Illinois Teen License: How to Get a Provisional License
An Illinois teen on the path to getting their driver’s license experiences the graduated driver licensing (GPL) program. This program begins with a learner’s, followed by a provisional license. Eventually, and through enough behind-the-wheel experience and patience, they’ll receive an adult license.
The following guides you through the process of turning your learner’s permit into a provisional license.
Get an Illinois Provisional License
Teens under 17 years and 3 months hold their learner’s permit for 9 months until they’ve:
- Completed a driver’s education course
- Completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience
This gap between a learner permit and an initial license gives them plenty of time to gain the required driving experience. A licensed adult (21+ and with insurance) must always be present when the teen practices driving.
Teen drivers can apply for their initial license at age 16 after completing these basic GPL requirements. Those 18+ can skip ahead to getting their adult IL license.
Provisional Licensing Requirements
- Age 16+
- Held a learner’s permit for 9-months
- Passed the (2) educational programs/tests
- Written DMV test
- SOS-approved driver’s education course
- Provide proof of identity & residency
- ID examples: ID card, Social Security card, original birth certificate
- Residency examples: High school diploma/transcript, bank statement
- Proof of behind-the-wheel experience
- 50 hours (with 10 hours at night)
- With: Parental signed driving log (DSD X 152 form)
- Having no traffic convictions
- Including: Following local curfews
Making an appointment with your local DMV (browse our IL DMV directory) is recommended. Wait times can build up so call ahead!
At the DMV
Your parent(s) or guardian(s) should be present when submitting:
- IL learner’s permit
- Behind-the-wheel log and consent form
- DSD X 152 (50-hour log)
- DSD X 174 (Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive)
- Proof of driving training enrollment
- Payment
You will pay a $30 licensing fee unless your learner’s permit is still valid when submitting everything.
The DMV office will take your photo and process your new, provisional license.
Getting Your Adult Illinois Driver’s License
The provisional license gives you more freedom and brings you one step closer to an unrestricted Illinois license. But, teen drivers need to continue practicing their driving abilities. This goes on until the teen turns 17 and 3 months when they can then apply for their unrestricted license.
Teens may drive between 6 am to 10 pm (Sun – Thu) or 6 am to 11 pm (Fri, Sat) with their initial license.
Want to know more about the provisional to full licensing? Read our Illinois Adult License Guide.
