New Driver Checklist

You only have to take drivers education if you’re younger than 18.

Drivers education is a required component of the Illinois Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program – the program each teen working toward an IL driver license must go through. The course consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. (These hours are in addition to the required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driver training the teen must complete with a licensed adult.)

Teens working through the GDL program can take enroll in drivers education at 15 and take the course through their school districts or from private state-approved drivers education schools. Enrollment in drivers education is necessary to obtain a permit, and any teen who completes drivers education can skip the road test at the DMV per the Cooperative Driver Testing Program, which allows driving instructors to administer the road tests themselves.

Note that the cost of drivers education programs vary by location (including within the school districts), so be sure to get details.

Driver Training for Adult Applicants

Just because you’re 18 or older and don’t have to take drivers education doesn’t mean you shouldn’t obtain some form of training before you apply for your drivers license.

Driver training facilities are located throughout the state and can help you prepare for your written and road tests. Course instructors are trained to teach you road skills the family member, friend, or other licensed adult who’s helping you practice your driving might not be familiar with.

You can also take a few practice tests – such as the free and low-cost tests and even the study questions in the state’s driver handbook – to prepare yourself for the real deal.