- New Age for Mandatory Road Test: In 2025, Illinois lawmakers approved House Bill 1226, raising the age at which seniors must take a mandatory driving (road) test to renew their license from 79 to 87. This means most seniors will no longer need to take a road test until they reach age .
- In-Person Renewal Still Required: Seniors age 79 and older must still renew their licenses in person at a Secretary of State facility, but the road test is not required until age .
Renewal Frequency by Age
| Age Group | Renewal Period | Road Test Required? | In-Person Renewal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–80 | Every 4 years | No | Not always |
| 81–86 | Every 2 years | No | Yes |
| 87+ | Every year | Yes (at renewal) | Yes |
- Vision Test: All seniors renewing in person must pass a vision test, regardless of age.
- Written Test: Generally, a written test is not required for renewal unless the driver has traffic convictions; in that case, a written test is required every eight years.
Additional Safeguards and Reporting
- Family Reporting: Under the new law, immediate family members can now report concerns about a senior’s driving ability to the Secretary of State, potentially prompting a review or additional testing.
- Medical Restrictions: The Secretary of State can place conditions on a license (such as requiring corrective lenses or daylight-only driving) based on vision or medical evaluations.
Restricted Local Licenses
- Seniors who can no longer meet the requirements for a standard license but can still drive safely in limited circumstances may apply for a restricted local driver’s license, allowing them to drive on familiar routes for essential errands.
Key Points for Seniors and Families
- Illinois remains one of the strictest states for senior license renewal, but the new law reduces unnecessary road tests for healthy, safe drivers.
- Vision testing and in-person renewals remain important safeguards.
- Family members now have a formal way to raise concerns if a loved one’s driving ability declines.
Seniors in Illinois now face fewer barriers when renewing their driver’s license. The mandatory road test is delayed until age 87, though in-person renewal and vision testing are still required starting at age 79. Family members can report safety concerns, and special restricted licenses are available for those needing limited driving privileges.
Sources
[1] https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinois-bill-could-raise-age-for-mandatory-license-renewal-driving-test-for-seniors/
[2] https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/illinois-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
[3] https://mblawfirm.com/insights/license-renewals-understanding-the-new-rules-for-senior-drivers/
[4] https://www.ilsos.gov/services/services_for_seniors/programs.html
[5] https://abc7chicago.com/post/illinois-driving-test-lawmakers-approve-bills-easing-tests-seniors-renew-licenses-79-87/16153067/
