Midwest · Instruction Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Illinois
Illinois issues instruction permits at 15 to teens enrolled in approved driver education. The 9-month holding period is longer than the 6 months most states require.
Illinois permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Instruction Permit |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours, including 10 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 9 months |
| Issuing agency | Illinois Secretary of State (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Illinois?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 50 hours
- Waiting time
- 9 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 34/100. Easiest in the Midwest: Nebraska (#3) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Wyoming makes you hold the permit for just 10 days — the next-shortest wait is 12× longer. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Illinois permit date · ⚔️ Compare Illinois with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Illinois
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Illinois driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Illinois Secretary of State site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Illinois’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Illinois residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Illinois Secretary of State page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Illinois requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Illinois, that's 9 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Illinois learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Illinois?
The minimum age is 15. Illinois calls this credential the Instruction Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Illinois require?
Illinois requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Illinois?
The minimum holding period is 9 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Illinois?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Illinois an easy state to get licensed in?
Illinois ranks #34 of 50 on our Ease Score (34/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.