Kane County Reporter

Legislation sponsored by Illinois State Senator Don DeWitte (R-West Dundee) to change driving test requirements for seniors has been signed into law. House Bill 1226 removes the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Under previous regulations, drivers aged 79 and 80 were required to take a driving test when renewing their license every four years, while those aged 81-86 had to retake the test every two years. Drivers over age 87 still must take an annual behind-the-wheel and vision test.

The new law, which takes effect July 1, 2026, will require drivers aged 79 and 80 to visit a DMV facility for license renewal and take a vision test—and a written test if they have a violation—but not a behind-the-wheel exam. The same applies to drivers between ages 81-86, who must renew every two years. Family members can request that the Secretary of State’s office require a behind-the-wheel test if they have concerns about an individual’s ability to drive safely.

Senator DeWitte stated, "I am thrilled to announce that legislation I’ve been working on for two years that ends a discriminatory and antiquated driving test requirement for seniors has been signed into law." He added, "By passing this bill, we are removing an unnecessary burden from millions of motorists who have spotless driving records."

DeWitte was joined by State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) as chief sponsors of the original legislation. This year, bipartisan support helped move nearly identical legislation forward. According to DeWitte, "The provisions of HB 1226 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states."

In addition to HB 1226, seven bills sponsored by DeWitte were recently signed into law:

- Senate Bill 224 clarifies responsibilities regarding fire hydrant installation permits after construction projects in northern Illinois faced work stoppages due to concerns from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

- Senate Bill 1249 allows out-of-state firefighters with proper licenses from their home state to operate emergency vehicles in Illinois.

- Senate Bill 1909 authorizes land acquisition for the Randall Road at Hopps Road intersection realignment and future overpass construction.

- House Bill 1648 amends pension code rules so annuitants and disability beneficiaries can authorize monthly payments for fire service-related associations or hospitalization insurance.

- House Bill 1842 closes a loophole in municipal code enforcement by allowing hearing officers to require corrective action instead of only financial penalties.

- House Bill 2442 permits local or county emergency management vehicles responding to emergencies to use traffic control signal preemption devices.

DeWitte also highlighted his co-sponsorship of veterans’ legislation. Senate Bill 39 exempts homeless veteran housing projects from state requirements mandating electric vehicle charging stations for new construction.

He commented on another recent development: Governor JB Pritzker’s signing of Senate Bill 328 into law. The measure expands legal jurisdiction so anyone nationwide can sue any business registered in Illinois regardless of connection to the state. Critics argue this could lead to frivolous lawsuits and deter business investment.

"This law is a prime example of how special interests are being put ahead of the people of Illinois," DeWitte said. "The results of this new law will be higher costs, fewer jobs, and fewer opportunities for hardworking Illinois families."

Illinois residents are also being warned about phishing scams using text messages claiming affiliation with the Department of Motor Vehicles. These messages often use urgent language or cite “State Code 15c-16.003” in attempts to steal personal information. The Secretary of State’s office clarified it does not send texts about driver’s license or registration status except appointment reminders; suspicious messages should be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

DeWitte announced several upcoming community events including ICASH Unclaimed Property events and free document shredding days across his district.

DeWitte was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois' 33rd District in 2018 after Karen McConnaughay stepped down (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3160).