Illinois teen instruction-permit and GDL path

Step 1: permit at 15 with driver education

Obtain parent/legal-guardian consent, enroll in approved driver education and pass vision plus written testing.

Step 2: nine conviction-free months + 50/10

Practice with a qualifying adult age 21+ and document at least 50 hours including 10 at night.

Step 3: Initial Licensing at 16–17

Complete the state-approved course, obtain adult consent and meet the state's driving-exam and document requirements.

Teen nighttime rules

On Sunday through Thursday nights, the teen driving restriction runs from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights begin at 11 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. Local curfews may set different hours.

First 12 months / until age 18 passenger rule

Generally one passenger under 20 unless the passenger is a sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild; convictions can extend this limitation.

Under 19: no cellphone use, including hands-free

The limited exception is for specified emergencies; texting is prohibited for all drivers.

A moving conviction can reset the teen licensing timeline

Illinois requires the permit phase to remain free of disqualifying driving convictions. A moving-violation conviction can trigger another nine-month wait before the teen can apply for a driver's license.

Initial license at ages 16–17

Before an initial license, the teen must complete approved driver education, satisfy the practice requirement and meet the state's consent and testing rules. Graduated-license nighttime and passenger restrictions continue after licensing.

• Illinois road-test guide
• Illinois documents