Getting your Illinois learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain who may apply for an Illinois instruction permit and at what age.
• You can list the kinds of documents the SOS asks you to bring.
• You can describe the vision standard and the tests taken when applying.
• You can state how long the permit is valid and who may supervise you.

What you need to know and understand

• Teens aged 15 to 17 need proof from a driver education provider that they are enrolled in, or will start within 30 days, an approved course.
• From age 17 years and 3 months you can apply without taking driver education.
• The instruction permit fee is $20.
• Every permit applicant must pass a vision screening and a written exam.
• The minimum vision standard is 20/40, with at least 140 degrees of side vision, with or without glasses.
• The permit is valid for 24 months, and your test results stay valid until it expires.
• You get three attempts at each exam within one year of paying the application fee.

Who can apply

If you are 15, 16 or 17, bring a document from your high school or licensed commercial driving school showing you are enrolled in approved driver education, or will begin within the next 30 days. Once you reach 17 years and 3 months, you may apply without a driver education course.

A parent or legal guardian normally comes with you to consent. If they cannot attend, an Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive must be signed by a legal guardian or a responsible adult over 21.

What to bring to the Driver Services facility

The SOS checks your legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and signature. One document can cover more than one of these. The Acceptable Identification Documents chart in the Rules of the Road lists what counts. You will also have your photo taken.

• A standard card needs proof of date of birth, Social Security number, one residency document and signature.
• A REAL ID card needs proof of identity and lawful status, Social Security number, signature and two residency documents.
• If your name differs from your birth certificate, bring certified name change papers such as a marriage certificate.
• The $20 permit fee.

Tests on the day and what the permit lets you do

If your vision is between 20/41 and 20/70 you may be limited to daylight driving, and if you wear glasses or contacts your license will say so. Remember that permit holders also follow the nighttime limits and the one-front-passenger rule.

1. Take the vision screening, or hand in a Vision Specialist Report dated within six months.
2. Take the written exam on signs, signals, markings and traffic laws.
3. Pay the fee and have your photo taken.
4. Practice only with your driver education instructor, or with a parent, guardian or responsible adult aged 21 or older who has a valid license and at least one year of driving experience, seated in the front passenger seat.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without driver education enrollment proof at 15 or 16. Without it the SOS cannot issue the permit until you are 17 years and 3 months.
• Bringing photocopies. Name change documents must be certified originals.
• Forgetting glasses or contact lenses for the vision screening. Wear what you normally wear to see clearly.
• Treating the permit as permission to drive alone. A qualified supervisor must always sit beside you.

Test yourself: Getting your Illinois learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Illinois Instruction Permit at 15
• Illinois Learner Permit Documents Checklist
• Illinois Permit Test