The Illinois Senate will soon vote on a bill regarding driver’s license renewals for senior citizens.  House Bill 1226 would increase age requirements for in-person license renewals and driving tests. 

Currently, drivers 75 and older must complete license renewals in person.  Drivers 79 and older must also take and pass a driving test – much like drivers looking to obtain a license for the first time – as part of their renewals.  The bill would raise the age thresholds to 79 and 87 respectively.

The bill cites a study by the Secretary of State – which State Senator Ram Villivalam called for in 2022 – which found that seniors in Illinois are among the safest drivers.  It also showed that raising the age requirements as previously mentioned would reduce wait times at Secretary of State facilities.  Villivalam says these findings – along with similar regulations in other states – demonstrate the need for these changes in Illinois. 

The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday and heads to the Senate floor.  Details on the bill can be found at www.ilga.gov.