Illinois Driver Education FAQs

You can generally apply for an instruction permit beginning at age 15. Applicants ages 15–17 generally need to be enrolled in an approved driver education course or be within 30 days of starting one.

A teen can generally move to the initial licensing phase at 16 after meeting the required permit, driver education, supervised-practice, consent, and testing requirements.

Generally, yes for applicants ages 15–17, although an applicant who is at least 17 years and 3 months old may apply for an instruction permit without taking driver education.

An approved teen program includes at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

No. The online course should not be treated as a substitute for Illinois-approved driver education or its required behind-the-wheel training.

If you received your permit at ages 15–17, you generally must hold it for at least nine consecutive months before obtaining a driver's license.

You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night.

Your practice must be supervised by a parent or an adult at least 21 years old who has a valid license for the vehicle you are driving and meets Illinois' requirements.

A moving violation conviction can delay your eligibility for a driver's license. Illinois can impose an additional nine-month waiting period before you can apply.

No. An instruction permit is for supervised driving and does not authorize you to drive by yourself.

Drivers under 18 generally cannot drive from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday, subject to limited exceptions and local curfews.

For the first 12 months of licensing or until you turn 18, whichever comes first, you are generally limited to one passenger under 20 who is not your sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild.

If you are under 19, no. Illinois prohibits cellphone and wireless-device use while driving, including hands-free use, except for qualifying emergencies.

Your driving privileges can be canceled until your parent or guardian restores consent or you turn 18. You may need to reapply, complete applicable exams, and pay the required fees.

If you are 18, 19, or 20, are applying for your first Illinois driver's license, and have never completed qualifying driver education, you must complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a certified provider.