5 Driving Resources for New Drivers in Illinois
The steps required for a new driver to complete driver education and obtain a license can be daunting – but they don’t have to be. We’ve compiled a list of important driving resources and information you will find helpful as you tackle the road ahead and work towards passing the Illinois driving test.
- Illinois Teen Driver Checklist
A Certificate of Completion issued by the Secretary of State is required for the student to test for his or her driver’s license when they are 16 years of age and have met all permit requirements. View and print the Top Driver Teen Driver Checklist, so you don’t miss a thing! - Grade Requirements for Teens
All teens in Illinois are required to maintain good standing at their school in order to be eligible for a driver’s license. A completed Student Grade Verification Form is required by driving schools within Illinois before a Certificate of Completion can be processed. - Driver’s License Processing
As you approach your final driving less with Top Driver it’s important to know what lies ahead. Once the last lesson is over and you’ve filed the paperwork, you can check the status of your Certificate of Completion request by visiting the Secretary of State website’s Driver’s Education Course Completion Checker. - “Life Goes On” Illinois Organ/Tissue Donor Program
The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office has made it a priority to educate the general public about
the benefits of organ/tissue donation. While our state continues to be the leader in registering potential donors, there are still many more people on waiting lists than there are available donors. To promote awareness about the importance of organ/tissue donation, the Secretary of State’s office provides resources for educating yourself and others about donation.
- Illinois Secretary of State Emergency Contact Database
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office established the Emergency Contact Database in July 2009. The database allows Illinois driver’s license, instruction permit, and ID cardholders to enter emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. In the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation when a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access the database to help them reach the person’s designated contacts.
Once You’ve Obtained Your Driver’s License
Achieving your driver’s license is not a small accomplishment, you’ve worked hard to get your license. You put the time into attending classes, driving with an instructor, the countless hours of driving with a parent or guardian, and you’re ready now more than ever to experience the freedom that comes with a driver’s license. Practice and experience will help you further refine those technical driving skills, but you should also keep up to date with driving law changes. Consider taking an online refresher course down the line, after all, you’ve just been handed a great deal of responsibility.
Frequently asked questions
What documents does an Illinois teen need to get a driver's license?
Illinois teens need a Certificate of Completion issued by the Secretary of State, which is only released after the student finishes their approved driver education program and meets all permit requirements. You can apply for your license at age 16, and the certificate has to be on file before you test. Driving schools also need a completed Student Grade Verification Form on file before they can submit your Certificate of Completion, so make sure your school paperwork is squared away early. The Top Driver Teen Driver Checklist walks you through every item so nothing gets missed between class, behind-the-wheel hours, and the road test.
Do Illinois teens need good grades to get a driver's license?
Yes. Illinois requires every teen to be in good academic standing at their school to be eligible for a driver's license. Before a driving school can process your Certificate of Completion, they must have a completed Student Grade Verification Form from your school confirming you meet the standard. If your grades slip, that paperwork can be held up, which delays your license. We recommend handing the form to your school early in the course so it's signed and back to us before you finish behind-the-wheel.
How do I check the status of my Illinois Certificate of Completion?
Once your last lesson is done and your school has filed the paperwork, you can track your Certificate of Completion through the Illinois Secretary of State's Driver's Education Course Completion Checker on their website. It's the fastest way to confirm the state has received and processed your record before you head to the DMV for the road test. If the checker doesn't show your completion within a reasonable window after your last lesson, call your driving school so they can verify the submission on their end.
What is the Illinois Secretary of State Emergency Contact Database?
The Emergency Contact Database was established by the Illinois Secretary of State's office in July 2009. It's a voluntary, secure database that lets anyone with an Illinois driver's license, instruction permit, or state ID card register emergency contact information. If you're in a crash or another emergency and can't communicate, law enforcement can look up your record and reach the people you've designated. We encourage every new driver to add their contacts the same day they get their permit or license.
Should I keep learning after I get my driver's license?
Absolutely. Getting your license is a milestone, but it's the start of your driving education, not the end. Traffic laws change, your skills sharpen with experience, and habits drift over time. Taking an online refresher course down the road helps you stay current on Illinois rules and reinforces defensive driving techniques you may not have used since your behind-the-wheel lessons. Treat your license as the responsibility it is, and keep building on the foundation your instructor gave you.
Why is the Illinois organ and tissue donor program worth knowing about?
When you apply for or renew an Illinois license, permit, or ID, you can join the state's "Life Goes On" Organ/Tissue Donor Program through the Secretary of State's office. Illinois leads the country in registered donors, but the waiting list for transplants still far outnumbers available donors. The Secretary of State provides educational resources so new drivers and their families can make an informed decision at the counter. It's a quick check-box that can save lives.
