Minimum age for a car driving licence in Illinois (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A permit is available from 15 for a student enrolled in driver education, and an initial licence from 16 after nine months on the permit. Restrictions apply until 18, when the full licensing phase starts.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | The permit must be held for a minimum of nine months, with at least 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) with a parent or an adult aged 21 or over. In the initial licensing phase (ages 16 to 17) night-time restrictions apply and, for the first 12 months or until 18, the holder may carry only one passenger under 20 unless the passenger is a sibling or the holder's child. A conviction-free record for six months before turning 18 is needed to move to the full licensing phase. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A permit holder must practise at least 50 hours, including 10 at night, supervised by a parent or licensed adult aged 21 or over, and a parent or guardian must certify this when the teen applies for a licence. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | In the initial licensing phase (16 and 17) no driving Sunday to Thursday from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. or Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (local curfews may differ). [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first 12 months of licensing or until 18, whichever comes first, no more than one passenger under 20 unless a sibling, stepsibling, child or stepchild of the driver; afterwards one passenger in the front seat and no more passengers than rear seat belts. [1] |
Notes
- This is the age for the initial licence phase (ages 16 to 17). Night-time and passenger restrictions apply until 18.
- The pages read for Illinois state no age rule for visitors holding a licence from another state or country.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State: Graduated Driver's License (Internet Archive snapshot of 28 May 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Illinois and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 16 (initial licensing phase) | 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education) | 9 months on permit; licence at 16; full at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Intermediate from 16 after 12 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | ⚠ Not yet verified | 15 (enrolled in driver education) | 180 days on permit; 16y 90d/270d (sources differ) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Intermediate at 16; full licence after 180 days | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Michigan | ⚠ Not yet verified | 14 years 9 months (level 1) | Level 1 from 14 y 9 m; level 2 after 6 months, 50 hours | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Missouri | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Intermediate licence at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Wisconsin | 16 (probationary licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit at 15; probationary licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Illinois
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for 21+ within limits · Growing at home: No (medical patients only)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (15 in alleys) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (permitted displays only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Only with intent to use unlawfully · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned unless FOID holder or trade
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (age 18+)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed (hands-free or one-button)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.