Are you an Illinoisan who wants to obtain an Illinois driver’s license but still do not clear about the process? Don’t worry, we are here for you. In this article, we are going to introduce brief necessary information on the Illinois driver’s license, how to obtain one and what rules you should follow in the application process. Get all the stress out with DMV Illinois driver’s license guide. 

 

dmv illinois driver license
How to get a DMV Illinois Driver’s License?

 

1. What is an Illinois driver’s license?

Overall, Illinois driver’s license is a license that can allow you to operate your own vehicle legally in Illinois. There are divided into six types of classes in Illinois driver’s license:

  • Class A: if you obtain this type of driver’s license, you can operate vehicles with a GCWR (Gross combined weight rating) of more than 26,000 pounds and tow a motorcycle with a weight limit exceeded of 10,000 pounds.
  • Class B: you are allowed to drive a motor vehicle with a GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 26,000 pounds and tow others that are not in excess of 10,000 pounds. (normally, you will need a CDL to drive this vehicle)
  • Class C: you can drive any vehicle with GVWR between 16,000 pounds and 26,000 pounds, or a vehicle that carries another with GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. Moreover, you can operate more than 16 passengers or hazardous materials vehicles. 
  • Class D: with this type of license, you are able to drive any motor vehicle with a GVWR of fewer than 16,000 pounds, except for class A, B, or C driver’s license or an L or M motorcycle license.
  • Class L: any vehicle with displacement less than 150cc 
  • Class M: for motorcycle or motor-driven vehicle

 

2. What are the requirements to get your DMV Illinois driver’s license?

 

2.1. Age requirements

In Illinois State, there have 2 age-specific driver’s licenses: 

Illinois Teen License Age Requirements (younger than 18 years old)

  • 15 years old: legal for a learner’s permit
  • 16 years old: legal for a temporary license
  • 18 years old: legal for a full driver’s license

Illinois Learner’s Permit 

The IL learner’s permit can apply for 17 years and 3 months younger. You can apply for an Illinois learner’s permit when you are 15 years old. However, you must wait for the state-approved driver’s education course for 30 days. This Illinois state course consists of:

  • Classroom instruction in 30 hours 
  • Driving instruction in 6 hours
  • Driving under parents, guardians, or supervisors who are at least 21 years old in 50 hours (includes 10 hours of night driving)

In addition, the Illinois permit is only valid for 2 years, thus, you should pay attention to applying for the license at the proper time. 

 

3. What are the behind-the-wheel Illinois driving restrictions for drivers?

When you obtain the Illinois learner’s permit, you can drive:

  • Only when supervised by a monitor who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid driver’s license.
  • With one passenger in the front seat and no more than the number of seat belts in your car,
  • Only with your instructional permit on you at all times (failure to carry your instructional permit will result in losing your qualifying for an Illinois driver’s license until you are 18).

In addition, there will be a restriction on the time you drive your vehicle. You must be aware that these are national restrictions and you will be punished if you don’t follow them. You are not allowed to go outside with your motor vehicle at the following time: 

  • Between 10 PM and 6 AM (Sunday – Thursday)
  • Between 11 PM and 6 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Moreover, you are also not allowed to use a cell phone for any reason (texting or calling) while driving on Illinois road. 

 

dmv driver license il
IL driving instructions for drivers

 

4. How to obtain your DMV Illinois driver’s license?

 

4.1. Drive under a learner’s permit 

Before officially obtaining your driver’s license, you must spend 9 months practicing under your learner’s permit. In addition, to attend a driving course, you must bring your parents’ approval. Besides, to hold a learner’s permit, your task is to complete a written test and a vision test also. 

Moreover, you are allowed to drive under the Illinois restrictions that we already mentioned above, including driving time, passenger limit as well as classroom hours. 

 

4.2. Make an appointment and submit all the required documents

The next step to obtaining an Illinois driver’s license is to go to the office and submit all the needed documents which are:

  • Your existing learner’s permit in Illinois
  • Proof that you have completed your driver’s education course (many course providers also electronically report to the DMV office)
  • A Minor’s Driving Affidavit/Consent. This form must be signed in the presence of your parent or guardian. If they are unable to join you, they must complete and have notarized this form before you may submit it.
  • Proof of completion for your supervised driving hours (50 hours driving completion)
  • Acceptable forms of identification
  • Illinois driver’s license fee: $30

 

4.3. Pass the Illinois driver’s license test

You are required to complete a written test and an on-the-road skill test. This test is designed to test your driving ability as well as how you follow strictly the road rules. Our suggestion for you is to take some DMV Practice Tests first to familiarize yourself with the actual test format as well as reduce stress and anxiety for the upcoming test. 

>> Read more: DMV written test study guide

 

4.4. Take your license picture

In this step, you are required to take a portrait picture and it will be your license picture. 

 

4.5. Obtain a temporary license

After successfully passing all the required tests, you need to wait for 15 days to receive your DMV driver’s license. At this time, you are provided a temporary license and its values as the actual one. 

 

illinois driver license dmv
Steps to obtain a DMV driver’s license in Illinois

 

 

5. What are the FAQs about Illinois driver’s license?

 

5.1. In Illinois, how long do you have to renew your license expires?

In Illinois, you have up to one year to renew an expired license. If you do not renew within the specified time frame, you will be asked to take extra examinations to renew your card.

 

5.2. Can your Illinois driver’s license address change online?

In Illinois, you may seek a driver’s license change of address online in only a few clicks. Given that you have your Illinois driver’s license, ID, date of birth, and Social Security number, it is one of the most straightforward solutions accessible (SSN).

 

5.3. What do I do with my Illinois driver’s license lost?

You should first report your lost or stolen driver’s license to the local police station. A duplicate license can be purchased online. Within 7-10 days, a replacement driver’s license will be delivered to your Illinois address.

 

5.4. Can I check my Illinois driver’s license status online?

Illinois residents can change their addresses online. If a visitor to a facility does not get their new permanent driver’s license or state ID within 15 business days, they can check the status online or contact 217-782-7044.

 

5.5. How can I know if my driver’s license is suspended in Illinois?

Call our automated attendant at 217-782-3720 and pick option number one to verify the status of your driver’s license. After that, you’ll be prompted to provide your driver’s license and social security number. The automated attendant will notify you whether or not your driving credentials are valid.

 

That’s all the needed information on the Illinois driver’s license that you should know and be well-prepared for it. If you are not confident about the upcoming DMV written test or driving test, you can take our Illinois DMV Practice Test now, a storage of questions is waiting for you! In addition, if you are looking for a place that updates every news and vital information of DMV, follow our Fanpage now!