Illinois drivers ages 75 to 78 do not need to take an annual driving test to renew their license, a change made during the pandemic and now the Illinois Secretary of State wants to make that permanent.
Citing statistics showing accidents for that age group have remained low, prompting the Secretary of State to ask for the permanent change.
Drivers ages 79 and older will still be required to take the road exam while renewing their driver’s licenses.
Illinois drivers ages 75 and older were required to take an annual road exam when renewing their licenses.
“Illinois is the most stringent state in the nation with regards to senior driving laws. And in fact, we are the only state in the nation that requires a road exam upon renewal of a driver’s license based on the senior driver’s age,” Henry Haupt, a spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office, said.
Haupt said the rule was changed during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain social distancing and masking.
“I think drivers will appreciate this extension of the rule that is already in place. It will allow them to renew their driver’s license in a little quicker fashion,” he said.
Haupt said Illinois is the only state that requires the road exam due to a senior’s age when renewing a driver’s license.
The AARP posted a statement saying:
“While temporarily raising the minimum age for the drivers test to 79 is a positive step, the law should be changed to assess all drivers’ ability to be safe rather than targeting older drivers, and this can be done using evidence-based studies to identify at-risk drivers of all ages.AARP Illinois looks forward to working with the secretary of state and the general assembly during 2023 to address this issue.”
Drew
September 27, 2023 at 10:44 amOh great! Like this is going to change anything. This is the same age group that drives all the way through Carmi at 25mph holding up traffic. This age group has nothing better to do all day but fart around on our streets & highways with a line of cars behind them holding up other people that do have places to be.
Rosemarie Betz
September 27, 2023 at 1:03 pmWe only need to see if any senior over 79 has a record of driving violations z They should be tested . Those with perfect records should not have to be tested . Seniors only drive to the Drs office ,Grocery shopping Or a restaurant . They are not out there driving highways and byways . It really is age discrimination . You also cannot ever get the office to complain about issues . It is an elitist office started by His Royal Highness Jessie White and it continues today r
Jaime & Rosita Montejo
September 27, 2023 at 1:24 pmThe renewal of Seniors driving license regardless of age should be administered according to the individual driving record.
Jerry Boehle
September 27, 2023 at 1:29 pmAge discrimination. Should be on your driving record not your age