A study shows Senior drivers are among the safest in Illinois. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released a September 2023 report, that recommends adjusting the age requirement for Mandatory Driving Tests from 75 to 79. This would make Illinois more consistent with other States.
For the last 12 years, Illinois has been the only State that requires Senior drivers to have their behind-the-wheel skills tested on a regular basis. The last two States that mandated driving tests for Seniors did away with them in 2011 (New Hampshire) and 2005 (Indiana.)
The act regarding the change only pertained to drivers 75 to 78 required to take the driving tests. Current Illinois law would remain unchanged when it comes to renewing drivers for other age groups.
All drivers…
1. below the age of 81, must renew their licenses every four years.
2. aged 79 and 80, must take a vision and driving test (if their four-year renewal is up during this time period.)
3. aged 81 to 86, must take a vision and driving test every two years.
4. aged 87 and older, must take a vision and driving test every year.
Giannoulias urges the State to adopt the rules immediately–so Seniors would not have to take driving tests after the October 1 deadline and before the requirements are made permanent.
“As Secretary of State, road safety is a top priority of mine,” Giannoulias said. “Statistics show that Seniors are among the safest drivers of any age category. This change would make Illinois driving standards for Senior drivers more consistent compared to other States, while keeping Illinois as one of the strictest States for license renewals.”
There are more than 9.1 million licensed drivers in Illinois; approximately 280,000 are between the ages of 75 and 78, or 3% of the driving population.
In neighboring Wisconsin, where there are no requirements specifically geared toward older drivers. All drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years and are not required to take a driving test, regardless of age. Crash rates among Senior drivers there are nearly identical to those in Illinois.
Giannoulias added that the Secretary of State’s office will continue to monitor State driving laws and to advocate for changes, as long as our roadways remain safe and Illinois drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are protected.