Illinois Bill Raises Driving Test Age to 87

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has proposed the Road Safety and Fairness Act, which would raise the mandatory age for seniors to retake a driving test from 79 to 87 during license renewals. This change aims to align Illinois with the majority of states, as it currently stands alone in requiring driving tests based solely on age. Proponents, including AARP, argue that driving ability should be assessed based on capability rather than age, highlighting that seniors are among the safest drivers, with recent data showing a lower crash rate for those aged 70 and older compared to other age groups. The bill also introduces a mechanism for family members to report concerns regarding a senior driver's ability, allowing for medical evaluations if necessary. Despite support from lawmakers, some seniors like 82-year-old Rochelle McGee express caution about eliminating accountability in driving assessments. The legislation is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly.