Do I need a permit at 20 in Illinois?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Apr 22, 2026
An Illinois Instruction Permit (or learner’s permit) is not required for adults 18 and older to apply for their license, but it is the only way to receive behind-the-wheel practice before taking the Illinois driving test.
At what age can you first get an Illinois driver’s license without parent or guardian consent *?
The program in Illinois follows this structure: Teens aged 15: Teenagers who are at least 15 years old can get a learner’s permit and begin taking driver education courses. They will be subjected to nighttime driving curfews and may only drive with a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver 21 years or older.
What do I need to get my license in Illinois over 21?
If you’re 21 years old or over, you don’t need a certificate from an adult drivers ed course. Just make an appointment for a drivers license test at a SOS office. There, you will take your written licensing exam, and vision and hearing tests, before getting behind the wheel for your road test.
Can I get my 21 license before my birthday Illinois?
For drivers under the age of 21, your license expires three months past your twenty-first birthday. For all other drivers, your license expires on your birthday. For those aged 81 through 86, your license is valid for two years. If your 87 or older, you’ll have to renew your Illinois license every year.
Is there a driving curfew in Illinois?
In Illinois, all drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from driving: Sunday – Thursday between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M., AND. Friday – Saturday between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.
Is there a driving curfew for 17 year olds in Illinois?
Initial Licensing Phase — Drivers Age 16-17 Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun. -Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri. -Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ). Cell phone use while driving including a hands free device, is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency.
How long does it take to get a real ID Illinois?
Step 7: After review and verification of documents have been conducted, your new permanent REAL ID card will be mailed to you within 15 business days.
Can you get a real ID online in Illinois?
To apply for a REAL ID DL/ID, you will need to visit a Driver Services facility and provide documents verifying your identity, Social Security number, residency and signature. Once you have a REAL ID DL/ID, you will be able to renew by mail or online if you qualify for the Safe Driver Renewal program.
What time is curfew in Illinois?
Under the Illinois Child Curfew Act, juveniles under the age of 17 years old are not allowed to remain in a public place or sometimes a business during curfew hours. Curfew hours are 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during the week, and 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekends.
What is the best day to take a driving test?
That being said, it was another Sunday slot – between 12:00-12:59 – being the least successful time, with just 33.8 percent of candidates passing….The Best Days to Take Your Driving Test.
| Rank | Day | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monday | 46.90 percent |
| 2 | Tuesday | 46.42 percent |
| 3 | Thursday | 45.79 percent |
| 4 | Saturday | 45.74 percent |
How much does Real ID cost in Illinois?
A REAL ID card will cost the same as a driver’s license ($30) or a state ID ($20). -For proof of identity, a passport, a U.S. birth certificate, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card will be accepted. -Residents will also need to provide proof of their Social Security number.
For drivers under the age of 21, your license expires three months past your twenty-first birthday. For all other drivers, your license expires on your birthday. For drivers who are between 21 and 80, your license is valid for four years. If your 87 or older, you’ll have to renew your Illinois license every year.
What time is driving curfew in Illinois?
When it comes to driving, curfew applies to licensed drivers under the age of 18 (rather than 17). You are not allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights or between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weeknights. However, many of the same exceptions to curfew apply to your driver’s license as well.
Can I take Illinois driving test online?
You are able to take our convenient online course if you have not yet taken any driver education and will be applying for your license over the age of 18. Students can complete the course as early as age 17 and 3 months so they are completed and ready to apply when they turn 18.
What is the curfew in Illinois 2021?
How late can a 17 year old drive in Illinois?
Initial Licensing Phase — Drivers Age 16-17 Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun. -Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri. -Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ). Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning 18 before moving to the Full Licensing Phase.
At what age do seniors have to take a driving test in Illinois?
age 75 and older
Drivers age 75 and older are required to take a driving test to renew their driver’s licenses; therefore they must visit a Driver Services Facility.
How many mistakes are allowed on road test Illinois?
You are allowed up to 7 mistakes on the written test in Illinois.
How old do you have to be to renew your drivers license in Illinois?
The Illinois Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) will send you a renewal notice 60 to 90 days before your driver’s license expires. Depending on your age, your IL driver’s license will be valid for different lengths of time: 21 to 80 years old: 4 years (expires on your birthday). 81 to 86 years old: 2 years.
Why is it legal for teens to drive in Illinois?
Because of the high rate of teen driver deaths, many states have enacted graduated driver license programs, which allow teenagers to get more driving practice before they are fully legal to drive on the roads. The program in Illinois follows this structure:
How old do you have to be to get a learners permit in Illinois?
In Illinois, to get a drivers learners permit, you must be at least 15 years of age or older. Also, if you are 15 to 17 years of age, you must either be about to enroll or currently enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course. If you are 17 years and 3 months or older, you may apply for a permit without taking a driver education course.
What are the requirements for a graduated driver’s license in Illinois?
Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, supervised by a parent or adult age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license. Must not acquire any driving convictions during the nine-month permit phase. Number of passengers limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.