So You Wanna Drive in the Land of Lincoln? How Long Until You're Cruisin' Route 66?
Let's face it, Illinois offers more than just cornfields (although, let's be honest, those can be pretty epic too). You've gotta see the Chicago skyline, explore the quirky charm of Springfield, or maybe just cruise down a long, open road with the wind in your hair (or that fancy helmet some states make you wear, not Illinois though, we're cool like that). But before you blast your favorite tunes and pretend you're in a car commercial, there's that pesky little hurdle called getting your driver's license.
The Great Wait: Teen Edition (16 & Under)
Ah, to be young and yearn for the freedom of the open road. In Illinois, if you're 16 and under, buckle up for a bit of a wait, grasshopper. Here's the skinny:
- Learner's Permit: First things first, you gotta snag a learner's permit. This is basically your "student driver" badge. No cruising solo just yet, but you can hit the road with a licensed driver over 21 in the shotgun seat.
- The Clock Starts Ticking: Once you have your permit, you gotta hold onto it for at least 9 months before you can even think about applying for your full license. That's right, 9 whole months of pretending you're not itching to get behind the wheel. The struggle is real, my friend.
The (Slightly) Less Great Wait: Adult Edition (18 & Over)
Alright, alright, so you're an adult (or at least you convinced the DMV you are). The good news is, the waiting game isn't quite as long. Here's the deal:
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- Skip the Permit (Maybe): If you're 18 or older, you can actually skip the learner's permit entirely and go straight for the big leagues (the driver's license, that is). However, there's a little asterisk here...
- Adult Driver Education: If you're between 18 and 20 years old, you'll need to complete a 6-hour adult driver education course. Think of it as a refresher on the rules of the road and a chance to avoid some bad driving habits your parents might have instilled in you (no offense, Mom and Dad).
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| How Long Do You Have To Wait To Get Your License In Illinois |
TL;DR: How Long Do I Have to Wait?
- Teens (16 & Under): ????? 9 ?? (At least 9 months) after getting your learner's permit.
- Adults (18 & Over): You can skip the permit wait, but if you're 18-20, expect to spend 6 hours in adult driver education.
FAQs
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How to get a learner's permit in Illinois?
Head to your local Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You'll need to pass a vision test, written knowledge exam, and show proof of identity and residency.
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How long is a learner's permit valid for in Illinois?
Learner's permits are good for two years, but you still need to wait 9 months after getting it before applying for your full license.
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How much does a driver's license cost in Illinois?
The fees can vary depending on your age and license class, but expect to pay somewhere around $30-$45.
Do I need to take a driving test in Illinois?
Yes, you'll need to pass a behind-the-wheel driving test to get your license.
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Can I take driver's ed online in Illinois?
Unfortunately, driver's education courses for teens (under 18) must be taken in person. However, adults (18 & over) can take some online courses.
Now that you know the drill, get studying, get practicing, and get ready to hit the road responsibly (and maybe blast some tunes, we won't judge). Just remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility (and the occasional traffic jam, but hey, that's life).
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