Building upon the momentum created last year to address discriminatory practices against senior drivers, State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday to introduce a new bill that eliminates the automatic driving test rule for drivers when they reach the age of 79.
“It is well past time we address this antiquated law,” said DeWitte. “The initial version of this legislation, House Bill 4431 in the 103rd General Assembly, had over 50 bipartisan sponsors, and when it stalled for political reasons in the House, I refiled it in the Senate as Senate Bill 1217, where it also had bipartisan support. For unknown reasons, that bill was also blocked from consideration last year. Now I am proud to serve as the leading Republican on a new bill that takes steps to remedy the issue.”
A 2023 study by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) revealed that in 2023 the crash rate for drivers 70 and older is 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which is lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74 years old.
Senate Bill 91, filed on Tuesday, increases the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel test from age 79 to age 87. The legislation also includes a provision that allows immediate family members to register a concern over loved ones who they believe should not be driving. It already has bipartisan sponsorship.
“This new legislation removes an unnecessary burden from millions of drivers who have stellar driving records,” said DeWitte. “I am pleased to know that Secretary Giannoulias and the Illinois AARP support this initiative and look forward to its swift passage in the Illinois Senate and House.”
The provisions of SB 91 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. Under the newly-filed bill:
- Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
- Drivers aged 87 and older would continue to be required to renew their licenses annually. These renewals would include a vision test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. A written driving test may also be required depending on the individual’s driving record.