Kankakee Times

Motorcycle riders under the age of 18 will have the option to take a 2-day driver safety course from IDOT in 2024, thanks to a bill sponsored by Sen. Thomas Bennett. The bill allows motorcycle riders under the age of 18 to complete the 20-hour course in lieu of driving and knowledge tests.

Senator Tom Bennett was appointed to represent the 53rd Senate District after the resignation of Sen. Jason Barickman. Between 2015 and 2023, Bennett was a State Representative in the 106th House District.

“Senate Bill 2582 allows them to meet the requirement by taking the class, which we hope encourages them to do so. 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,” Sen. Bennett said in a July 7 news release.

The bill allows motorcycle operators under the age of 18 to skip the testing requirements – the same as adults would have the option. The bill originated in the House and was filed by Rep. Bradley Fitts on Feb. 15, 2023. It moved to the Senate on March 22, 2023 and passed both houses on May 11. It was sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for his signature on June 9 and was signed on July 30.The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, according to the state legislature’s webpage for the bill.

The Illinois Department of Transportation offers a two-day Basic Rider Safety course that combines in-classroom and on-motorcycle instruction for approximately 20 hours. It focuses on stopping, shifting, riding in a straight line, turning, and a variety of street-riding skills. Illinois residents 16 and over with a valid driver’s license or permit can take the course although those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent.

“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,” Josh Witkowki, State Legislative Coordinator for ABATE, said in the press release from Senator Bennett’s office.

Under current Illinois law, motorcycle riders under the age of 18 are allowed to obtain a 12-month instruction permit to operate a motorcycle “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 a IDOT motorcycle rider education course and a driver’s education course can get a 24-month instruction permit.