Illinois Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Nationwide, drivers over 70 are involved in more fatal crashes per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers, and this age group is growing. However, Illinois has seen a nearly 5% decrease in fatal crashes involving senior drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Illinois Department of Transportation's 2021 Crash Facts and Statistics report shows that drivers over 70 are among the safest in the state. Special driving rules for seniors could be a factor.

The Illinois Secretary of State enforces special requirements and restrictions on older drivers that focus on identifying and handling drivers who may have become unsafe. Specifically, Illinois:

• requires drivers 75 and older to renew their licenses in person and pass a vision test
• requires a road test for drivers 79 and older to renew their licenses
• requires drivers 81 through 86 to renew their license every two years, and those 87 and older to renew annually, and
• accepts requests from physicians and members of law enforcement or the judicial system to conduct an unsafe driver investigation.

Illinois License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

When it's time to renew your driver's license, Illinois has special rules for some older drivers, including where and how often you must renew.

Older Illinois Drivers Must Renew Licenses More Often

Illinois driver's licenses generally expire on your birthday, but how often you need to renew depends on your age, as follows:

• Ages 21–80 renew every four years.
• Ages 81–86 renew every two years.
• Ages 87 and older renew annually.

When Illinois Requires In-Person License Renewal

Some Illinois drivers between 22 and 74 don't have to visit a DMV office to renew their driver's licenses. They can renew online or by phone at 866-545-9607 through the state's Safe Driver program. (Check your eligibility.)

But Illinois requires all drivers 75 and older to renew in person.

Older Illinois Drivers Must Pass a Vision Test

Everyone renewing an Illinois driver's license in person must pass a vision test. Licensing personnel will conduct a test for free, or you can have an exam performed by a licensed:

• optometrist
• ophthalmologist, or
• physician.

Your examiner must complete a Vision Specialist Report and conduct the exam within six months of your renewal request.

When Illinois Requires You to Take the Written Test

You generally don't have to take the written exam to renew your driver's license, no matter how old you are. But all drivers with traffic convictions on their records must take Illinois' written exam every eight years.

Drivers Over a Certain Age Must Pass a Driving Test

Most states have special rules for older drivers renewing their licenses, but Illinois is the only state that requires a road test. Until recently, you had to take the driving test at age 75, but the state has now raised the age requirement to 79.

Possible Driver's License Restrictions for Illinois Seniors

The Illinois Secretary of State can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license based on the results of vision tests, driving tests, or medical evaluations.

The most common restriction for older drivers is requiring corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. If vision or medical conditions affect your ability to drive safely at night, you could receive a daylight-only driving restriction.

Illinois also offers a restricted local driver's license for older drivers in sparsely populated areas who no longer meet the requirements for a standard license but can still safely drive short distances on familiar roadways. This license limits driving to specific routes, like trips to the grocery store or post office. And applicants must pass a vision test and a road test on those routes.

For more information on possible driving restrictions and restricted licenses, contact your local driver's license facility.

Can Someone Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Illinois?

Unlike most states, the Illinois Secretary of State doesn't accept reports from family members about potentially unsafe drivers, including those with medical conditions that could impair their driving. But under Illinois law, you're required to notify the Secretary of State's office within 10 days if you have a medical condition that could impair your ability to drive safely.

The state legislature is considering a bill that would allow the Secretary of State's office to accept reports from concerned family members (HB1226). But for now, the state can only investigate potential medical conditions when reported by a:

• licensed physician
• member of law enforcement, or
• member of the judicial system.

Drivers who are required to report their medical conditions must complete a Medical Report Form every time they renew their licenses.

Illinois Driver Improvement Programs for Seniors

Illinois residents can improve their skills and confidence by taking an education and training class specifically developed for older drivers. Local course offerings are called Rules of the Road Review Courses.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that's been suspended or revoked in Illinois, contact the local driver's license facility.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Illinois will issue parking placards and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility. To qualify, a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician's assistant must certify your impairment.

The following conditions can also qualify you for a parking placard or plate:

• severe heart or lung disease
• a diagnosed disease or disorder that significantly limits the use of your lower extremities
• the need to use portable oxygen
• a limited ability to walk without assistance or rest, or
• the loss (or loss of use) of a hand or arm.

There's a $29 fee for a disability license plate, but permanent and temporary disability placards are free to qualified individuals. To get a disabled placard or plate, you'll need to:

• complete and sign a Certification for Parking Placard (downloadable from the Secretary of State's website)
• have your health care provider complete the "Medical Eligibility Standards" portion of the certification, and
• mail your completed application to the Secretary of State's office at the address on the form.

Learn More About Illinois Driving Rules for Seniors

The Illinois Secretary of State's website includes information for drivers of all ages. A special senior citizens page provides links to relevant forms and publications related to driving and parking.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

If you need help with an auto accident or traffic ticket, you can browse the free lawyer directories on Lawyers.com or Avvo.com, two sites that are part of the Nolo family.