Sangamon Sun

The Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation aimed at changing the state's policy on mandatory road tests for senior drivers. State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) played a key role in advancing House Bill 1226, which raises the age at which older drivers must take a mandatory driving test when renewing their license from 79 to 87. The bill was signed into law on August 15, 2025, and will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Keicher has worked on this issue for three years, responding to concerns from constituents about what he described as an "ageist state policy" against senior citizen drivers. The legislation, known as the Road Safety and Fairness Act, was developed in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.

Previously, Keicher introduced a similar proposal in 2024 that would have ended behind-the-wheel tests for seniors based solely on age. However, his version did not receive a floor vote at that time.

Under the new law, immediate family members can request that the Secretary of State’s Office review a driver's ability if there are concerns about cognitive or medical declines affecting safe vehicle operation. If reports are found credible, the driver may be required to take written, vision, and behind-the-wheel tests regardless of age.

“Illinois is the only state in the country that requires driving tests based solely on age, even though data has consistently shown older drivers are actually some of the safest on the road,” said Keicher. “Passing this bill is a long-overdue action to respect our seniors, reduce barriers and annual costs for them to maintain their driving privileges, and see each person as an individual instead of making assumptions about them because of their age."

Keicher added: “I still believe we need to do more so that road tests are determined based on more appropriate factors like driving record and ability to safely operate a vehicle, regardless of age, but this legislation is a critical step forward. I want to thank the Secretary of State’s Office, Sen. Don DeWitte, Reps. Jay Hoffman and Joyce Mason, AARP and all the bipartisan supporters who helped us get this legislation passed through the General Assembly and signed into law.”

Statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation indicate that in 2023 drivers aged 75 and older had a crash rate lower than every other age group between 16 and 74 years old.

Keicher's earlier efforts included filing House Bill 4431 in January 2024 to eliminate road test requirements for those aged 75 and above. While it passed committee with bipartisan support—including Republicans and Democrats from across Illinois—it did not reach a vote in the full House last year.

Reflecting on constituent involvement in shaping policy changes over several years since his election to represent Illinois' 70th District in 2018, Keicher stated: “I want to take a moment to thank the seniors who came out to our events, called, sent emails and shared with me their concerns and frustrations about their experiences in the senior license renewal system... What helped this issue prevail is the input and actions of Illinoisans, and I thank the seniors who started the conversation for that.”

AARP Illinois also supported these changes. Their Senior Associate State Director for Advocacy & Outreach Jeff Scott commented after Senate passage: “AARP Illinois sincerely thanks Leader Jeff Keicher for being a powerful voice for fairness and common-sense reform through his leadership on the Road Safety and Fairness Act. His thoughtful approach helped bring together bipartisan support for a bill that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of Illinois residents— thousands of older drivers in Illinois who have faced unnecessary barriers to mobility. Leader Keicher’s commitment to justice and community well-being has been invaluable, and we now call on Governor Pritzker to take the final step and sign this important legislation into law.”

For more information about House Bill 1226, click here.