SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A driving requirement for senior citizen Illinois drivers will be changing next month.
The Office of the Secretary of State announced this week that mandatory behind-the-wheel driving tests for drivers aged 79-86 will be eliminated on July 1st. Those drivers will still be required to renew their driver’s licenses in person at a DMV and pass a vision screening.
It’s part of the Road Safety and Fairness Act, with the office saying the changes are supported by data that shows drivers 75 and older had a crash rate lower than any other group, aged 16-74.
Drivers aged 79 and 80 will need to renew their license every four years, in person, with a vision test. Drivers aged 81-86 will need to renew every two years, in person, with a vision test. And those aged 87 and older will need to continue to renew their license each year with a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
“Illinois seniors have consistently proven they are among the safest drivers on our roads. This law removes an unnecessary burden for older drivers while preserving strong safeguards to protect everyone who travels on our streets,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
The law does not change the requirements for those with a commercial driver’s license, who must continue to take behind-the-wheel driving tests at each renewal.
In addition, the new law has created a process that allows immediate family members to report legitimate concerns when a loved one’s medical condition, visual impairment, or driving behavior causes a risk on the road.
Illinois was the last state in the country to require behind-the-wheel driving tests based on age.
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