First Illinois driver license for adults

Age 18, 19 or 20

If all three conditions apply — age 18–20, first Illinois driver license, and no prior qualifying driver education — Illinois requires a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course from a certified provider before the license can be issued.

Adult instruction permit

Applicants age 18 and older can receive an instruction permit valid for one year after meeting the permit requirements. The adult driver-education certificate is not required merely to apply for the instruction permit; it is required before the license when the age 18–20 rule applies.

Finish the license tests

A first-time adult applicant still needs the required identification and must complete the vision, written and road-testing steps that apply. Illinois says all new drivers must take a driving exam.

• Illinois written-test format
• Illinois road-test guide
• Illinois documents