Illinois Online Driver Education and Illinois Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Illinois learner's permit or first Illinois driver license. Illinois has a Graduated Driver License Program for Illinois teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Illinois driving license goes as smoothly as possible. So let's get started.
Illinois Instructional Permit or Illinois Learner Permit
When you turn 15, you can finally apply for an Illinois learner's permit, otherwise known as an Illinois supervised instruction permit. In order to apply for your Illinois learner's permit, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
Once at the Illinois Driver Service Center, you'll have to:
- pay a $20 processing fee
- take a vision test
- pass a written exam
If you survived, then Congratulations. You just earned your Illinois supervised learner's permit, which is valid for 2 years. However, you must carry your Illinois learner's license at all times and be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21, sitting in the front passenger seat. After you've had your Illinois learner permit for 9 months, you can apply for your Illinois driver's license.
Your First Illinois Driver's License or Illinois Provisional License
In order to apply for your first Illinois provisional driver license, you'll need to be aware of the following requirements:
- keep your Illinois learner's permit for 9 months in good standing
- complete the mandatory Illinois driver education program
- maintain 8 passing grades in the two most recent school semesters
- written certification from your parent that you completed the required 50 driving hours
- this includes 10 hours at night
At the Illinois Driver Service Center, you'll present your Illinois learner's license and the required personal information. Then comes a three-part driver license exam, including the dreaded road test! If you survive, then congratulations. You've just earned your Illinois driver license!
Once you turn 17 and have held your Illinois provisional without any traffic violations, you will earn your Illinois full license. Congratulations!
Illinois Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to keep in mind regarding your Illinois learner's license or Illinois driver's license.
Illinois Learner's Permit Restrictions: With a Illinois learner's permit, you must always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 and in the front passenger seat. And remember:
- Always keep your Illinois provisional license on hand
- All passengers must wear seat belts
- Observe all of the alcohol and intoxicating substance laws
Illinois Provisional License Restrictions:
- Always have your Illinois provisional license on hand
- All occupants must wear seat belts
- Observe all of the alcohol and intoxicating substance laws
- Also, no driving between 10PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday or 11PM to 6AM Friday through Saturday unless you're accompanied by your parent or guardian is present
If you're caught driving outside the restricted hours, your Illinois driver license could be suspended. Drivers under 18 should also be aware that you may face Illinois driver's license suspension for insufficient high school attendance.
Illinois Auto Insurance Illinois Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Illinois driver's license, you're ready to drive--or are you? Any vehicle registered in Illinois must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum coverage is:
- $20,000 for personal injury
- $40,000 per person
- $15,000 for property damage.
If you are convicted of driving without Illinois mandatory liability insurance, you could be fined $500 for a first time offense. For subsequent offenses, you will receive a four month vehicle registration suspension. And, if you're involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance, your Illinois learner's permit or Illinois provisional license could be suspended.
Illinois Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a new Illinois driver, it's important for you to learn the Illinois drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws.
Upon your first conviction of a Illinois DUI (0.08), you will face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence of up to 1 year
- Up to a $2500 fine
- Illinois license suspension of at least 1 year
- Breath alcohol ignition interlock device installation
- Community service--100 hour minimum (if BAC above 0.16)
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.
Currently, Illinois prohibits texting while driving, and fines begin at $75. You are also prohibited from using cell phones while driving through school zones.
Illinois Online Driver Education
Anyone applying for a Illinois provisional license must take an Illinois approved driver education course. The Illinois State Board of Education website has more information on approved Illinois online driver education programs.
