How to Get a Driver’s License in Illinois at 18, 19, or 20
If you are wondering how to get your license at 18 in Illinois, the process is fairly straightforward. For many first-time adult drivers, the biggest question is whether a permit is required first and what steps you need to take before visiting an Illinois Driver Services facility.
In Illinois, first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20 who have never been licensed and never completed an approved driver education course must complete a state-approved 6-hour Adult Driver Education Course before they can get a driver’s license. If you have already completed driver education in high school or through a commercial driving school, you may be able to apply without taking the adult course, as long as you can provide acceptable proof.
Step 1: Find Out Whether You Need Adult Driver Education
The first step is confirming whether Illinois requires you to take adult driver education. If you are between 18 and 20 and applying for your first Illinois driver’s license, the 6-hour course is required only if you have not already completed an approved driver education program.
Top Driver offers a state-approved adult driver education course designed to help new adult drivers meet this requirement in a convenient way.
Step 2: Complete the 6-Hour Course and Pass the Course Exam
If the course applies to you, the next step is to complete the full 6-hour program through a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. The provider’s course exam must also be passed successfully. This course completion happens before the testing required at the Illinois Driver Services facility.
A quality course can help you build a stronger understanding of traffic laws, signs, signals, roadway markings, and safe driving habits, all of which can help you feel more prepared for the written and road portions of the licensing process.
Step 3: Practice Driving Before You Take the Road Test
Even though Illinois adult applicants are not placed in the same graduated licensing process as younger teen drivers, practice is still one of the most important parts of learning how to drive safely. An Illinois instruction permit is available for applicants age 18 and older, and many adults choose to get one so they can build confidence behind the wheel before taking the road test.
The more real-world driving experience you get, the better prepared you may be for common situations like lane changes, turns, parking, traffic signals, and residential or highway driving.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents and Visit an Illinois Driver Services Facility
When you are ready to apply, you will need to visit an Illinois Driver Services facility, bring the required identification documents, pay the applicable fee, and complete the required testing. If you needed the adult driver education course, you should also be prepared to provide proof of successful completion.
Step 5: Pass the Required Tests to Get Your License
To obtain your license, Illinois requires first-time applicants to successfully complete the applicable exams at the facility. These may include a vision screening, written test, and behind-the-wheel road test. Once you pass the required tests and your application is processed, you can receive your Illinois driver’s license.
Can You Get Your License at 18 Without a Permit in Illinois?
For many people, this is the main question. Illinois does issue instruction permits to drivers age 18 and older, but the state’s guidance for adult first-time drivers focuses on completing any required adult driver education, bringing proper identification, and passing the required licensing tests. In other words, adult applicants often focus on meeting the licensing requirements directly rather than following the under-18 permit timeline.
Because individual situations can vary, it is still smart to review the latest Illinois Secretary of State requirements before heading to the facility.
H2: Enroll Today!
Ready to take the next step? Top Driver’s Adult Driver Education course helps Illinois adults complete their required training, learn the rules of the road, and become safe and confident drivers.