Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing System

              Tips for Teens
Lack of experience puts teenagers at a greater risk of
being involved or dying in a car accident. The more you
practice, the better you will handle different situations
on the road. Following are a few extra tips for safe
driving:
  Drive sober (the BAC limit for persons under 21 is
.00).
  Ride with sober drivers.
  Always wear your safety belt.
  Get to know your car.
  Be a defensive driver.
  Stay alert.
  Focus on your driving; avoid distractions.
  Don’t load up your car with more passengers than
allowed by law.
  Don’t get stressed out.
  Check your rearview mirror before and after you
brake.
  Follow all traffic safety rules.
  Don’t drive faster than you can handle, and don’t
exceed the posted speed limit.
  Never let friends drive your car.
Tips for Parents
The Graduated Driver Licensing System requires
parents to spend 50 hours in the car with their
teenagers behind the wheel. Encourage your teenager
to develop safe driving habits and skills.
  Take your teenager for driving practice under
various conditions and practice different skills.
  Take your teenager to get a license only when you
and your teenager feel the time is right.
  Set a good example when you drive.
  Provide a safe vehicle for practice sessions.
  Work with your teenager’s driver education in-structor.
  Meet with your insurance agent.
  Create a sober driving contract.
  Inform your teen what to do in case of an accident.
School attendance — Effective July 2007, unmarried
persons under age 18 may have their driver’s licenses
cancelled or be refused a driver’s license or permit by the
Secretary of State for failing to maintain school
attendance.
50-hour requirement — Effective June 2006, teen
drivers must complete 50 hours of driving during the permit
stage, including 10 hours at night, with a parent or adult
age 21 or older. Parents must verify that the requirement is
completed before a driver’s license is issued.
Parental consent — Effective June 2006, a parent/legal
guardian, if unable to accompany a minor, may submit an
Affidavit/Consent for Minor to Drive form permitting a minor
under age 18 to obtain a driver’s license. The parent/legal
guardian may withdraw consent for the teen to drive at any
time prior to the teen’s 18th birthday by sending a written,
notarized request to the Secretary of State, which will result
in cancellation of the minor’s license.
Cell phone use — Effective July 2005, a person under
age 18 who holds an instruction permit or a graduated
driver’s license may not use a wireless phone while driving
a vehicle, except in the case of an emergency to contact a
law enforcement agency, health care provider or
emergency services agency.
If you are stopped by police
• Slow down and pull over safely as soon as possible.
• Stay in the driver’s seat with both hands clearly in sight
on the steering wheel.
• Comply with the officer’s request to see your driver’s
license and proof of insurance.
• Get out of the car only if asked to do so.
More information is available in the Illinois Rules
of the Road, available at your local Driver Services
facility or at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois.
February 2007 — 100M — DSD A 132.6
Driving Tips New Laws You Should Know
For more information:
312-814-2905 • 217-782-2952
888-261-5238 (TTY/NexTalk)
Jesse White • Secretary of State