Hoffman and Giannoulias Push ‘Road Safety and Fairness Act’

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is teaming up with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias on a plan to modernize road test requirements, raising the age in which older adults must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from age 79 to age 87.

“Our state’s crash data indicates that the crash rate for drivers age 75 and older is lower than any other age range of drivers,” Hoffman said. “Instead of imposing unusually restrictive testing requirements on older adults, let’s update our rules and responsibly align our standards with the rest of the country.”

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. After hearing from impacted residents and advocates, Hoffman and Giannoulias have introduced 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 age 87 or older, as well as those who possess a commercial driver’s license age 75 or older, would be required to do a driving demonstration in order to maintain their license.

“Our focus remains on making our roads safer, and our rules need to reflect the data we receive,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the input I have received from advocates, and I’ve already seen significant bipartisan support for these needed updates. Let’s get them implemented.”

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