How Long Does it Take to Finish Driving School in Illinois?
A Simple Guide
Embarking on the journey to obtain your driver’s license in Illinois may seem like a daunting task, but with the guidance of a trusted driving school like MyDrive Academy, the process becomes surprisingly simple and straightforward. In this article, we will break down the essential steps and timeframes involved in completing driving school in Illinois, whether you’re a teenager or an adult looking to secure your license.
Teenagers (15-17 Years Old)
- Instruction Permit Eligibility: If you are 15 years of age or older, you are eligible for an instruction permit. To obtain your permit, you must enroll in an approved driver education course, which is where MyDrive Academy comes into play. As part of the process, you’ll need to pass a vision and written test.
- Nine-Month Permit Phase: Once you receive your instruction permit, you’ll enter the nine-month permit phase. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid acquiring any driving convictions. The instruction permit is valid for up to two years.
- Behind-the-Wheel Lessons: Your instruction permit allows you to start your behind-the-wheel driving lessons, which are an integral part of the Driver’s Ed course you’ve enrolled in. This course includes 30 hours of in-classroom instruction and six hours of behind-the-wheel training.
- Driving Practice Hours: In addition to the six hours of driving lessons, teenagers are required to complete 50 hours of driving practice outside of the lessons. These practice hours must be supervised by a parent or an adult aged 21 or older with a valid driver’s license. Of those 50 hours, 10 must be completed at night.
Total Hours Needed: Combining the six hours of driving lessons with the 50 hours of supervised practice, you’ll need at least 56 hours of driving experience as a teen before you can take the road test to move on to the Initial Licensing Phase in Illinois. However, remember that practice makes perfect, so feel free to exceed these minimum requirements. The amount of time an applicant will take to comply with the mandatory state requirements mainly depends on the amount of free time they have and their availability to practice.
Adult Education Classroom (Ages 18-20)
If you didn’t complete the classroom portion of Drivers Ed in high school and you’re between the ages of 18-20, the State of Illinois requires you to complete a 6 Hour Adult Education Classroom course.
Hour Requirements Summary
- Teenagers: 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of driving lessons, 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night).
- Adults (18-20): 2 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor, 6 Hour Adult Education Classroom course if not completed in high school.
Adults (21+):
- Professional Driving School: All adult drivers above the age of 18 must complete at least 2 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified instructor, in addition to the other requirements mentioned above.
- Adult Education Classroom (Ages 18-20): Similar to teenagers, adults between the ages of 18-20 who didn’t complete the classroom portion of Drivers Ed in high school must also complete a 6 Hour Adult Education Classroom course.
- Permit Requirement: A permit is required for adults as well to start the process.
In summary, MyDrive Academy simplifies the process of obtaining your driver’s license in Illinois. Teenagers must complete a minimum of 56 hours of driving practice before moving on to the Initial Licensing Phase, while adults can choose to enhance their skills through professional driving lessons. With our guidance, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the road and enjoy the freedom of having a driver’s license. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to begin your journey towards becoming a responsible and confident driver. Remember, the time it takes to fulfill these requirements depends on your availability and dedication to practice.
