6/23/06-Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill into law June 22 that requires teen drivers in the state to spend many more hours under supervision before they could obtain their licenses. It is already in effect.
The new law, previously HB4768, doubles the amount of time children must spend behind-the-wheel training with their parents to 50 hours. It includes 10 hours of nighttime driving.
Parents will be obligated to sign a form stating they have spent the required time with their teens. The adults also will have to sign a separate consent form saying the teen is ready for a license.

3/31/06-The Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill that would require teen drivers to spend many more hours under supervision before they could obtain their licenses.
Sponsored by Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, HB4768 would double the number of hours of behind-the-wheel training with their parents to 50 hours. That would include 10 hours of nighttime driving.
Existing Illinois law only requires parents to sign off on 25 hours of practice time.
D’Amico’s effort is a revised version of legislation introduced in January that called for raising the minimum driving permit age to 17, which would have been the highest in the nation. The age to obtain an unrestricted license would have increased to 18.
The bill, which already passed the House, has been sent to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s desk.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.

2/24/06-The House unanimously approved a bill last month that would require teen drivers to spend many more hours under supervision before they could obtain their licenses.
Sponsored by Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, HB4768 would double the number of hours of behind-the-wheel training with their parents to 50 hours. That would include 10 hours of nighttime driving.
Existing Illinois law only requires parents to sign off on 25 hours of practice time.
D’Amico’s effort is a revised version of legislation introduced in January that called for raising the minimum driving permit age to 17, which would have been the highest in the nation. The age to obtain an unrestricted license would have increased to 18.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (217) 782-5799. In Illinois, call 1-800-252-6300.