IL Probationary License Program Frequently Asked Questions

No. However, if you do not complete the program, it will be illegal for you to drive during your suspension period. This program is open to drivers ages 21 and older who have had their license suspended for three months or less for being convicted of three moving violations in 12 months. Upon successfully completing the program requirements, drivers will receive a probationary license from the Secretary of State for use during the suspension period.

If you are eligible for the Probationary License Program, the Illinois Secretary of State will mail you a notification letter.

Yes. Once your suspension period starts, you cannot drive until you receive your physical probationary driver’s license from the Secretary of State. You will have a lapse in driving privileges once your suspension begins until you receive your physical probationary license.

There are TWO requirements for the Probationary License Program:

• Surrender your VALID (not expired) Ilinois driver’s license to National Safety Council. Click here for details.
• Complete the 8-hour Probationary License Program course. Visit IL Probationary Registration to register.

To receive your Illinois probationary driver’s license from the Secretary of State, you must mail your VALID (not expired) Illinois driver’s license to National Safety Council, using a trackable service, as soon as possible; at least two weeks prior to your suspension date. It will take 7-10 business days from the date we receive your driver’s license for you to receive your probationary driver’s license. For more information regarding the license surrender process, or if you are not in possession of your Illinois driver’s license, click here: Illinois License Surrender.

National Safety Council has established multiple convenient classroom locations throughout Illinois. Classes fill quickly, register right away. Visit our secure website, IL Probationary Registration, to view up-to-the-minute class schedule and seat availability and complete your registration.

Immediately after you register, a class confirmation will be sent to you via email at the address you provided during registration. Please review the confirmation carefully. It contains important details needed for the day of class. To print or resent your confirmation, or to reschedule your class, visit IL Probationary Registration .

The cost of the Illinois Probationary License Program course is $125. This fee includes electronic communication of your program completion to the Secretary of State. Please be certain of what class you are required to take before completing the registration process. All fees are nonrefundable.

Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in for your class. You must arrive on time. If you arrive after the class has begun, you will not be admitted and will need to reschedule. You must bring your Class Code Number shown on your confirmation email and a form of identification to class. It does not have to be a photo ID. Examples of acceptable identification include a government-issued driver’s license or non-driver photo identification card, Notice of Suspension, school or college ID, work ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc. If you are unable to provide identification, you will not be admitted to class.

In the event of a weather-related or other emergency cancellation, National Safety Council will contact you at the telephone number and email address you provided during the registration process. The facility hosting the class will be notified and a sign may be posted. We will work with the instructor and facility to reschedule the class to a new date and time. If you are unsure if your class has been canceled due to weather, or if you feel it is unsafe for you to travel to your scheduled class due to weather, please contact the National Safety Council. Please note, neither NSC nor IL SOS is responsible for any course that does not get completed due to a weather-related or other emergency cancellation.

No, no one will be admitted with children.

Drivers requiring special assistance are welcome to bring a friend or family member to support you during the class. The person must be over the age of 18 and provide proper identification. Due to classroom capacity, please contact National Safety Council at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to your scheduled class date to reserve a seat if you plan to have someone attend with you. If you do not reserve a seat for your guest prior to class, you may be asked to leave (depending on classroom capacity) and will need to reschedule.

National Safety Council can make arrangements for the hearing impaired. If you require such services, please contact us at [email protected] prior to registering for class.

The class is 8 hours in length. The program is aimed at changing behavior behind the wheel. Through this course, drivers learn why they continue to have driving related problems and how they can take responsibility for their actions.

Yes, the course includes a 10-question test. Drivers must score 70% or above to successfully complete the course.

National Safety Council electronically transmits your class completion information to the Illinois Secretary of State the very next business day following receipt of your valid IL driver’s license AND your successful class completion.

To reschedule your class, visit IL Probationary Registration. You can reschedule your class to a different date or location without a fee up through the day prior to your chosen class date. Rescheduling on or after the start date of your class for any reason requires a mandatory, non-refundable rescheduling fee of $125.

All of our classes are in English, unless otherwise noted. If you need assistance with translation, please have someone attend class with you. They must be over the age of 18 and provide proper identification. Due to classroom capacity, please contact National Safety Council at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to your scheduled class date to reserve a seat if you plan to have someone attend with you. If you do not reserve a seat for your guest prior to class, you may be asked to leave (depending on classroom capacity) and will need to reschedule.

Yes.  If you no longer live in Illinois and you need to complete the Probationary License Program course, please contact National Safety Council and we will be happy to help you complete the course in your current state of residence.

Yes. Your Illinois probationary driver’s license can be used in some, but not all, states. It is up to you to check with the state motor vehicle department where you are traveling and ask if your Illinois probationary license is an approved form of license for that specific state.

Yes, but you will be required to show a photo ID along with it. Acceptable forms of photo ID include passport, state ID, etc. Please be sure to check with the airline/rental car company to see what form(s) of ID they accept.

A CDL driver can complete the Probationary License Program but will ONLY be able to use the probationary license for their personal vehicle and are not allowed to drive commercial vehicles for ANY purpose while using a probationary/temporary license.

The Secretary of State will contact you regarding reinstatement of your license at the end of your suspension period. Visit https://www.ilsos.gov/reinstatementfees to pay your reinstatement fees to the Secretary of State’s office.

Please visit cyberdriveillinois.com for more information. Questions regarding violations and driver records must be addressed directly with the Illinois Secretary of State.

National Safety Council is committed to providing a positive & respectful learning environment. Our Code of Conduct outlines expectations of behavior during our classes. The Code of Conduct can be found here in English and Spanish.

National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 100 years. As a mission-based organization, we focus on eliminating the leading causes of preventable death so people can live their fullest lives. We focus our efforts where we can make the greatest impact: workplace, roadway and impairment.

Email: [email protected]

Address:
National Safety Council
Attn: IL Probationary Program
200 Salina Meadows Pkwy, Suite 200
Syracuse, NY 13212

Phone: (800) 822-7009

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.