Grundy Reporter

Legislation aimed at ending a discriminatory driving test requirement for older drivers in Illinois has passed unanimously in the Senate. House Bill 1226 seeks to eliminate the mandatory behind-the-wheel driving test for drivers aged 79-87.

Currently, Illinois requires drivers aged 79 and 80 to take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. Drivers aged 81-86 must retake the driving test every two years, and those over the age of 87 are required to take the test annually.

The proposed legislation aligns Illinois' driving laws with senior driving regulations in other states. It outlines several changes:

Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still need to visit a DMV facility for license renewal and take a vision test, as well as a written test if they have any driving violations on record, but would no longer need to take a behind-the-wheel test.

For those aged between 81 and 86, biennial visits to a DMV facility for license renewal would remain necessary. They would be required to take a vision test and possibly a written test if there are violations on their record, but not the behind-the-wheel exam.

For drivers aged 87 and older, current rules requiring an annual behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test would continue unchanged.

The bill now awaits the Governor's signature.