Kane County Reporter

Legislation aimed at ending a driving test requirement for older drivers in Illinois has passed the Senate with unanimous support. House Bill 1226, which previously passed the House of Representatives in April, now awaits the Governor's decision. State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) served as the Chief Senate Co-Sponsor.

The bill proposes to eliminate mandatory behind-the-wheel tests for drivers aged 79-87. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test every four years when renewing their license. Those aged 81-86 are required to retake the test biennially, while annual tests are mandated for those over 87.

"I cannot tell you the number of phone calls I received in my office from seniors—some of them in tears—who felt they were being unfairly targeted and discriminated against when they had stellar driving records," said DeWitte.

DeWitte and State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) initiated this legislation last year, collaborating with Democratic colleagues to expand its support.

Jeff Scott from AARP Illinois praised the bill’s passage: "AARP Illinois is profoundly grateful to Senator Don DeWitte for his leadership and commitment to fairness and road safety."

According to DeWitte, HB 1226 aligns Illinois’ laws with those of other states:

- Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still need to visit a DMV facility for license renewal and take a vision test (and a written test if they have violations), but not a behind-the-wheel test.

- Drivers aged 81-86 would follow similar procedures every two years.

- Rules remain unchanged for drivers over 87, requiring annual behind-the-wheel and vision tests.

"By passing this bill, we are removing an unnecessary burden from millions of motorists who have spotless driving records," added DeWitte.