HOMER GLEN, IL…. State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport) announced that he is sponsoring new legislation aimed at reducing burdensome requirements for some Illinois motorists. House Bill 1226 would raise the age for mandatory behind-the-wheel tests for older drivers renewing their licenses from 79 to 87 amongst other changes to the Illinois Vehicle Code. The bipartisan legislation builds upon House Bill 4431 introduced by Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) in the 103rd General Assembly and seeks to do away with the discriminatory practice of requiring behind-the-wheel tests for seniors based on age as the sole factor.
“House Bill 1226 is a much-belated change to our state’s driving laws and, beyond that, a sign of respect for our seniors,” said Sheehan. “This legislation would align Illinois with the rest of the nation in no longer requiring road tests based on age and would cut costs for drivers in the process. I would like to extend my thanks to the Secretary of State and Representatives on both sides of the aisle for coming together so that we may remove unnecessary requirements such as these and ensure our license renewal process is fair to everyone.”
Today, Illinois requires drivers aged 79 or 80 to take behind-the-wheel tests in order to renew their licenses. Drivers aged 81 to 86 are required to take behind-the-wheel tests every other year and, at age 87, must take the test each year. If signed into law, House Bill 1226 would no longer require road tests for those renewing their licenses at age 79 or 80, only vision exams taken at the DMV. The same standard would also apply to motorists aged 81 to 86 completing their biyearly license renewals. If passed and signed by the Governor, the new law would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
House Bill 1226 was originally filed on January 9 and awaits further discussion in the House Rules Committee. You can track House Bill 1226 here.
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