Understanding the New Illinois Senior Driving Law (Effective July 1, 2026)
The "Road Safety and Fairness Act" (House Bill 1226), effective July 1, 2026, amends Illinois law regarding senior driver's license renewal. Historically, Illinois was unique in mandating driving tests based solely on age, but this legislation changes the requirement to align more closely with other states and acknowledges data suggesting older drivers often have low crash rates.
Under this new law, the mandatory behind-the-wheel test age is raised from 79 to 87.
The Specifics of the New Rules
The updated regulations for senior license renewals are as follows:
- Ages 79–86: No mandatory driving test is required for renewal. An in-person renewal at a Driver Services Facility and a vision test are still necessary.
- Age 87 and Older: An annual in-person renewal and a mandatory behind-the-wheel test are required.
- Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL): Drivers aged 75 or older with a commercial license must still take a driving test at renewal.
Comparing Old vs. New Senior Driving Test Rules
| Age Range | Previous Law (Pre-August 2025) | New Law (Effective July 1, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 79 & 80 | Mandatory road test every 4 years. | No mandatory road test. Renew in person with a vision test. |
| 81–86 | Mandatory road test every 2 years. | No mandatory road test. Renew in person with a vision test. |
| 87 & Older | Mandatory road test every year. | Mandatory road test every year. |
| CDL Holders 75+ | Mandatory road test for renewal. | Remains a mandatory road test for renewal. |
Enhanced Reporting of Unsafe Drivers
The new law also expands who can report potentially unsafe drivers. Effective July 1, 2026, immediate family members can submit written reports to the Secretary of State about relatives with medical conditions that may affect their driving. This is in addition to reports from doctors, police, and judges. Such reports may lead to a request for medical documents and potentially a new driving evaluation.
Practical Steps for Senior License Renewal
All seniors must renew their licenses in person. Here are the general steps:
- Gather Required Documents, such as current ID.
- Visit a Driver Services Facility.
- Complete a Vision Test.
- Take a Behind-the-Wheel Test if you are 87 or older, or have a CDL and are 75+.
- Complete Written Test if you have had a recent moving violation.
- Update Contact Information.
For current information, visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
Conclusion
The Illinois law change significantly alters senior driving test requirements by raising the mandatory age to 87 and removing the test for those between 79 and 86. This aligns Illinois with other states and recognizes the safety record of older drivers. While the annual test for drivers 87 and older remains, the changes benefit a large portion of the senior population.
