SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has advanced to the Governor’s desk from the General Assembly.
The legislation, supported by AARP of Illinois, would increase the age at which Illinois driver are required to take an annual behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87.
The bipartisan legislation has 70 percent of Illinois’ 177 state lawmakers signing on as co-sponsors.
The bill, approved by the Illinois House last month, advanced out of the state Senate Thursday on a 57-0 vote.
Giannoulias said HB 1226, or the Road Safety and Fairness Act, seeks to align Illinois driving standards with the rest of the nation.
The legislation calls for establishing new procedures aimed at preventing unsafe motorists – regardless of age – from driving. If a motorist’s driving skills begin to significantly decline or cognitive or medical issues prevent safe driving, the measure enables immediate family relatives to request that the Secretary of State’s office review a submitted written report.
If the report finds the claims are credible, the driver would be required to submit a medical evaluation report and/or undergo retesting (written, vision and behind-the-wheel tests) to retain their license.
Under the proposed legislation, behind-the wheel driving test requirements would be amended as follows:
Drivers 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if a driving violation exists) but would not have to take a driving test.
Drivers between the ages of 81 and 86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years, which is a shorter renewal period than most drivers, which is every four years. They would still be required to take a vision test (and a written test if a driving violation exists) but would not have to take a driving test.
Drivers aged 87 and older would continue to be required to renew their license annually. These renewals would include a vision test and a driving test. A written exam may be required depending on the individual’s driving record. The law governing this age group would not change under the new law.
Giannoulias’ office said Illinois is currently one of only five states that do not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability. In addition, Illinois is the only state in the nation that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age.
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