Teenagers in Illinois ages 15-17 must be enrolled in an approved Drivers Education Class in order to receive a valid Instructional Permit issued by the Secretary of State. Permits are obtained by passing a written exam at the SOS facility and paying a $20 fee.
Adults 18+ in Illinois must have a valid Illinois State ID (or driver’s license) and Instructional Permit in order to start behind the wheel sessions with us. You can study for that here
More info on State Instruction Permit Requirements
- You must pay the appropriate fee, pass the vision screening and the applicable written exam for the classification you are seeking. Proper identification documents are required.
- If you are age 15-17, you must be enrolled in, or 30 days prior to active participation in, an approved driver education class.
- Your permit must be used in the behind-the-wheel portion of the driver education class when an adult instructor is sitting beside you.
- You also may practice driving with an adult who is at least age 21, has a license for the type of vehicle you are driving, and has at least one year of driving experience.
- An applicant under age 18 is issued an instruction permit valid for two years, and the permit must be held for at least nine months prior to obtaining a driver's license. An applicant age 18 and older is issued an instruction permit valid for one year.
- If you are age 17 years and 3 months or older, you may apply for a permit without taking a driver education course.
- After you have successfully completed the driver education class, you may continue practicing to drive with your instruction permit under the supervision of a responsible adult as outlined above.
- If you receive your license prior to the expiration of your instruction permit, you may not be required to pay an additional fee.