Driving Restrictions For New Drivers In Illinois

You are working hard and trying to get everything in place, as you are attempting to get your driver's license in Illinois. While it is an exciting time, most states have some kind of driving restrictions that come with getting your license. Most states take part in a graduated license system, so they impose some kind of driving restrictions on new drivers, including Illinois. Find out those driving restrictions on new drivers in Illinois below!

Driving Restrictions for New Drivers in Illinois

From passenger restrictions to curfews, there are different driving restrictions in place for new drivers in Illinois. We break them down for you right here, as stated by the Illinois Secretary of State!

Initial Licensing Phase Restrictions

Once you have successfully completed your Driver's Ed course and the required number of driving practice hours, you'll enter the Initial Licensing Phase for drivers 16 to 17 years old. You can drive without supervision, but there are some restrictions to follow:

• Nighttime Driving Restrictions: You are not allowed to drive on Sun.-Thurs. between 10 p.m.-6 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. between 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
• Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning 18 before moving to the Full Licensing Phase. A traffic conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase may extend restrictions beyond age 18.
• All occupants must wear safety belts.
• For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, step-sibling, child, or stepchild of the driver. After this period, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
• Cell phone use while driving including a hands-free device is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.

A moving violation conviction that occurs within the first year of licensing will result in a six-month extension of the passenger limitation, which allows only one unrelated passenger under age 20.

Full Licensing Phase Restrictions

The final step in the Graduated Driver License Law is the full licensing phase, which is for drivers 18 to 20 years old. These restrictions include:

• No age-related restrictions apply except in cases where a driver fails to move from the Initial Licensing Phase to the Full Licensing Phase.
• Cell phone use while driving including a hands-free device is prohibited for drivers under age 19, except in the case of an emergency.
• Texting while driving is prohibited.

The Final Step

After a driver turns 21 years old in Illinois, they will no longer be in the Graduated License System. Once you turn 21, you will have a full, unrestricted Illinois drivers license with just the rules of the road to follow.

It is an exciting time, as you finally got your driver's license. However, these restrictions are put in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. Make sure you are following them!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.