AARP, along with a bipartisan group of lawmakers, have teamed up with Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to advocate for senior drivers. They make the argument that the state's driving laws unfairly target older drivers.

According to Fox 32 Chicago, Illinois is the only state that mandates driving tests (actual behind-the-wheel tests) for seniors based solely on age.

The proposed law would raise the age requirement for this test from 79 to 87. Drivers who are ages 81-86 will still have to stop by the DMV every 2 years for license renewal but they won't have to take the test.

The bill also allows family members to formally report concerns about a loved one's driving. Right now, Illinois is one of 5 states that doesn't allow immediate family to report concerns about a relative's driving ability.

2023 stats from the Illinois Department of Transportation show that the crash rate that year for drivers 75+ was 24.61 per 1,000 drivers. That's lower than the crash rate for all ages 16-74.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said about it:

As Secretary of State, my top priority is ensuring that Illinois roads are safe. Seniors are among the safest drivers of any age category. This measure will align Illinois senior driving standards with the rest of the nation while increasing safeguards so that Illinois maintains its status as one of the strictest states when it comes to driver safety and license renewals.

The bill now heads to Governor Pritzker's desk to await his signature.