First Illinois Driver's License for Adults: Ages 18

Ages 18–20 without approved high-school driver ed

Complete the state-approved six-hour Adult Driver Education course before obtaining the driver's license.

Instruction permit for adults is valid one year

Pass the appropriate written and vision tests and use the permit for supervised practice before the driving exam.

New drivers complete written, vision and driving exams

Study the current Rules of the Road and bring the required identity documents and qualifying test vehicle.

Age 21+: adult driving school is suggested for first-time drivers

The 2026 Rules of the Road recommends adult driving school for a first-time applicant age 21+, but the mandatory six-hour rule specifically applies to qualifying ages 18–20.

License fee depends on age

The current fee is $5 for ages 18–20 and $30 for ages 21–68; other age bands differ.

Ages 18–20 must check whether the six-hour course applies

If you are 18, 19 or 20, have never previously been licensed and did not complete an approved driver-education course, complete the Secretary of State-certified six-hour Adult Driver Education course, then take the required vision, written and road tests.

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.

Official sources

Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.