Kuul Stuff : Blog

If you are new to the USA or to the Quad cities, one thing you certainly need is the Illinois driving license. Due to the limited public transportation and the extreme weathers, the driving license has become indispensable. It also serves as a state ID apart from letting you go places. However, there are certain requirements with respect to documents, vehicle, tests, and of course certain fees for a test. Here is an overview of the requirements for obtaining a driving license.

Documents

The DMV certainly needs to verify your documents in order to take up the written test or road test. They need to see a valid unexpired original document from four groups. They must be most recent or within 90 days from the date applying. For example:

1. Group A: Written Signature – Cancelled check, Major credit cards, Passport, EAD Card, I-94, Green card, Social Security Card, Current Driver’s License, State ID, and so on.
2. Group B: Date of Birth – Passport, US Visa, Green card, EAD Card, Birth Certificate (US), Social Security Award Letter, Military ID, Naturalization Certificate, and so on.
3. Group C: Social Security Number – Social Security Award Letter, Social Security Card, Driver’s License Record, Military ID, and so on. TVDL applicants no more required to submit a No SSN Letter. They will sign a declaration at the DMV.
4. Group D: Residency – Bank Statement, Cancelled Check (within 90 days), Utility bill, Official mail from US Federal agency, Rental or lease agreement, Credit report, Pay stub, Electronic deposit, and so  on.

One document may satisfy more than one group. Illinois DMV does not accept photocopies. They need originals. New drivers must submit one document from Groups A, B, C, and two documents for Group D.

Vehicle

Your vehicle must be running with a valid insurance card. The vehicle must be running with all indicators working and with no problems. The vehicle:

1. Must comply according to the Illinois Secretary of State standards
2. Must have a valid insurance which is required before the road test
3. Must display front and rear licence plates with unexpired license sticker
4. Must be driven to the DMV by a driver with valid license and insurance

Tests

You are required to take a written test and a road test. At the DMV, first you have to take a token for a written test. The written test is a computer based test and covers the road signs, basic rules, seat belt requirements, and so on. You can skip a question if you think it is confusing. As soon as you answer thirty-five questions the computer will inform you that you have passed the test.

Then, you can take a token for road test. A tester from the DMV will accompany you on a short road course with real traffic. The tester will test if you are able to follow directions and instructions properly. They will grade you on certain key aspects such as uphill, downhill, backing from a driveway on to a road, yielding, lane changes, parking, and so on.

Fees

You are required to pay a fee for the computer test, written permit, and road test. The fee varies from $25 to $40 depending upon your age and type of test.

Make sure you have all original documents and take extra photocopies. Check the weather and road conditions before you go. Also, check the national holidays and working hours of the local DMV. It is better to go in the early hours so you can finish off early. You can expect two to three hours before the entire process is completed.

Training

If you are new to the USA or to the Quad cities, it is suggested to go through a trainer who will guide you through the entire process. The trainer with a valid vehicle and insurance card can guide you through the rules and regulations of the road. It is better to take four to five classes before you go for the road test.

All the best for your tests and experience at the Illinois DMV. They are here to help us if we have everything what they need. Let me know your experience through the comments section. Have fun driving and enjoy the new-found freedom. 🙂