Legislation initially introduced last year by State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) has cleared a key Senate Committee and is on its way to the Senate floor for final action.
House Bill 1226 would eliminate the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. For drivers aged 81-86, they must retake the driving test every two years, and after the age of 87, driving tests are required annually.
“Illinois is the only state that still has this kind of antiquated law on the books, and I am pleased to know that legislation I originally filed last year is gaining traction and is close to crossing the finish line,” said DeWitte. “I am pleased to know that Secretary Giannoulias and the Illinois AARP support this bill, and I look forward to its passage in the Senate in the coming weeks.”
Whereas DeWitte and State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) were the Chief Sponsors of the original legislation last year, the two lawmakers are listed as leading Chief Co-Sponsors this year.
The provisions of HB 1226 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. Under the bill, which received House of Representatives approval in April:
- 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.
- Rules for drivers aged 87 and older would remain the same, with a behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test required annually.
“This new legislation removes an unnecessary burden from millions of drivers who have stellar driving records,” said DeWitte. “I received numerous calls and emails from responsible older drivers who felt they were being discriminated against due to their age.”