• Driver Education

    Cooperative Driver Testing Program

    The Cooperative Driver Testing Program allows state-certified driver education instructors to administer the behind-the-wheel road exams to their driver education students. Instructor administered tests are regulated and approved by the Office of the Secretary of State. Students must:

    • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of classroom study and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training;
    • Receive a combined grade of A or B;
    • Receive approval from parent/legal guardian;
    • Pass an instructor-administered behind-the-wheel exam.

    After the student has successfully completed an approved driver education course, the Illinois State Board of Education will send the information to the Secretary of State's office. To apply for a driver's license at age 16, a student who has held an instruction permit for nine months must visit a Driver Services facility and provide the following: 50 hour certificate verifying practice driving time; written parental consent; acceptable identification verifying full legal name, written signature, date of birth, Social Security number and Illinois residency and the required fee. The road exam is generally waived, however, to ensure the quality and integrity of the program, some students may be required to take the road exam.