New Law Makes Driver’s License Renewals Easier for Many Seniors

Starting July 1, Illinois drivers ages 79 to 86 will no longer have to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to renew their driver's licenses. The change comes from the Road Safety & Fairness Act, which raises the age for required driving tests from 79 to 87.

The new law, passed in the General Assembly this spring, is based on evidence showing that Illinois seniors are among the safest drivers on the road, and this change removes an unnecessary requirement while still keeping safety measures in place.

Under the new rules:

• Drivers ages 79 to 80 must pass a vision test when renewing their license.
• Drivers ages 81 to 86 must renew their license every two years and pass a vision test.
• Drivers age 87 and older must renew their license every year and pass both a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.

Before this change, Illinois was the only state that required some senior drivers to take a driving test every year to keep their licenses.