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How to get an Illinois Driver’s License (TVDL)

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Step 1: Apply for a Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License (TVDL) Go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or

Saturday (The closest DMV is in Bloomington, IL. See map and hours on page 2) Bring:

o Your passport, your I-20, your I-94 (www.cbp.gov/I94), and… o One Item from Group A o One Item from Group B o Two Items from Group D

(The IEI can provide you with a letter that will count as one item from Group D) If the employee asks for your Social Security Number, say: “I am not eligible for a Social Security

Number because I am not a US citizen.” Wait in line to take the three required tests/exams:

o Written exam Study for this test: Read the “Illinois Rules of the Road 2013” book, available in the IEI lounge and

online: (http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a112.pdf) You will answer multiple choice and yes/no questions about traffic laws, traffic signs, safety rules

and different kinds of vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.).

o Vision screening You cannot study for this test. The staff will check your vision.

o Driving exam You will drive with an examiner to check your ability to drive a car.

If the office is very busy, you may need to return at a later date to complete all 3 tests. If you finish one or two and need to return to complete the remaining test(s), you will need to

return with all of the same documents and the receipt from the tests you have completed.

Step 2: Driving with an Illinois Driver’s License

Your driver’s license should arrive in the mail within two weeks. When driving, you must carry: proof of valid car insurance, registration and your driver’s

license in your car at all times. o For questions about insurance, call the Illinois Department of Insurance: 217-782-4515 o We recommend that you keep a copy of “Illinois Rules of the Road” in your car. The rules

about international drivers’ licenses for students are on page 3 of this book. o After you obtain car insurance, you must register your vehicle at the Secretary of State

Facility.

(See page 3)

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Address, maps and hours for Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – Secretary of State Facility

1510 W. Market St. Bloomington, IL 61701 > From Champaign, you take I-74 West. > After 50 miles, you take Exit 160 for IL-9. > After less than 1 mile, turn right on Market St.

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