Illinois Driving Schools

Yes. Illinois is one of the only states that mandates driver's education be offered by all public high schools, making it part of the standard school curriculum for most teens. Private school and homeschool students must use a commercial driving school.

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Illinois, but you must also have started an approved driver's education program.

Illinois has a variable curfew: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. This is one of the earlier weekday curfew start times in the Midwest.

Illinois requires a 9-month permit holding period, longer than the 6 months used by most states. You must also complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.

A moving violation conviction in the first year of the intermediate license extends the passenger restriction by 6 months. Two convictions within 24 months results in at least a 1-month license suspension.

During the first year of the intermediate license, Illinois teens may carry no more than 1 passenger under age 20. Family members are always exempt.

An Illinois driver's license costs $30 and is valid for 4 years. The learner's permit costs $20. Illinois uses the Secretary of State's office for driver licensing rather than a DMV.

Yes. A 16-year-old with a valid Illinois graduated license can drive alone, subject to the curfew and passenger restrictions that apply during the first year.

No. Illinois does not allow online driver's education for teens under 18. Adults 18 and older may use an online adult driver education course.

Illinois GDL restrictions last until age 18. A teen who gets the intermediate license at 16 may have restrictions for up to 2 years.