Illinois learner’s permit requirements
Everything here comes from Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Illinois doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.
Last checked September 22, 2026.
At a glance
- Minimum age
- 15 years
- To pass the knowledge test
- 28 of 35 correct (80%)
- Fees
- $20 total
- Supervised driving
- 50 hours (10 at night)
- Where you take the test
- In person
The knowledge test and your permit
- Time limit
- None published
- Permit and test fees
- $20 totalCovers the $20 original Class D instruction permit; Illinois charges no separate written-exam fee, and no extra fee is due for the license if you get it before the permit expires.Sources 123
- Minimum age for a permit
- 15 yearsAge 15 while enrolled in an approved driver education course (instruction permit valid two years for under-18 applicants).Sources 678
From permit to full license
Permit phase (15-17): instruction permit with driver education, held at least 9 months, 50 hours supervised practice including 10 at night with a parent or adult 21+. Initial licensing phase (16-17): nighttime driving restrictions Sun-Thu 10 p.m.-6 a.m. and Fri-Sat 11 p.m.-6 a.m.; for the first 12 months passengers limited to one under 20 (front seat one, back seat number of belts); full licensing phase 18-20 with no age-related restrictions unless the driver did not graduate from the initial phase.
Before you go
Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department website: ilsos.gov.