ILLINOIS — A new piece of legislation awaiting final approval from Governor JB Pritzker could change the way Illinois handles senior driver testing. If signed, the bill would raise the mandatory driving test age for seniors from 79 to 87, a move celebrated by both parties as a step toward fairness.
What the Bill Changes for Senior Drivers
Under the proposed law, Illinois drivers aged 79 and older would still need to renew their licenses, but would no longer be required to take a driving test as part of the renewal process. This adjustment aligns with data showing older drivers are among the state’s safest.
“When was the last time you saw a senior citizen gunning it past you checking her social media going 100 miles per hour?” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “Anecdotally and in the data, senior citizens tend to be safer drivers.”
Who Still Needs Testing
While the bill eases requirements for most seniors, those 75 and older who hold commercial licenses would still need to take a driver’s test to continue operating vehicles for work purposes.
A New System for Medical Concerns
Families worried about an elderly driver’s health will have an option under this legislation. Concerned relatives can now submit a report to the Secretary of State’s office if they believe someone is medically unfit to drive. These reports would be reviewed by a medical board, which could request health documentation within 30 days.
This feature balances freedom and safety, empowering families to intervene when necessary.
A Bipartisan Win for Senior Rights
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers voiced support for the bill, framing it as a long-overdue correction of age-related discrimination.
“We have had a persistent issue with discriminating against older folks in this state,” said Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore). “This bill goes part of the way toward resolving that, but we have further to go.”
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What’s Next?
House Bill 1226 passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
For full legislative text, you can view House Bill 1226 here.
You can also learn more from WAND News, which covered the full discussion behind the bill.
Have concerns about senior driving safety or road test policy? Share your thoughts with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice matters in how Illinois shapes its future policies.
