Illinois – A significant change to Illinois driving regulations was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, raising the mandatory driving test age for senior citizens from 79 to 87 years old. This new law, known as the Road Safety and Fairness Act (H.B. 1226), aims to reduce unnecessary testing for older drivers while maintaining safety standards on the road.
Scheduled to take effect starting July 1, 2026, this law marks a major shift in how senior driver licenses are renewed across Illinois and responds to ongoing public debates about age-related driving requirements.
Understanding the Changes in Senior Driver Testing Requirements
Previously, all Illinois drivers aged 79 and older were required to take an annual driving test to renew their licenses. The new legislation postpones this requirement until drivers reach the age of 87. Those between the ages of 79 and 86 will still need to renew their licenses in person but are exempt from the mandatory road test.
- The minimum age for mandatory driving tests raised from 79 to 87 years.
- Drivers aged 79 and above must renew licenses in person but no road test until 87.
- Family members can request a review of an elderly relative’s driving ability at any age.
- Testing such as written, vision, or driving assessments remain available based on ability rather than strictly age.
- Commercial vehicle operators continue to face tests at age 75 or older.
Why the Change? Addressing Ageism and Safety Concerns
Illinois previously stood alone in the United States by requiring driving tests strictly based on age. Republican Rep. Jeff Keicher criticized this as an “ageist state policy” and emphasized that older drivers are among the safest on the roads.
“Passing this bill is a long-overdue action to respect our seniors, reduce barriers and annual costs for them to maintain their driving privileges, and see each person as an individual instead of making assumptions about them because of their age,” said Rep. Keicher.
This legislative update seeks to approach driver safety with more fairness, focusing on individual ability over arbitrary age limits.
Additional Safety Measures and Family Involvement
Despite raising the test age dramatically, the law includes provisions for family members to play a role in the evaluation process. They can request a formal review of a relative’s capacity to drive safely, leading to possible written, vision, or driving tests regardless of the driver’s age.
Commercial drivers remain subject to stricter regulations, including mandatory road tests at age 75 and above, ensuring professional driving safety is maintained.
Support from Advocacy Groups and Community Impact
The bill garnered strong support from AARP Illinois, representing 1.7 million members concerned with seniors’ rights and safety.
Philippe Largent, the Illinois state director of AARP, remarked, “The Road Safety and Fairness Act is a vital step toward ending outdated and discriminatory practices that unfairly target older drivers in Illinois.”
The new law reflects a balance between respecting senior citizens’ independence and ensuring public safety, reducing the burden of frequent testing and encouraging individualized assessments.
For more information on the new driving law and how it may affect you or your family, visit the original report on The Sun.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Illinois Drivers
- Older adults can expect fewer mandatory road tests, easing the license renewal process.
- Safety evaluations will become more personalized, based on actual ability rather than age alone.
- Families have a more active role in ensuring their loved ones drive safely.
- Commercial driving safety remains a priority with regular testing continuing for older commercial operators.