Legislation spearheaded last year by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) and reintroduced this year in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State to reduce barriers to driver’s license renewal for older adults was unanimously approved by the House Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committee and now advances to the full House of Representatives for final passage.
Representative Keicher is Chief Co-Sponsor of House Bill 1226 to raise the age for mandatory driving tests for older drivers renewing their license to age 87 (from the current age 79) and create a system for immediate family members to submit a request to the Secretary of State’s Office to review drivers they think have seen cognitive or medical declines that should keep them off the road, regardless of age. Reports deemed credible could require the driver to take written, vision and behind-the-wheel tests to keep their license. If passed and signed into law, the bill would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
This new bipartisan legislation builds upon a proposal Keicher introduced in 2024 to end the discriminatory practice of requiring behind-the-wheel tests for seniors based on age as the sole factor.
“Our bill securing unanimous approval in committee today is a show of respect toward Illinois seniors,” Keicher said. “Illinois is presently the only state in the country that requires road exams based on age, but now we’re one step closer toward the law reflecting our priority to see each person as an individual instead of making assumptions about them because of their age. I am pleased to work with the Secretary of State and my colleagues across the state to bring about this important change.”
Current state law requires drivers who are 79 or 80 to take a behind-the-wheel test to renew their licenses. From age 81 to 86, they are required to take the test every two years, and every year starting at age 87. Under Rep. Keicher’s new legislation, drivers age 79 or 80 would have to go to the DMV to renew their license and take a vision test, but not a road test. Renewals would be required every two years from age 81 to 86. Road tests would come with annual renewals starting at age 87.
House Bill 1226 now advances to the full House of Representatives for final consideration in the coming weeks.