Carbondale Reporter

State Representative Paul Jacobs has joined as a co-sponsor of House Bill 1226, a legislative proposal initiated by the Illinois Secretary of State and fellow Republican State Representative Jeff Keicher. The bill aims to increase the age at which senior citizens are required to undergo mandatory driving tests for license renewal from 79 to 87.

"This is an issue that I have been proud to support in the last General Assembly, and now in this new General Assembly," Jacobs stated. "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."

Under current legislation, drivers aged 79 or 80 must pass a behind-the-wheel test for license renewal. Those between ages 81 and 86 are required to take the test biennially, while annual testing begins at age 87. Jacobs believes this proposed change will alleviate bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens for older drivers.

"People are living healthier longer into life, and age-based tests cost seniors time and money that they frankly don’t have," he said. "I’m looking forward to this measure passing the House and Senate this year and giving our seniors a break."