Illinois Graduated Driver’s License Program

An image of the Illinois graduated driver licensing program icon.

Illinois’ Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program allows teen drivers to get beneficial driving experience on the road and prove they are good drivers before they “graduate” to more driving privileges with fewer restrictions. The graduated license program includes three phases, the first of which begins at 15 years old, and each driver must earn the right to pass onto the net stage based on their driving.

Instruction Permit Phase

The legal driving age in Illinois to start the instruction permit phase is 15 years old, allowing teens to get valuable driving experience in a controlled setting. Once the student passes the required exams the permit must be held for a minimum of 9 months before getting a license.

Restrictions during the instruction permit phase include:

Parent/legal guardian consent is required to obtain an instruction permit.
Must be enrolled in an approved Driver Education Course and must pass a vision and written tests.
Nighttime driving restrictions — Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
Permit must be held for a minimum of nine months.
Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, supervised by a parent or adult age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.
Must not acquire any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions, or court supervision during the nine-month permit phase.
The number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
Cellphone/wireless use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider, or emergency services agency.
The permit is valid for up to two years.

Initial Licensing Phase

The full licensing phase is for drivers from the ages of 18-20. This is the last phase a student must pass before obtaining a full graduated driver’s license.

No age-related restrictions apply except in cases where a driver fails to move from the Initial Licensing Phase to the Full Licensing Phase.
Cellphone/wireless use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider, or emergency services agency.

For more information regarding the Illinois Graduated Driver License Program view the Illinois GDL Parent-Teen Driving Guide.