Long Lines for New Drivers at Newly Reopened SOS Office

By Travis Volz

Though earning a driver’s license is a rite of passage for most high school students, it is one that is largely taken for granted. The global pandemic made something that is normally fairly simple into a big deal for new drivers.

The Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Office in Nashville opened up last Tuesday for the first time since the pandemic shutdown began in mid March, and students who had been waiting to get their drivers’ licenses were among those who stood in line.

Under normal circumstances, high school kids who complete their driver education class are able to take their driving tests and get their licenses as soon as they turn 16. These are not normal circumstances.

At the Secretary of State Office in Nashville Friday, a line began forming before the office opened. By 10 a.m., that line stretched across the parking lot.

“I got here right when they opened, and there were already 20 or so people ahead of me,” said Jason Guest of Nashville, who was there with his daughter Emily, who was hoping to get her driver’s license.

Read more on the impact on students in this week’s issue.