How to Get Your Illinois Learner's Permit (SOS Guide)

To get a Instruction Permit (Class D) in Illinois, you must be at least 15 (with driver education) and apply in person at the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, Driver Services Department (SOS). Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian to sign, and many states also require enrollment in or completion of a driver-education course.

Illinois's Secretary of State written exam covers traffic laws and road-sign identification from the Illinois Rules of the Road. Teens follow the Graduated Driver Licensing program, logging 50 hours of supervised practice including 10 at night.

Bring original or certified documents (not photocopies) that establish:

• Proof of written signature (Group A) — such as a valid U.S. passport, an out-of-state driver's license, or a signed Social Security card.
• Proof of date of birth and legal name (Group B) — such as a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a certified school/college transcript.
• Proof of Social Security number (Group C) — such as a Social Security card issued by the SSA, a W-2 form, or a pay stub showing your name and full SSN.
• Two proofs of Illinois residency (Group D) — such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing your name and current address.
• Parental or legal-guardian consent, in person, if the applicant is under age 18.
• Enrollment in an approved driver education course for applicants ages 15 through 17 (either currently enrolled or within 30 days of the course start).

In Illinois, the knowledge test is taken in person. A written knowledge exam and a vision screening are taken in person at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility; the knowledge test has 35 questions and requires a score of at least 80 percent (28 correct) to pass.

The SOS charges $20 for a Class D instruction permit (fee also covers the vision screening and up to three written-exam attempts within one year). for the permit. Amounts can change and sometimes include separate knowledge-test or service fees, so verify the current cost with the SOS before you visit.

Illinois uses a three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. Under-18 applicants must hold the instruction permit for at least nine months, complete 50 hours of supervised practice driving (including 10 at night) with a licensed adult age 21 or older, and remain conviction-free before advancing to an initial (provisional) license, which carries nighttime driving and passenger restrictions.