This chapter walks through how Illinois' Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program moves a young driver from an instruction permit to full driving privileges in three stages, plus the specific requirements to get there — driver education, an instruction permit held for a minimum period, and 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including hours at night.
Each GDL stage carries its own restrictions on nighttime driving, passenger limits, and cellphone use, and those restrictions phase out at different points — some end at age 18, others (like the cellphone ban) continue until age 19. Parents also have a defined legal role: giving initial consent, and the ability to have a minor's license canceled.
A common mistake is treating the passenger limit as if it were permanent, when it actually applies only during a defined window of the Initial Licensing Phase. The chapter also covers the real consequences of violations at this age — court supervision, suspensions for moving violations, and suspensions tied specifically to underage alcohol offenses.
How many hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice are required before a driver under 18 can get a license, and how many must be at night?⌄
At least 50 hours total, including 10 hours of nighttime driving.
Until what age is wireless/cellphone use banned while driving, except for reporting an emergency?⌄
Under age 19 — this applies during the Permit Phase, Initial Licensing Phase, and part of the Full Licensing Phase.
What passenger restriction applies during the first part of the Initial Licensing Phase?⌄
The driver is limited to one passenger under age 20, unless that passenger is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild of the driver.