score:4
Technically, you could, but not in every state. From US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website:
Who is eligible for a driver’s license or ID?
Any F, M or J nonimmigrant in lawful status may apply for a driver’s license or ID card, per state or territorial law. The nonimmigrant must present necessary supporting documents required to verify legal presence in the United States. For a list of required documents, see What documentation must a nonimmigrant present to the DMV? [...]
[...]
When can a nonimmigrant apply for a driver’s license or ID?
Please be aware of the following timing requirements before applying for a driver’s license or ID:
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record must be in Active status when an F, M or J nonimmigrant applies for a benefit. A nonimmigrant with a record in any other status will not have success applying for a benefit.
Wait at least ten calendar days from the date of entry into the United States before applying for a driver’s license or ID to allow time for arrival data processing. [...]
Wait at least two federal business days from the activation date in SEVIS to apply for a driver’s license or ID to ensure that the nonimmigrant’s Active status updates in all relevant databases.
Several states require that a nonimmigrant have at least six months left on the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” or Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” to be eligible for a driver’s license. Either consult with the state or territory’s DMV or visit its website to see if this is a requirement.
In your case it's down to the last point: do you need at least 6 months remaining on your visa in the state where you live?
EDIT: To find out whether you need the 6-months validity on your visa, simply contact your local DMV or call IL Department Of State Driver Services:
Anecdotally, this forum posts alludes that you do need the 6-months validity.
Upvote:-1
You don't need a Driver's license if you're just visiting for a couple months.
An international driver's license will do, and most often your own country's driver's license is all you need to rent a car. The international driver's license is only a translation of your driver's license in a bunch of other languages, and is meant to be presented with the actual license.
Upvote:3
For Illinois, nformation regarding driving licences for immigrants with permanent resident status or a nonimmigrant visa is available here. The relevant conditions for your status appear to be:
- Are an alien lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence
- Have a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant visa or nonimmigrant visa status
To get an Illinois Driver's license you must:
- Visit a Driver Services Facility, show your identification, and have your photo taken; To find the Driver Services Facility near you, see the Secretary of State Facility Finder;
- Pass the vision, written, and driving tests;
- Pay the Fee.
This site also gives relevant information and a list of the documentation that must be provided. Note that two documents proving residency must be provided.
Neither of those sites appear to list a minimum residency period.