SPRINGFIELD, IL… State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) is sponsoring House Bill 1226, the Road Safety & Fairness Act that would raise the age for mandatory road tests to 87 for senior drivers who are renewing a driver’s license.
“No other state in the United States requires age-based road exams,” commented Rosenthal. “This bill gives some respect back to seniors. The state should not be making assumptions about their driving abilities solely based on their age.”
Under this proposal, an immediate family member would be allowed to submit information to the Secretary of State relative to the medical condition of a person if the condition interferes with the person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Current 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 biennially and annually starting at age 87. Under this legislative proposal, drivers aged 79 or 80 would have to go to the DMV to renew their license and take a vision test, but not a road test. Road tests would come with annual renewals starting at age 87.
This legislation, originally filed by Republican Rep. Jeff Keicher in the 103rd Session (HB 4431), has bipartisan support and is supported by the Illinois Secretary of State. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
For more information, contact Rep. Rosenthal’s office at 217-782-8071 or visit his website at reprosenthal.com.
Representative Wayne Rosenthal serves the constituents of Illinois’ 108th District that includes Menard County and portions of Christian, Macoupin, Montgomery, and Sangamon Counties.