IL Driving Instructor cheat sheet

A standard Illinois driver's license is valid for 8 years for drivers aged 21-80; drivers 81-86 renew for 2 years, and drivers 87 and older renew annually.

Instructional Permit (IP) for drivers 15-17 requires completion of an approved driver education course, and the permit is held for a minimum of 9 months before a probationary license.

A Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) permit holder under 18 must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, certified by a parent or guardian.

Probationary license holders under 18 face night driving restrictions: no driving Sunday-Thursday 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. (first 12 months).

Passenger restrictions for probationary licensees under 18: no more than one unrelated passenger under 20 for the first 12 months, unless a parent or sibling 21+ is present.

A REAL ID driver's license or ID card requires proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport), full Social Security number, two proofs of residency, and proof of legal name change if applicable.

License renewal can be completed online for eligible drivers; in-person renewal is required for drivers 75 and older (vision test) and for those with certain medical or driving records.

A driver must notify the Secretary of State of a change of address within 10 days; address changes can be made online and a new license is not always required.

A person may hold only one Illinois driver's license or state ID card at a time; obtaining a new one voids the prior credential.

Illinois vehicle registration is renewed annually; the registration sticker must be affixed to the rear license plate and be visible, and the plate must be renewed before expiration to avoid late fees.

Standard Illinois passenger plates follow a format of three letters followed by three numbers (ABC 123); personalized plates may contain up to 7 characters with restrictions on offensive or confusing combinations.

New residents must register their vehicle and obtain Illinois plates within 30 days of establishing residency; a valid out-of-state title or registration may be required.

Illinois requires liability insurance at minimum limits of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident bodily injury and $20,000 property damage; proof must be carried in the vehicle.

A vehicle emissions test (IEPA) is required in the Chicago and Metro East areas for vehicles meeting certain age and model year criteria; vehicles are generally tested every two years.

A salvage title is issued for a vehicle deemed a total loss; a rebuilt title may be obtained after the vehicle is repaired and inspected, allowing it to be registered and driven.

A duplicate title or registration can be obtained by submitting an application to the Secretary of State; a lienholder must be listed on the title if a loan exists.

License plate transfer: plates may be transferred to a newly purchased vehicle under certain conditions, and the Secretary of State must be notified of the sale or transfer of a vehicle within 7 days.

Drivers must report a change of vehicle ownership and update registration; failure to maintain insurance can result in a registration suspension and reinstatement fee.

A statutory summary suspension for a first DUI-related failed chemical test is 6 months for a test refusal and 12 months for a refusal, while a second offense carries 12 months for failure and 3 years for refusal.

A driver may request a judicial hearing to contest a statutory summary suspension within 90 days of the notice; a written request must be filed with the circuit court.

A BAIID (Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device) is required for certain DUI offenders, including first-time offenders seeking a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) and repeat offenders.

The MDDP allows a first-time DUI offender with a summary suspension to drive during the suspension period if a BAIID is installed on the vehicle; the permit is issued by the Secretary of State.

A BAIID must be installed, calibrated, and monitored by a Secretary of State-approved service provider; the driver is responsible for installation and monthly monitoring fees.

BAIID violations (e.g., failed tests, missed rolling retests, tampering) are reported to the Secretary of State and may result in extension of the permit period or revocation.

An administrative hearing with the Secretary of State is required to request relief from a suspension or revocation, and the hearing officer issues a written decision that may be appealed to the circuit court.

A driver whose license is revoked must serve a minimum revocation period (e.g., 1 year for a first DUI revocation) and may apply for reinstatement by filing a request for a hearing and providing proof of completion of required remedial programs.

A BAIID-restricted driver must have a valid driver's license or permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle with the device installed before driving privileges are restored.

New residents must obtain an Illinois driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency; a valid out-of-state license may be exchanged, and a written and vision test may be required.

New residents must title and register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming an Illinois resident; a vehicle inspection may be required for out-of-state vehicles.

Illinois speed limits: 70 mph on rural interstates, 65 mph on urban interstates, 55 mph on other highways, and 30 mph in urban districts unless otherwise posted.

Illinois law requires seat belts for all front-seat occupants and for all passengers under 19 regardless of seating position; children under 8 must be in an appropriate child safety seat.

The Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and change lanes, if safe, when approaching stationary emergency, law enforcement, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Right-of-way rules: at a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

A left turn on red is permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it.

Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones while driving; a first offense for texting while driving is a moving violation with fines and possible license suspension for repeat offenses.

A pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right of way; drivers must yield and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.