Teen Drivers

Like many states in the nation, Illinois recently phased in what is known as the Graduated Driver Licensing program (GDL). Instead of immediately becoming a fully licensed Illinois driver by taking driver education and passing the written and road tests, young drivers are subject to many initial restrictions that gradually ease as they get older and become more competent drivers.

Some parts of the graduated program changed in 2006, becoming more restrictive. Many materials, including printed publications and portions of the State of Illinois' Web site, may not reflect these tighter restrictions. In the summer of 2007 additional restrictions were passed; watch for these new laws to go into effect as of January, 2008.

Restrictions on Young Drivers

• Licensed drivers 18 and under generally may not have more than one passenger under 20 years of age in the vehicle with them at any time. Exceptions: a sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild of the driver.

• Drivers 18 and under cannot use a cell phone while driving except "in emergencies." Bear in mind that this means major emergencies, not simply being late or needing to call ahead for take-out food.

• Drivers 18 and under and all passengers in the car 19 and under must be wearing seat belts.

In Illinois, teens can start the driver's license process at 15, when they may obtain a learner's permit. These are the main phases of the licensing process for teens in Illinois:

• Permit: Beginning drivers 15 and older.

• Initial license: Drivers 16-17 years of age who have completed driver's education programs and passed their driver's license exams.

• Full license: Drivers 18-20 who have their license, but who are still subject to some restrictions that don't apply to drivers 21 and older.

Permit Phase

The permission of a teen's parent or guardian is required to sign the form, take the vision and knowledge tests, and get an instruction permit. These instruction permits are valid for two years. A minimum period of three months is required from the date of receiving the instruction permit to applying for a driver's license.

Applicants must be enrolled in an approved driver education course to obtain a permit.

All teens driving on an instruction permit are subject to a curfew until age 17. While some areas may have more restrictive curfews, the general state curfew forbids driving after 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and after midnight Friday and Saturday. No events are excluded, and it doesn't matter if the parent is in the car.

During this period, teens must complete 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel time. To keep track, they should use the 50-Hour Certification Log.

Initial Licensing Phase

After the above requirements are met, young drivers have restricted licenses. During this time, if they are under 17, the curfew still applies. At this time, drivers have completed the approved instruction course and have passed both the written and road tests. They are licensed drivers but still subject to more controls than their older peers. These include:

• Until age 18, or for the first six months of possessing an Illinois driver's license, whichever comes first, drivers can only have one passenger 19 years old or younger in the car at any time. Exceptions are made for the sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild of the driver. "Sibling" is a full or half sister or brother. Cousins are not allowed.

• Parental consent is required for teens 16 and 17 to obtain a driver's license. The parent must sign a form indicating their consent.

MORE TEEN DRIVER INFO

• Graduated Driver License FAQs
• Graduate to Safety Brochure