Getting an Illinois Driver s Licence

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OK, so I've tried the official website to look for the answers I need, and I'm clearly hitting the wrong tabs because I'm getting precisely nowhere!!

Now then, I have a full UK driving licence, which I believe I can drive on over there for a certain period of time (it varies from state-to-state apparently). I've held my licence (and have been consistently driving) for 17 years. I have also driven in Illinois consistently for the period 2004 - 2006.

I'm assuming that when you tot all that up, it will mean that there won't be any necessity for me to take any kind of practical driving test, and it will simply be a case of applying for the licence?

Right?

[payxibka 10,047]

I doubt it...

What tests are required?

The first-time applicants will take the same vision, written/oral and road tests as other Illinois applicants.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OK, so what about the vision test? I mean, here in the UK we're simply asked to read a number plate from 20 yards away. What's the story over there?

[payxibka 10,047]

In Minnesota they have a machine that you look into and are asked to read a certain line containing letters and/or numbers. It also checks your peripheral vision... Total test time is probably less than 30 seconds.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

In Minnesota they have a machine that you look into and are asked to read a certain line containing letters and/or numbers. It also checks your peripheral vision... Total test time is probably less than 30 seconds.

Do you have to cover either eye at any time? Cuz I'm gonna have to get me some bins if you do.

[payxibka 10,047]

Not here, so as long as you have one good eye you are good to go.... How is your peripheral on the bad side?

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Not here, so as long as you have one good eye you are good to go.... How is your peripheral on the bad side?

Fine - I think!!!!!!! How do they test that exactly?

[payxibka 10,047]

Not here, so as long as you have one good eye you are good to go.... How is your peripheral on the bad side?

Fine - I think!!!!!!! How do they test that exactly?

They flash a light when you are looking in the viewer... They will ask if you see it on the left/right or both....

[mari&Ryan 93]

Hey there, i got the driver's license here in Chicago 3 months ago y yes that is exactly the same like fwaguy said, about the first-time applicants and vision/written/road test even not oral.

This is easy

[mollyreyna 0]

Hi Damian P,

My husband just got his Illinois License on Friday. He held a drivers' license from Italy. Apparently there is a pact between Illinois, Italy, Germany, I think, and I don't know which other countries, that allows you to get an IL license without taking the driving exam. My husband had to get a letter from the Italian Consulate certifying that he has an Italian license (which cost $50!!) and present it to the DMV.

We went to the DMV on Friday. After waiting in a super long line to take the written and vision exam, he was told that since he had the Consulate letter, he wasn't even required to take the written exam. However, I really don't know if the girl knew what she was talking about. I would go to the DMV and ask about it. For us, getting the Consulate letter saved a lot of time and trouble, since the DMV which gives the driving exams is nowhere near our house and we don't have a car.

[ginger1981 0]

It is an easy process (I got mine in December...although I came from a different state).

The vision test is easy. You look in a view finder type thing and tell them what you see. Then they have lights flashing and you have to say what side (or both) the light(s) are flashing.

The driving test is really easy. If I recall it is about 20 questions, and I think you had to get 75% right. As long as you read through the manual you should be fine.

The hardest part is waiting for your number to get called...I think I waited over an hour.

If you are getting it in Chicago (city, not burbs) you can go down to the Thompson center on the lower level next to the food court. Thompson Center is across the street from City Hall at Randolph & LaSalle.

Good luck!

Lindsay