DeKalb Times

State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) and State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) have joined AARP Illinois in a bipartisan effort to put an end to Illinois' unique requirement for extra driving tests for individuals aged 75 and older, regardless of their driving record or ability.

“Every day, drivers over 75 years of age are capably and safely driving their grandchildren to school, picking up groceries and prescriptions, and driving to their doctor’s visits, just like the rest of us,” said Keicher. “There is simply no evidence to show that they need an extra test to do these things and it’s about time we remove this requirement.”

Senator DeWitte added, “Illinois is the last state to mandate this antiquated test under an unfounded assumption about older drivers. It’s time to remove this unnecessary burden placed on millions of Illinoisans.”

AARP Illinois Senior Director of Advocacy and Outreach Ryan Gruenenfelder emphasized, “The research clearly shows that older drivers are the safest drivers on our roadways, and we believe that singling them out to take an extra test is a type of age discrimination and has to end.”

Candice Trees, an AARP Illinois volunteer and older driver, expressed her frustration with the extra testing requirement, stating, “As an older driver I find it tedious to have to take more tests since I turned 75. I’ve been a safe driver my entire life, nothing has changed, and it’s unfair that my friends and I have to take an extra test when older drivers are the safest drivers on the road.”

Keicher also highlighted the need to update Illinois law to focus on factors that actually indicate someone may be a risky driver, such as health conditions, mental capacity, accidents, and tickets, rather than solely basing it on age.

House Bill 4431, introduced by Keicher, has already passed out of committee and is now awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives before moving to the Illinois Senate for further review.