Relief for older drivers arrives July 1 as state raises age mandate for road tests
In just days, thousands of Illinois seniors will get a reprieve from an unpopular road exam mandate.
Legislation passed in 2025 raises the age for road tests required to renew drivers licenses from 79 to 87, effective July 1.
When he reminded seniors about the change during a roundtable, “I got a standing ovation,” AARP Illinois’ Jeffrey Scott said. “It really means something to our members.”
Revising the rule took two years and extensive lobbying by older drivers who called it discriminatory.
Here’s what to know about the new policy and a related program that lets relatives report unsafe motorists of all ages.
• Drivers ages 79 through 80 can renew their licenses every four years in person with a vision test and no road exam.
• Drivers ages 81 through 86 can renew every two years in person with a vision test and no road exam.
• There’s no change for drivers ages 87 and older who are required to renew in person annually with vision and road tests.
“I do appreciate there has been some positive action taken; however, testing seniors at any age still seems to be unnecessary and unfair, even bordering on age discrimination, which is illegal,” 82-year-old Patti Stasiek of St. Charles said.
Illinois is the only state in the U.S. with a mandatory road test for seniors, which amplified the push to get the reforms passed.
“Illinois seniors have consistently proven they are among the safest drivers on our roads,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who led the effort.
Illinois Department of Transportation stats show that motorists age 75 and older had crash rates of 25.54 per 1,000 licensed drivers in 2024, which is less than all other age groups from 16 to 74, he noted.
Older drivers told the Daily Herald that repeated road exams caused significant stress. That’s particularly felt by suburban seniors with inadequate public transit and who rely on cars for daily needs such as buying groceries and doctor visits, as well as socialization.
Driving “is a lifeline for a lot of people,” said Scott, AARP Illinois senior associate state director, advocacy and outreach.
There are about 350,000 Illinois drivers aged between 79 and 86, and approximately 55,000 of them take an annual driving test, officials said.
Another significant provision lets immediate relatives of unsafe drivers, regardless of age, report problems to the secretary of state’s office. Issues could be a decline in driving skills or cognitive or medical issues.
If officials find the concerns credible, the driver would need to submit a medical evaluation and/or undergo written, vision and behind-the-wheel tests to keep their license.
One more thing
Metra is offering free trains to the Ravinia Festival on its Union Pacific North Line. Festivalgoers just need to show a Ravinia ticket to conductors now through Sept. 15.
You should know
The Illinois tollway is contemplating fare increases of up to 45 cents a toll for passenger cars, plus 30% more for trucks to help fund a 15-year, $26.5 billion capital program.
Drivers can voice their opinions at a number of upcoming public hearings in July. Here’s when forums are set in the suburbs:
• Lake County: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road, North Chicago.
• Cook County: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Zurich Alumni Hall, Roosevelt University, 1400 Roosevelt Blvd., Schaumburg.
• McHenry County: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Huntley Park District Rec Center, 12015 Mill St.
• DuPage County: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at the Student Resource Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.
• Will County: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Flight Deck Building, Lewis University, 101 Airport Road, Romeoville.
• Kane County: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora.
For more information, visit agency.illinoistollway.com/drivingconnections.