Illinois Online Driver Education and Illinois Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Illinois? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Illinois has implemented a graduated driver license program for Illinois drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Illinois.

Drivers under 18--Go To School! Poor school attendance may result in you not having driving privileges.

Illinois Instruction Permit (aka-- Learner Permit)

To apply for an Illinois instruction permit, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Be currently enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course
• Have studied the Illinois driver handbook so you'll be ready to take your written test

When you're ready to take your test, remember to take the required forms of ID with you to the driver's license office (a complete list of acceptable documents can be located at the Illinois DMV website) along with $20 to cover the processing fee.

After you receive your Illinois instruction permit (valid for 2 years), you may begin driving, however a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old must be sitting next to you in the front passenger seat whenever you drive.

Your First Illinois Driver's License or Illinois Provisional License

After you have had your instruction permit for nine (9) months, you may become eligible to apply for your Illinois provisional drivers license provided you meet the following prerequisites:

• Have had your instructional permit in good standing for at least nine (9) months
• Completed the required state-approved drivers education program
• Maintained eight (8) passing grades in the two most recent semesters in school
• Written certification from your parent/guardian that you have completed at least 50 hours of driving practice (including at least 10 at night)

When you're ready to take the written test plus the road test, then head back down to the driver license office with your instruction permit plus the same ID documents you took when you went to get your instruction permit.

After you get your provisional license, there are still some restrictions which apply to you:

• All passengers (including the driver) must be wearing seat belts
• No driving between 10pm and 6am (Sunday--Thursday) or from 11pm to 6am (Friday--Saturday) unless your parent/guardian is in the car with you

If you are caught driving during these blackout hours, your Illinois driver license may be suspended.

After you turn 17, you will earn your full Illinois driver's license (provided you have committed no traffic violations during the time you've held your provisional license).

Illinois Mandatory Auto Insurance/Liability Coverage Laws

The State of Illinois requires that you maintain a certain amount of liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum required coverage is as follows:

• $20,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $40,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $15,000--property damage

Driving while uninsured is a crime in Illinois! If you drive without the required insurance coverage, you will face having your license suspended, plus a hefty fine.

Illinois Drunk Driving Laws

If you drive under the influence of alcohol, you will face the following penalties--on your FIRST offense!

• One (1) year in Jail
• A $2,500 fine
• Suspension of your license for at least one (1) year
• Installation of a breath-alcohol ignition interlock device
• At least 100 hours of community service

And of course, further Illinois DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Illinois license suspension or even Illinois license revocation.

Illinois Cell Phone & Text Messaging Laws

Sending or reading text-messages while driving is prohibited in Illinois. Cell phone use is not permitted while driving through school zones.

Illinois Online Driver Education

Illinois law requires all provisional license applicants to complete a state-approved drivers education course. Please visit the Illinois State Board of Education's website for a listing of approved drivers ed courses.