MARION, IL—State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Marion) has signed on as a co-sponsor to HB 1226, an initiative of the Illinois Secretary of State and Rep. Jacobs’ Republican colleague, State Rep. Jeff Keicher. The measure would raise the age for mandatory driving tests for senior citizens renewing their license to 87, up from the current required age of 79.
“This is an issue that I have been proud to support in the last General Assembly, and now in this new General Assembly,” Jacobs said. “Illinois is the only state that requires driving tests based on a person’s age, and that in my opinion is not the best way to measure someone’s ability to drive safely.”
Current law requires drivers who are 79 or 80 to take a behind-the-wheel test to renew their licenses. From age 81 to 86, they are required to take the test every two years, and every year starting at age 87. Jacobs says the change in law will help reduce red tape and costs for senior motorists.
“People are living healthier longer into life, and age-based tests cost seniors time and money that they frankly don’t have,” Jacobs said. “I’m looking forward to this measure passing the House and Senate this year and giving our seniors a break.”
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