Hoffman Backed Initiative Cracking Down on Outdated Vehicle Licensing Requirements Signed into Law

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, will make life easier for seniors with a new law eliminating stressful and unnecessary driving test requirements, marking the end of driving test requirements based solely on age.

“Older Illinoisans have been shown time and again to be safer, courteous and responsible motorists, especially compared to newer drivers, so we moved to end the practice of requiring these older motorists to take ageist driving tests,” Hoffman said. “Roadway competency and a good driving record should be the only factors we judge our older Illinois drivers by, and now they are.”

Hoffman’s House Bill 1226 makes several critical changes to motorist driving requirements including: raising the age to require in-person renewal of drivers licenses to 79, ensuring those 89 and older meet visional, auditory and competency requirements and allowing immediate family members to notify the Secretary of State of any medical condition developments that could impact the older adult’s driving abilities.

“Ensuring our roadways and thoroughfares are as safe as possible should not be dependent on outdated policies that strip seniors of their dignity and independence,” Hoffman said. “The adoption of this legislation shows that the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker share this belief.”

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.