license, you cannot drive alone until you are 16 years and 9 months old. Until then, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the car with you at all times. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.
If you are 16 or 17 and get a ticket or are in an accident, your license can be suspended. The rules are stricter for young drivers because crash rates are higher in this age group.
What to do if you fail or need to reschedule
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready. There is no waiting period. You pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the handbook between tries.
If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one as soon as appointments are available. You pay the road test fee again. You keep your permit while you practice and wait for your next appointment.
If you need to reschedule an appointment you already booked, cancel it online or call your local facility. Canceling in advance usually means you do not lose your fee. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may lose your fee and have to pay again to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, get your permit, and then schedule the road test separately. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test a few days later. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days.
What happens if I move to Illinois from another state?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for an Illinois license without taking the written or road test, as long as your current license is valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card to a Secretary of State facility. You will pay the license fee but not the test fees.
Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?
Yes. The car must be registered and insured in someone's name. It does not have to be registered in your name. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering all work before the test begins.
How many times can I retake the written test or road test?
There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test. You pay the fee each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts if they study or practice between tries.
What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?
Go to a Secretary of State facility and ask for a replacement. You will pay a small replacement fee (usually around $5 to $10) and get a new permit with the same expiration date as the original. Your permit is valid for one year from the date you received it.