“As I’ve said before, the data is clear that older drivers are actually some of the safest drivers on the road and are involved in fewer fatal crashes than any other age group.
“I’m glad that after all the hard work we put in last year, we’ve finally been able to get over the first hurdle of passing the bill through the House. And it passed unanimously! Now, on to the Senate, where I look forward to HB 1226 receiving wide support as well.” – State Representative Jeff Keicher.
From the Daily Herald: A bill raising the age of road tests for seniors from 79 to 87, backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, passed the Illinois House unanimously Wednesday.
The legislation comes on the heels of a surge of complaints from older drivers about the fact that Illinois is the only state in the U.S. with a mandatory exam for elderly drivers.
Many seniors and advocates like AARP Illinois contend the status quo is discriminatory and the right to drive should be based on ability, not age.
Current law requires drivers aged 79 and 80 to take a road exam when their four-year license renewal is up. For drivers aged 81 to 86, it’s every two years, and for those 87 and older, it’s yearly.
State Rep. Jeff Keicher, a Sycamore Republican, and Rep. Joyce Mason, a Gurnee Democrat, had sponsored previous bills to end the age requirement but those never made it to the House floor…
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