Chicago-area teens flock to DMVs for exclusive summer dates

More than 2,600 Illinois teens are preparing to get behind the wheel under a new program expanding teen-only hours at Chicago-area DMVs on Saturdays, bureau officials said from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Many of those appointments were filled Saturday with the launch of the initiative to streamline driving tests, permits and licenses for teens during the summer, the busiest time of year without school , officials said.

The West Side Driver Services Center, located at 5301 W. Lexington St., saw a rush of teenagers early Saturday when it opened, an employee said. But the tours were cut short at 11 a.m. as a downpour of rain fell and continued for the rest of the day.

“Today is day one and I’m excited about this program for the summer,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias told the Sun-Times. “But I have a feeling this one will continue to grow in popularity as the years go by.”

The Chicago West location is one of 10 locations in the area where teen-only services are offered from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 31. The other DMVs, selected for their high percentage of teen drivers, are in Addison, Aurora. , Bridgeview, Des Plaines, Elgin, Joliet, Lake Zurich, Plano and St. Charles.

The program creates an additional 1,000 weekly appointments for nearly 9,000 licensees who are on track to become licensed this summer, according to Giannoulias' office. Teen-only establishments have “selfie stations” where people can take photos after getting their license and learn about data protection.

“We're trying to help these kids have a good first experience and also help the parents by giving them more opportunities to come on a Saturday when it's more possible for them,” Giannoulias said.

To make an appointment, call (800) 252-8980.