The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 1226, a measure set to bring major changes to the state’s driver’s license examination and renewal process. The measure would increase the required behind-the-wheel testing age from 79 to 87.
The legislation, which amends several sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, will take effect July 1, 2026.
Drivers aged 87 and older will continue to be required to pass an actual driving test at each renewal, though the Secretary of State may raise this age threshold by rule. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders aged 75 and older will still need to complete a road test at renewal.
House Bill 1226 mandates the inclusion of new topics in the written portion of the driver’s license exam. Test questions will now cover:
- The Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act,
- Safe driving in the presence of bicycles, including the Dutch Reach method,
- Driver responsibilities when approaching stationary emergency vehicles.
If an applicant answers incorrectly on questions about emergency vehicles, the Secretary of State must provide information on the relevant laws.
The bill clarifies that immediate family members, defined as a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, or child, along with medical practitioners, police officers, state’s attorneys, and judges, may submit written reports to the Secretary of State if they believe a driver’s medical condition may impair safe driving. Anonymous reports will not be accepted, and all submitted information will remain confidential.
The law also expands language access for testing. Written and verbal exams may be offered in Spanish and, at the Secretary of State’s discretion, in other languages upon request. This provision aims to make the licensing process more accessible for Illinois’ diverse population.
HB 1226 was approved by the Illinois House last month and now awaits a full vote in the Senate.
