If you need a driver's license or if your license expires, all you need is to apply for an Illinois learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.

Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skill and vision test to receive an Illinois driver's license.

Illinois law requires that new drivers, under the age of 18, certify that they have received at least 50 hours including 10 hours at night of supervised driving instruction by a parent or legal guardian.

The Illinois DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, you have to take the test again and with re-examination fee.

New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of their permanent residence in Illinois. Carry your license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license in the DMV office.

To obtain an Illinois license, you must successfully complete a vision screening, written examination and possibly a driving examination.

International visitors to Illinois may drive using a valid driver's license from their own home country.

Immigrants or foreign nationals in the US on a work or student visa may apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL). Visitors who apply for a TVDL will be required to pass the vision, written and road skills test. The TVDL is good for 3 years or upon expiration of the visa, whichever comes first.

Before you head to the Illinois DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license/learner’s permit:

The minimum age for an intermediate license is 16 years old. With the restriction during Sundays-Thursdays is from the hours of 10 PM to 6 AM, while for Fridays-Saturdays are from the hours of 11 PM to 6 A.M.

For the first 12 months, the licensee is not allowed to have more than one passenger under the age of 20. Passenger restrictions are removed at the age of 17, while nighttime driving restrictions are lifted from the age of 18.

Once you fulfill all the licensing requirements you will receive:

CDL Endorsements are required for double/triple trailers, tanker vehicles, passenger vehicles and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. If you live in Illinois and drive a Class A, B or C commercial vehicle, you must have an Illinois Commercial Driver License (CDL).

If you drive a commercial vehicle that falls into one of the following classifications, you must have an Illinois Commercial Driver License.

Class A License - This classification applies only to combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds provided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed exceeds 10,000 pounds.

Class B License - This class includes single or combination vehicles where the GVWR of the single vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds. The vehicle in tow must not exceed 10,000 pounds.

Class C License – This class includes vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials, that do not meet the criteria for Class A or B fall under this classification.

This is a seasonal restricted CDL that can be issued for a period between 90 and 180 days in any 12-month period and is valid only within 150 miles of the employer's place of business. The holder have to meet certain requirements.

Under state and federal law, certain drivers are not subject to the requirements of the CDL program. Although the following vehicle operators are not required to obtain CDLs, they are required to hold the proper driver's license classification for the type of vehicle that they are operating; like

All truck drivers are encouraged to study for the written tests so you won't take a chance on standing in line at the DMV office only to go home empty-handed. Also online CDL practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the Illinois CDL exams for all endorsement types.

The CDL knowledge tests include:

After passing the required written tests, an applicant may be required to complete the CDL skills tests which consist of a vehicle;

Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: You will be tested to see whether your vehicle is safe to drive. You will be asked to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle and explain to the examiner what you would inspect and why.

Basic Vehicle Control: You will be tested on your skill to control the vehicle. You will be asked to move your vehicle forward, backward, and turn it, etc, within a defined area. These areas will be marked with traffic lanes, cones, barriers, or something similar to it. The examiner will tell you how each control test is to be done.

On-road Test: You will be tested on your skill of how safely you can drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations. The situations may include left and right turns, intersections, railway crossings, curves, up and down grades, and single or multi-lane roads, streets, or highways. The examiner will tell you where to drive.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either have a valid Idaho non-commercial license Class D or have passed all tests required. Applicants may be able to take the Class D license tests and CDL tests at the same time. Applicants must have one year of driving experience in order to obtain a CDL.

The main physical requirements include:

To apply for your CDL, take your

You will be asked if you are subject to and in compliance with the requirements of Part 391 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, these include the DOT medical card requirements.

When you go to the skills tester after you pass the written tests, you will need to take identification, proof of insurance, and your receipts showing you have passed the written tests and paid the skills test fee.

Anyone who drives a motorcycle must have a Class M motorcycle license or motorcycle instruction permit, under Illinois DMV guidelines.

Applicants under 18 years of age who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course completion card will still be required to take the driver examination. Applicants 18 years or older who present an IDOT Motorcycle Rider Course completion card will not be required to take the driver examination. First time motorcycle applicants who do not hold a valid Illinois driver's license will be required to successfully complete a vision screening, written exam and driver examination.

The IDOT Motorcycle Rider course is a twenty hour multimedia training program that includes both classroom and hands-on instruction. When you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible for your motorcycle driver's license without having to take your state's road test.

The Illinois DMV requires that all applicants should pass

If you fail the exam, you have to wait at least until the next day to take the test again and with the charge for re-examination fee.

Before you leave to the Illinois DMV Office, make sure you have the required documents to get your motorcycle license; like

When your licensing requirements have been met, a Class M endorsement will be added to your driver's license. The safe operation of a motorcycle requires