Driver’s Education for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - Frequently Asked Questions

Oct 10, 2026

Guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education’s Special Education Department addresses driver’s education for students who are deaf or hard of hearing through a frequently asked questions format. The material corrects misconceptions about licensure and explains that learners can drive with appropriate accommodations and specialized instruction. It also covers communication during behind-the-wheel instruction, interpreter requirements, and whether additional arrangements are needed to obtain a driver’s license at course completion. Additional topics include accommodations for driving and eligibility for motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 Can a person who is deaf or hard of hearing be licensed to drive?

Q2 How do students communicate with the instructor during behind-the-wheel training?

Q3 When must an interpreter be present?

Q4 Do students need special arrangements for licensure?

Q5 Are there special accommodations for drivers?

Q6 Can deaf or hard of hearing individuals be licensed to drive motorcycles and commercial vehicles?

Resources

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| | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Illinois State Board of Education
Special Education Department
Driver’s Education for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Frequently Asked Questions
This document is intended to provide non-regulatory guidance on the subject matter listed above. For specific questions, please contact the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr . Carmen I. Ayala, State Superintendent
May 2021

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FAQs

Can a person who is deaf or hard of hearing be licensed to drive?

Yes. The guidance states that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can be licensed, and they may be as capable as hearing peers behind the wheel. It emphasizes that learners may need accommodations or specialized instruction to develop driving skills.

How do deaf or hard of hearing students communicate with the instructor during the behind-the-wheel portion?

The document addresses communication during behind-the-wheel training and frames it as an accommodation need. It directs that communication supports be provided so the student can receive instruction during that portion of the course.

Is an interpreter required, and when?

The FAQs include a specific question about whether there is a time when an interpreter must be present. The document indicates interpreter presence may be required depending on the circumstances of driver’s education delivery for the student.

Oct 10, 2026

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