Peoria Standard

Recent legislation signed into law allows motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to have the option to take the Illinois Department of Transportation's comprehensive motorcycle safety course and exam instead of driving and written tests done at the DMV. According to a release by the bill's sponsor State Senator Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City), the course involves instruction both on the motorcycle and in the classroom.

“Senate Bill 2582 allows them to meet the requirement by taking the class, which we hope encourages them to do so," said Sen. Bennett in his press release on July 7. "Our goal is to keep our motorcycle riders safe. By encouraging motorcyclists, especially younger beginning riders, to take this course, I believe they will get a better test, more time to learn, and significant hands-on experience."

Senator Bennett was appointed to represent the 53rd Senate District after Sen. Jason Barickman resigned.. Bennett was a state representative in the 106th House District between 2015 and 2023, according to his biography on his website.

According to the state's legislature webpage, Senate Bill 2582 allows motorcycle operators under 18 to skip the testing requirements as adults would also have the option. This bill originated in the House and was filed on February 15 by Rep. Bradley Fitts. It moved to the Senate on March 22 and passed both houses on May 11. The bill was sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for his signature on June 9 and was signed on July 30. It will go into effect on Jan. 1.

The two day Basic Rider Course involves about 20 hours of instruction both in the classroom and on a motorcycle, according to the Illinois DOT website. It focuses on stopping, shifting, riding in a straight line, turning and a variety of street-riding skills. Illinois residents who are 16 and over with a valid driver's license or permit can take the course, although under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent.

According to the secretary of state website, under current Illinois law, motorcycle operators under 18 are allowed to obtain a 12 month instruction permit to operate "during daylight hours under the direct supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator age 21 or older with at least one year of driving experience." Those who take the course and a driver's education course can obtain a 24 month instruction permit.

“On behalf of ABATE Illinois, this bill will encourage young riders to take traffic safety courses and will reduce the number of young riders who are riding without proper training. I want to thank Senator Bennett, the Secretary of State (SOS), and the Governor for making this law happen,” said Josh Witkowki, State Legislative Coordinator for ABATE, in the press release from Senator Bennett’s office.