Last week, as I took a stroll around the nearby forest path and returned home, I noticed the lights on in my father's garage. Peering inside, I saw my father sitting in the driver's seat, adjusting the side mirrors.

In the past, the atmosphere at home would have been quite heavy around this time. In Illinois, once you reach a certain age, you had to retake the road test every time you renewed your license. However, this year, that standard has changed significantly.

Starting July 1 of this year, Illinois's Road Safety and Fairness Act, House Bill HB 1226, went into effect. The key change is raising the mandatory road test age from 79 to 87. The bill passed the state legislature with bipartisan support in May 2025 and was signed by the governor in August of the same year.

In fact, Illinois was the only state that required road tests solely based on age. I have long questioned whether this system was fair.

To summarize the new regulations by age group: those aged 79 and 80 must renew their licenses in person every four years and only undergo a vision test. There is no road test.

From ages 81 to 86, individuals must renew in person every two years and also take a vision test. In this age group, the road test has been eliminated as well. However, reports suggest that if there is a recent traffic violation record, a written test may be required.

Once you turn 87, the situation changes. You must renew in person every year, and along with a vision test, you will have to take the actual road test. So, if your parents are approaching 87, it's best to start preparing now.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) are not affected by this change. CDL holders will still need to take the road test starting at age 75 during each renewal.

One provision in this law that has made me think more deeply is the option for family members to report concerns about their parents' driving abilities or health to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. This report can be made regardless of age.

If the report is deemed credible, the driver may be required to submit medical re-evaluation documents or retake the test. The re-test may include written, vision, and road tests. This approach focuses on actual driving ability and health rather than just age.

Supporters argue that the accident rate for drivers over 75 is lower than for other age groups. Conversely, there are concerns from driving schools that waiting until the 80s to reassess cognitive abilities is too late. I believe both arguments have merit.

One thing I learned from working in construction for a long time is that the safety of a building should be judged by actual inspections, not just the year it was built.

I think driving is similar. Even at the same age, some people have quicker reactions than others, while some may already struggle with night driving. I believe it's better to look at the individual rather than drawing a line based on a single number.

That said, it's not a time to completely relax. The elimination of the test means that there is one less set of eyes watching over someone's driving. Ultimately, that responsibility falls to the family.

When walking at night, I notice things that aren't visible during the day. How blinding the headlights of oncoming cars can be, or how the light reflected on wet pavement stretches out.

So, I've intentionally sat in the passenger seat of my father's car a few times. I quietly observed whether he turns his head enough when changing lanes and if he reads signs in time as the sun sets. Fortunately, it seems my worries were premature.

For many Korean parents, giving up driving can feel like losing their independence. It's practically impossible to shop, go to church, or visit the doctor in the suburbs without a car. If you don't understand that feeling, conversations can quickly turn into arguments.

If it were me, I would do this: Before the renewal, I would first visit an eye doctor together. Since a vision test is required for those over 79 during renewal, checking it in advance can help ease any anxiety on the day of the appointment.

It's also a good idea to check the state Department of Motor Vehicles website to see if you can make an appointment for the license facility visit. For those in the age group that must visit in person, long wait times can be exhausting for parents.

If your parents are approaching 87, I recommend driving around the neighborhood a few times together before the test. Areas like parking, left turns, and unprotected intersections are important as they reveal habitual driving behaviors.

I want to keep the family reporting system as a last resort. I believe it's best to have an honest conversation first, and if there are still clear dangers, then use that option. Reporting without the parents' knowledge can strain the relationship.

Specific conditions may vary based on individual circumstances, so please be sure to check the renewal notice and the state Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines directly. This article is based on public reports I have verified.

That night, my father sat in the car for a long time after adjusting the mirrors. I didn't ask what he was thinking. I only recalled the expression on his face when he talked about the first used car he bought after immigrating.

The steering wheel is a piece of freedom that my parents have built for themselves in this land. I believe that when to let go of it should be determined by the watchful eyes of those around them, not just by a number. It's encouraging that this law has taken a step in that direction.

The trees along the forest path also lean a little more each year, yet most endure for a long time. However, it seems that trees that are occasionally checked on stand longer. I hope to keep an eye on my parents' driving in that way.

How about giving your parents a call tonight? You can start by casually asking when their license renewal is due and if they're comfortable driving at night these days. That short conversation will reveal more than you might expect.