Who Does Not Need This Course?

The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement does not apply in several common situations:

Applicants under 18:Drivers under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.

Most applicants age 21 or older:The specific six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement is for eligible applicants ages 18 through 20.

Previously licensed applicants:The requirement is aimed at people applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.

Applicants who completed approved driver education:If you previously completed an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school, you generally do not need the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.

New Illinois residents with a valid out-of-state driver's license:The Secretary of State states that a person moving to Illinois with an out-of-state driver's license does not have to complete the Adult Driver Education course solely to obtain an Illinois license. The out-of-state license must be surrendered and the applicable testing requirements must be completed.

If your circumstances are unusual, confirm your eligibility directly with the Illinois Secretary of State before enrolling.

Illinois Online Course Rules

The Illinois Adult Driver Education course must provide at least six hours of instruction. The Secretary of State allows the course to be offered in a classroom or online, depending on the provider's certification. Only providers certified by the Secretary of State are authorized to provide the course for this licensing requirement.

The course covers traffic-safety subjects such as:

Illinois traffic laws

Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings

Driver decision-making and risk taking

Impaired driving

Driver distraction, including cell phone use and texting

Speed-related risks

Seat belt use

Night driving

Right-of-way rules

Common factors associated with motor vehicle crashes

The Secretary of State's online Adult Driver Education certification materials require a minimum of 360 minutes of online instruction.

A provider-administered final test is part of the course. Passing that course test doesnotreplace the Illinois Secretary of State written examination required as part of the licensing process.

After successful completion, the student receives access to an official Certificate of Completion. The Secretary of State instructs students to download and print the certificate and bring it to a Driver Services facility with the other required documents.

What the Course Includes and Does Not Include

Includes

At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction

Online classroom instruction when completed through a certified online provider

Illinois traffic and driver-safety information

Instruction about signs, signals, markings, and traffic laws

Information about impaired driving, distraction, speed, seat belts, night driving, and right-of-way

A provider-administered final written test

Access to an official Certificate of Completion after successful completion

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel driving lessons

In-car instruction with a driving instructor

The Illinois Secretary of State road examination

The Illinois Secretary of State written examination

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license

Illinois specifically states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education course does not include and is not required to include behind-the-wheel training.

The Secretary of State encourages applicants to complete at least50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is a recommendation for practice and is not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.

County Licensing Process

For an eligible Brown County applicant, the general process is:

Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.You must be 18, 19, or 20, applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have no previous qualifying driver education course.

Choose an Illinois Secretary of State-certified Adult Driver Education provider.Online courses are available from providers whose certification permits online instruction.

Complete the six-hour course online.Complete the required instructional material and provider-administered final test.

Receive your Certificate of Completion.After successful completion, follow the provider and Secretary of State instructions to access, download, and print the official certificate.

Prepare your identification documents.First-time applicants must bring the required identification documents. The Secretary of State's current checklist identifies requirements covering proof of written signature, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois residency for a standard first-time application.

Visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.Bring your printed certificate and required identification documents.

Complete the required Secretary of State testing.Depending on your application, this includes the applicable vision, written, and behind-the-wheel road examinations.

Complete the remaining licensing requirements and pay the applicable fee.

Receive your Illinois driver's license if all requirements are satisfied.Course completion by itself does not issue a license or provide driving privileges.

Driving in Brown County

Brown County presents a very different driving environment from a large Illinois metropolitan area. Mount Sterling is the county's principal population center, while much of the surrounding area consists of rural roads, agricultural land, and smaller communities. The county's highway network connects local traffic with surrounding communities and regional destinations.

US 24 is an important east-west route through the county and passes through or near Mount Sterling, Timewell, and Ripley. Illinois Route 99 provides a major north-south connection through the county, while Illinois Route 107 serves the southern portion and connects with Route 99 around Mount Sterling.

New drivers should expect to share rural roads with agricultural equipment and should be prepared for changing speeds and conditions outside the more developed areas. County roads can also have intersections and curves where sight distance is more limited than on a straight urban street. Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports document collisions and traffic enforcement on US 24, IL 99, IL 107, and county roads.

The county also includes wooded and recreational areas associated with Siloam Springs State Park and the Siloam Springs and Buckhorn conservation area. IDNR describes the area as containing wooded terrain, ravines, ridges, farmland, and recreational facilities. Drivers traveling near these areas should remain alert for wildlife, pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles entering or leaving recreational areas.

Winter conditions can also make rural driving more demanding. Snow, ice, reduced visibility, and slick pavement can affect braking and cornering. New drivers should slow down for weather and road conditions rather than relying only on the posted speed limit.

Major Roads and Highways

U.S. Route 24

US 24 is Brown County's principal east-west U.S. highway. It runs through the Mount Sterling area and continues through rural portions of the county, connecting communities and providing regional travel between surrounding counties. IDOT records recent pavement work on US 24 in the Mount Sterling area.

Brown County Sheriff's reports also document traffic incidents and enforcement along US 24, including locations near Timewell, Ripley, Airport, and county-road intersections.

Illinois Route 99

Illinois Route 99 is a major north-south route through Brown County. It passes through the Mount Sterling area and continues toward Versailles and the northern portion of the county. Recent county reports document speeding and deer-related incidents along Route 99.

Illinois Route 107

Illinois Route 107 serves the southern portion of Brown County and connects with Route 99 near Mount Sterling. IDOT's Brown County highway program identifies Route 107 work extending through Brown and neighboring Pike County.

For new drivers, these routes are useful places to practice maintaining a steady speed, watching for changing traffic conditions, safely passing slower traffic only when permitted and safe, and anticipating vehicles entering from county roads and driveways.

Primary Local Driving Topic

Watch for Deer on Rural Roads

Deer awareness is a particularly relevant safety issue for Brown County drivers. Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports document deer collisions on US 24, Illinois Route 99, Illinois Route 107, and county roads in different parts of the county.

A new driver traveling between Mount Sterling, Versailles, Ripley, Timewell, or rural areas of the county should understand that a deer can enter the roadway with very little warning.

Practical habits include:

Scan the roadside, not just the pavement ahead.

Reduce speed when visibility is limited.

Be especially alert during dawn, dusk, and nighttime driving.

If you see one deer, watch carefully for additional deer.

Keep both hands available for steering and avoid abrupt swerving.

Use your brakes firmly when necessary while maintaining control of the vehicle.

Give yourself additional following distance on rural roads.

Pay attention to warning signs and local conditions.

Recent reports specifically identify deer collisions on Route 99 north and south of Versailles, US 24 near Timewell and Ripley, and county roads.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic

Rural Intersections and County Roads

Brown County's rural road network requires drivers to pay close attention at intersections where county roads meet US 24, IL 99, IL 107, and other roads. Recent sheriff reports reference crashes and traffic enforcement at intersections involving roads such as Timewell Road, County Road 975E, County Road 1050E, and other county routes.

New drivers should slow appropriately when approaching rural intersections, check carefully for cross traffic, and avoid assuming that a road will remain clear simply because traffic is light. Hills, vegetation, farm entrances, and other roadside features can reduce the amount of time available to react.

When meeting agricultural equipment, allow extra space and do not attempt to pass unless you have a clear view of the road ahead and passing is legal and safe.

Take the Course Online Throughout the County

Eligible Brown County residents can complete the classroom portion of Adult Driver Education online when they choose a Secretary of State-certified online provider. The online format can be completed from home or another suitable location with internet access, making it available to eligible applicants in Mount Sterling, Versailles, Ripley, Mound Station, Timewell, Cooperstown, and surrounding rural areas.

Completing the course online does not eliminate the need to visit the Secretary of State. After receiving and printing the Certificate of Completion, the applicant must still go to a Driver Services facility with the required documents and complete the applicable vision, written, and road examinations.

Important County Communities

Mount Sterling

Mount Sterling is the Brown County seat and the county's principal community. The city is where US 24 and IL 99 form the central part of the local highway network, with IL 107 joining IL 99 south of town. The city also contains county government offices and local destinations that generate town traffic.

For new drivers, Mount Sterling provides a transition between town streets and higher-speed rural routes. Drivers should be especially careful when moving between local streets and US 24 or IL 99.

Versailles

Versailles is a village in southern Brown County served by the Route 99 and Route 107 corridor. Brown County Sheriff's reports document traffic activity on the surrounding routes and lower-speed activity on streets such as Main Street and Cherry Street.

The community also provides access to nearby rural roads, so drivers may move quickly between village streets and open-country driving conditions.

Ripley

Ripley is a village in western Brown County associated with the US 24 corridor. County Sheriff's reports document traffic activity on US 24 near Ripley, including speeding and deer collisions.

Drivers traveling through the area should pay attention to the transition between the village and the higher-speed highway environment.

Mound Station

Mound Station is an incorporated village in Brown County. The village is part of the county's rural transportation network, where local travel connects with the larger network of county and state roads. Brown County's official election materials identify Mound Station as an incorporated village.

New drivers should be prepared for the relatively quick change from village streets to rural roads outside the community.

Timewell

Timewell is an unincorporated community in Brown County and an important local reference point along US 24. Brown County Sheriff's reports identify US 24 at Timewell in both traffic collisions and speeding reports.

Drivers near Timewell should be alert to vehicles entering and leaving the highway, rural intersections, agricultural activity, and wildlife.

Cooperstown

Cooperstown is a rural Brown County community identified in the county's official precinct information. Its surrounding area is characterized by rural roads and agricultural land rather than dense urban traffic.

Drivers in the Cooperstown area should maintain awareness at rural intersections and allow extra time to react to farm equipment, wildlife, and vehicles approaching from less-traveled county roads.

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

There is currentlyno full Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility listed in Brown Countyon the statewide facility list. Applicants therefore need to use a facility in a neighboring area or another appropriate location.

Pittsfield Driver Services

202 W. Jefferson, Pittsfield, IL 62363

The current statewide facility list does not identify Pittsfield as an appointment-required Driver Services location. The facility is listed in the Western Illinois section of the Secretary of State's facility directory.

Quincy Driver Services

2512 Locust Street, Quincy, IL 62301

The current statewide facility list does not identify Quincy as an appointment-required Driver Services location. The official facility information identifies non-CDL written and road testing among the services offered. Road tests are generally available until 60 minutes before closing, subject to operational conditions.

Beardstown Driver Services

103 W. 15th Street, Beardstown, IL 62618

The current statewide facility list does not identify Beardstown as an appointment-required Driver Services location. The official facility information lists first-time driver's license issuance, written testing, vision screening, and non-CDL road testing among its services.

Jacksonville Driver Services

Lincoln Square Shopping Center, 901 W. Morton, Suite 13, Jacksonville, IL 62650

Jacksonville is another regional Driver Services option listed by the Secretary of State. The current statewide facility list does not identify it as an appointment-required Driver Services location.

Because facility services and appointment policies can change, applicants should confirm the current location, hours, available testing services, and appointment requirements through the official Illinois Secretary of State DMV Finder before traveling.

These are full Driver Services facilities, not renewal kiosks. A Fast-Lane kiosk should not be treated as a substitute for a Driver Services facility when a first-time applicant needs vision, written, or road testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Brown County?

If you are 18, 19, or 20, are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have never completed an approved driver education course, you generally must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.

Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Brown County?

Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State permits Adult Driver Education to be provided online when the provider is certified for online Adult Driver Education.

How long is the Brown County Adult Driver Education course?

The course must contain at least six hours of instruction. Illinois online provider requirements specify at least 360 minutes of instruction.

Does the six-hour course include behind-the-wheel driving lessons?

No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education course is classroom or online instruction. It does not include behind-the-wheel training.

Do I have to complete 50 hours of driving practice?

The Secretary of State encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This is recommended practice and is not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.

Does the final test in the online course replace the Illinois written test?

No. You must still successfully complete the applicable Secretary of State testing when you apply for your driver's license. The course final test and the Secretary of State written examination are separate.

What happens after I finish the course?

After successful completion, you receive access to an official Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate, then bring it with your required identification documents to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.

Where can a Brown County resident go for the licensing process?

Brown County does not currently have a full Driver Services facility listed in the statewide directory. Current regional options include Pittsfield, Quincy, Beardstown, and Jacksonville.

Do I need an appointment at a nearby facility?

Appointment policies vary by facility and can change. The current statewide list identifies some facilities as appointment required, while others are not marked that way. Always use the official DMV Finder to confirm the current appointment policy and services before traveling.

What documents should I bring?

First-time applicants need the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. The current checklist covers proof of written signature, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois residency for a standard first-time application. Original or otherwise acceptable hard-copy documents are required, and photocopies are not accepted.

Does Brown County have a Secretary of State facility in Mount Sterling?

The current statewide facility directory does not list a full Driver Services facility in Mount Sterling or elsewhere in Brown County. Brown County has had mobile services in the past, but applicants should rely on the current official facility directory and DMV Finder for available services.

Do applicants under 18 take this six-hour course?

No. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process.

Do applicants age 21 or older need this course?

The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies specifically to eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Most applicants age 21 or older are not subject to this specific six-hour requirement.

Is the course certificate the same as an Illinois driver's license?

No. The Certificate of Completion only documents successful completion of the Adult Driver Education course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State licensing requirements and testing before an Illinois driver's license can be issued.

Call to Action

If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant age 18, 19, or 20 in Brown County, you can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider. Complete the course, obtain and print your Certificate of Completion, then take your certificate and required documents to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to finish the licensing process.

Cities and Towns in Brown County County, Illinois

Mount Sterling, city and county seat

Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?