Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Stage-by-stage licensing rules for new drivers: minimum ages, holding periods, supervised hours, curfews, and passenger restrictions.
- Earliest permit age
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15
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 3: Graduated Driver Licensing Program, Permit Phase, p. 18
- Permit holding period (months)
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9
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 3: Graduated Driver Licensing Program, Permit Phase, p. 18
- Supervised driving hours required
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50
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 3: Graduated Driver Licensing Program, Permit Phase, p. 18
- Of which, night hours
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10
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 3: Graduated Driver Licensing Program, Permit Phase, p. 18
- Earliest intermediate license age
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16
- Intermediate curfew — start time
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10 p.m. (Sun-Thu); 11 p.m. (Fri-Sat)
- Intermediate curfew — end time
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6 a.m.
- Intermediate passenger restriction
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During the first 12 months of licensing in the Initial Licensing Phase, or until the driver turns 18 (whichever comes first), the number of passengers is capped at one person under age 20. Siblings, stepsiblings, children, or stepchildren of the driver do not count against that limit. After that first 12 months (or after turning 18), the restriction loosens to one passenger in the front seat plus the number of safety belts in the back seat. A traffic conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase can extend these restrictions past the driver's 18th birthday.
- Earliest full license age
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18
- Minimum age — learner permit
-
15
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 3: Obtaining an Instruction Permit, p. 16
- Minimum age — driver license
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16
Source: Illinois Rules of the Road 2025, Chapter 1: Age Restrictions, p. 4
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