How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Illinois?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Illinois. You must hold your permit for at least 9 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Illinois?

Illinois intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Illinois?

In Illinois, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Illinois Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Illinois uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 9 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 passenger under 20 for first year; family members exempt. Curfew is 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Moving violation conviction in first year extends passenger restriction by 6 months. Two convictions within 24 months results in minimum 1-month license suspension. Secretary of State sends warning letter to parent and teen.

Illinois-Specific Information

Curfew varies by day: 10 PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday, 11 PM to 6 AM Friday and Saturday. Must complete an approved driver education course. Cell phone ban applies to all drivers under 19.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Illinois gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Illinois at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 9 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Illinois restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Illinois, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 passenger under 20 for first year; family members exempt. Curfew is 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Illinois at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.