In most states, the legal driving age is 16. But while 16-year-olds in Illinois can obtain licenses, they are subject to restrictions until they reach age 18.
Under the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, young drivers must complete a series of steps and wait until they turn 18 to obtain a full-privilege driver’s license. The GDL program allows youth to gradually gain experience behind the wheel and learn fundamental motor vehicle safety skills.
Young drivers need that experience and those skills. Nationwide, the number of people dying in motor vehicle crashes that involved at least one young driver totaled 5,339 in 2022, the National Safety Council reports.
In Illinois, 83,783 people were injured, and 1,268 people were killed in crashes in 2022. Teenagers ages 16 to 19 accounted for 7.8% of these injuries and 6.4% of these fatalities.
Illinois’s GDL Program
The state created its GDL program in 1992, and new provisions were implemented in 2008. Since that year, teen driving deaths have decreased by almost 51%, according to Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Here is how the phases work.
Instruction Permit Phase
A teenager can apply for an instruction permit in Illinois at age 15. The applicant must be enrolled in a driver education program, which may be offered at their high school or a private driving school. This program must include 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least six hours of behind-the-wheel training.
The teenage applicant must also have parental consent and pass a written and vision test. While they have the permit, they must abide by nighttime driving restrictions. They can’t operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekday nights and from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekend nights. They also can’t use a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies.
In addition to completing the driver education program, an instruction permit holder must not receive any traffic infractions or alcohol convictions. In order to qualify for an initial license, they must clock a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, of driving practice with a parent or a driver’s license holder at least 21 years old.
Initial Licensing Phase
Drivers between 16 and 17 years old who have fulfilled these requirements can move on to the initial licensing phase. They must have a parent certify that they completed the 50 hours of practice driving. A parent must also go with their teen to apply for the license. In addition, the young driver has to show proof of completing a driver education program.
Drivers between 16 and 17 years old have the same nighttime driving restrictions as instruction permit holders. Additionally, passenger restrictions apply during the first 12 months of this phase. The driver may have only one individual under age 20 in the vehicle unless they’re a sibling or child of the driver.
Someone in this phase must avoid any driving-related convictions during the six months before they turn 18 and cannot use a cell phone while driving.
Full Licensing Phase
Between 18 and 20, young drivers reach the full licensing phase. This means that most restrictions are lifted. However, cell phone use while driving remains prohibited until the age of 19. Texting while driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages.
What If Young Drivers Skip the Phases?
A teenager between 18 and 20 who did not previously complete a driver education program can obtain a driver’s license if they complete a six-hour, state-approved adult driver education course. Although the 50-hour practice training is not required, it’s recommended to ensure they learn to safely operate a vehicle.
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