Walsh Advances ‘Road Safety and Fairness Act’

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., (D-Elwood), advanced a plan to modernize road test requirements through the House chamber Wednesday afternoon, raising the age in
which older adults must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from age 79 to age 87.

“Raising the in-person renewal age from 75 to 79 and eliminating the driving test for those between 79 and 86 years of age acknowledges that many older adults are capable of operating a vehicle longer than ever before. This bill helps protect road users of all ages while still respecting the dignity of older adults.”

The legislation is an initiative in collaboration with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. According to the Secretary of State, Illinois is the only state in the country that requires a behind- the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. Walsh Chief Co-sponsored House Bill 1226 to eliminate the age-based driving test requirement for drivers age 79-86, as well as establish a process for immediate family members to report when they believe a loved one is no longer safe to drive.

Under this legislation, drivers aged 87 or older, as well as those who possess a commercial driver’s license aged 75 or older, would be required to do a driving demonstration in order to maintain their license.

“According to state crash data, the rate for drivers to have an accident when over 75 years of age is lower than any other age range of drivers,” Walsh said. “It’s time our law reflects that. Instead of imposing unnecessary testing requirements on older adults, this bill makes our standards responsibly align with the rest of the country.”

House Bill 1226 received unanimous support and awaits bicameral action.