Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Senior drivers may not have to test as often under a plan to increase the mandatory test age passes unanimously out of the Illinois Senate on Thursday.

The bill would increase the mandatory test age from 79 to 87. It will also allow Illinoisan to report their family members of any age if they believe they should not be allowed on the road.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in a news conference said this age group are the states safest drivers.

Giannoulias says the data bears out that senior citizens tend to be safe drivers.

The plan received bipartisan support.

Our news partners at WAND-tV say with the policy passing the Senate, it will now head to the Governor’s office for consideration.