For years, Illinois stood out as the only state that made drivers take a behind-the-wheel test purely because of their age. That changed under the Road Safety and Fairness Act, which took effect on July 1 and moved the mandatory driving test from age 79 to 87, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

The change doesn’t mean a free pass, though. If you’re preparing to update your license ahead of holiday travel or simply have a renewal coming up, these are the requirements that are still in place.

Who has to take a road test now?

Only drivers aged 87 and older must take a behind-the-wheel test to renew, and they must do so every year. Before the law, the test applied to all drivers from age 79.

The Secretary of State’s office said about 350,000 Illinois drivers are between 79 and 86, and that about 55,000 of them were taking a driving test each year. Those drivers no longer have to do it because of their age.

What do drivers from 79 to 86 still need to do?

The test is gone, but several other steps remain:

Vision screening: every driver 79 or older must still pass it at renewal.
In-person renewal: drivers in this age group must go to a Secretary of State’s DMV office.
Written test: required if the driver has a violation on their record.

How often do older drivers renew?

Illinois keeps shorter renewal cycles as drivers get older. As reported by CBS Chicago, these are the intervals:

Ages 79 and 80: every four years
Ages 81 to 86: every two years
Age 87 and older: every year, with vision and driving tests

Even with the change, Illinois remains one of the stricter states for older drivers. Before you go, check the expiration date on your card and the renewal notice you receive, since your exact deadline depends on your birthday and your license history.

Why did Illinois change the rule?

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias argued that safety should depend on a person’s ability, not their age. His office has pointed to a 2023 state report showing that drivers 75 and older are involved in the fewest crashes of any age group.

The law passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support in May 2025 and was signed by Governor JB Pritzker that August.

Can a family member report an unsafe driver?

Yes. The same law creates a process for immediate family members to report a relative’s cognitive or physical decline to the state, which can then review the case. It shifts the focus from a birthday to a specific concern about someone’s ability behind the wheel.

If you’re worried about a parent or spouse, it’s best to talk with them and their doctor first. A report isn’t an automatic loss of a license, but a request for review.

How to get ready for your renewal

Older drivers should plan their visit in advance, as many offices are busy before the holidays. Bring your renewal letter and current license, and if you wear glasses or contact lenses, take them with you for the vision screening.

If you want your license to work at the airport, ask about a REAL ID at the same visit, as well as the documents you need. Other states are also changing how licenses work, like Connecticut with its mobile ID. You can find Illinois’ current rules on the Secretary of State’s senior services page.