Overview
The city's driving environment combines local streets with higher-speed rural highways. US 24 and Illinois Route 99 form important parts of the local transportation network, while Illinois Route 107 serves the area south of Mount Sterling. IDOT's current highway program identifies roadway improvements on US 24 and IL 99 in Mount Sterling, including work at the US 24 and IL 99 intersection and along IL 99 south of US 24. (IDOT)
Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports also document deer collisions, speeding, improper lane usage, and other traffic activity around Mount Sterling and on surrounding highways. These reports make wildlife awareness, speed control, lane positioning, and careful highway driving especially relevant for new drivers in the area. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
Illinois uses a three-part eligibility test. You must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course if all three of these conditions apply:
You are 18, 19, or 20 years old.
You are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.
You have never completed any type of driver education course in high school or through a commercial driving school.
The Illinois Secretary of State states that applicants who meet all three conditions must successfully complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Living in Mount Sterling does not create a separate local driver education requirement. The Adult Driver Education rules are statewide.
The course must be completed through a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois specifically states that completion through a provider that is not listed as certified will not be accepted for the licensing requirement. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Who Does Not Need This Course?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course is not required for every Illinois license applicant.
You generally do not need this specific course if:
You are under 18. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements. (Illinois Secretary of State)
You are 21 or older. The specific Adult Driver Education requirement applies to eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20.
You were previously licensed. The requirement applies to first-time Illinois license applicants meeting the specified conditions.
You previously completed qualifying driver education. A qualifying high school or commercial driving school course may satisfy the education requirement.
You are transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license. The Adult Driver Education requirement is not imposed solely because someone is moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state license.
If your previous driver education or licensing history is unusual, verify your eligibility with the Illinois Secretary of State before relying on an exemption.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The Adult Driver Education Course must contain at least six hours of instruction. Illinois allows the course to be offered in a classroom or online, depending on the provider's certification. Online-only providers must receive the appropriate Secretary of State certification. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course covers traffic-safety subjects including:
Illinois traffic laws
Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings
Driver decision-making
Risk-taking
Impaired driving
Driver distraction
Cell phone and text-message safety
Speed-related risks
Safety-belt use
Nighttime driving
Right-of-way rules
Factors commonly associated with motor vehicle crashes
The Illinois Secretary of State states that the course is at least six hours in length and covers these types of traffic-safety subjects. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The online course also includes a provider-administered final test. Passing that test is part of completing the Adult Driver Education Course. It does not replace the written examination administered by the Secretary of State during the licensing process.
After successful completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion. The certificate documents course completion, but it is not an Illinois driver's license and does not independently authorize you to drive. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What the course includes
At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction
Online instruction when completed through a properly certified online provider
Illinois traffic laws and driver-safety information
Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings
Driver decision-making and risk-taking information
Impaired-driving information
Distracted-driving information
Cell phone and texting safety information
Speed and safety-belt information
Night-driving information
Right-of-way information
A provider-administered final test
A Certificate of Completion after successful completion
What the course does not include
Behind-the-wheel instruction
In-car driving lessons
The Secretary of State written examination
The Secretary of State road examination
Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license
Automatic authorization to drive
Illinois encourages applicants to obtain at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. These practice hours are separate from the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Mount Sterling Licensing Process
For an eligible first-time applicant in Mount Sterling, the general process is:
Confirm your eligibility. Make sure you are 18, 19, or 20, applying for your first Illinois driver's license, and have not already completed qualifying driver education.
Choose a certified Adult Driver Education provider. Illinois requires the provider to be certified by the Secretary of State.
Complete the six-hour course online. Complete the required instructional material and provider final test.
Receive your Certificate of Completion. Keep the certificate available for your licensing visit.
Prepare your identification documents. First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State.
Choose a Driver Services facility. There is currently no full Secretary of State Driver Services facility listed in Mount Sterling or elsewhere in Brown County on the statewide facility directory. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Complete the applicable vision examination.
Complete the Secretary of State written examination.
Complete the applicable road examination.
Pay the applicable licensing fees and complete the remaining requirements.
Receive your Illinois driver's license after all requirements are satisfied.
Completing the online course does not eliminate the in-person licensing process.
Driving in Mount Sterling, Illinois
Mount Sterling is the center of Brown County's local transportation network. The city sits along US 24, with Illinois Route 99 running through the community and Illinois Route 107 serving the area to the south. IDOT's current highway program identifies several improvement projects involving US 24 and IL 99 within Mount Sterling. (IDOT)
This means a beginning driver may move between residential streets, downtown streets, commercial areas, state highways, and rural roads during a single trip.
The transition between local streets and the US 24 and IL 99 corridors deserves particular attention. Drivers must adjust their speed, lane position, following distance, and awareness when entering a higher-speed roadway.
Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports provide current examples of traffic activity in Mount Sterling. Reports from August 2026 include traffic incidents on US 24 near Mount Sterling, deer collisions on IL 107, speeding citations, and citations involving intersections on East Main Street, West Main Street, US 24, South Street, and other local roads. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
Earlier 2026 reports also document deer collisions on US 24, IL 99, and local county roads near Mount Sterling. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
For a new driver, the important lesson is that relatively low traffic volume does not eliminate risk. Rural highways can involve higher speeds, wildlife, agricultural traffic, changing road conditions, and vehicles entering from side roads.
U.S. Route 24
US 24 is one of the most important transportation routes through Mount Sterling and Brown County.
The highway runs through the Mount Sterling area and connects the city with surrounding communities. Brown County Sheriff's reports have documented traffic crashes, deer collisions, speeding, and other incidents on US 24. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
IDOT's current five-year highway program also identifies pavement, shoulder, accessibility, and traffic-signal improvements involving US 24 and IL 99 in Mount Sterling. (IDOT)
New drivers should be prepared for:
Higher-speed traffic
Vehicles entering from side roads
Commercial and agricultural vehicles
Lane changes
Turning traffic
Wildlife
Road construction and maintenance activity
Illinois Route 99
Illinois Route 99 is another major highway through Mount Sterling.
The route connects Mount Sterling with Versailles and other communities to the north and south. Brown County Sheriff's reports have documented speeding and deer-related incidents on IL 99. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
IDOT's current highway program includes several IL 99 projects in and around Mount Sterling, including pavement work and improvements extending south from US 24 toward IL 107. (IDOT)
Drivers should watch for changing traffic conditions near intersections, turning vehicles, highway work, and transitions between the city and rural roadway environment.
Illinois Route 107
Illinois Route 107 serves the southern portion of Brown County and connects with the Mount Sterling area.
Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports document multiple deer collisions on IL 107, including incidents near Mount Sterling and county-road intersections. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
Drivers using IL 107 should be particularly alert to wildlife, rural intersections, farm equipment, and changes in roadway conditions.
Local and County Roads
Mount Sterling also connects to an extensive network of local and county roads.
IDOT's Brown County highway map shows the network of state, U.S., county, and local roads surrounding Mount Sterling. (IDOT)
These roads can have lower traffic volumes than US 24 and IL 99, but drivers should not assume they are automatically easier. Rural roads can have limited lighting, curves, hills, agricultural entrances, wildlife, and intersections with limited sight distance.
Watch for Deer on Rural Roads
Deer awareness is one of the most important local safety topics for a new driver in Mount Sterling and Brown County.
Recent Brown County Sheriff's reports document deer collisions on US 24, IL 99, IL 107, and county roads around Mount Sterling and other Brown County communities. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
For example, August 2026 reports documented deer collisions on IL 107 at county-road intersections near Mount Sterling. Earlier reports documented deer collisions on US 24 and IL 99. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
A new driver should:
Scan the roadside as well as the pavement ahead.
Be especially alert around dawn, dusk, and nighttime.
Reduce speed when visibility is limited.
Watch for additional deer if one deer crosses the road.
Keep both hands available for steering.
Avoid sudden swerving into another lane.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Use controlled braking when necessary.
Pay attention to wildlife warning signs.
Be especially cautious on rural roads surrounded by fields or wooded areas.
The safest response to a deer is not to make an uncontrolled evasive maneuver. Maintain vehicle control and avoid creating a second collision with another vehicle or roadside obstacle.
Rural Intersections and Highway Transitions
Mount Sterling's location at the center of Brown County's rural road network means new drivers frequently transition between city streets and higher-speed highways.
A driver may leave a local street and quickly encounter US 24, IL 99, IL 107, or a county road. The change in roadway speed and traffic conditions requires the driver to actively adjust.
Recent Sheriff's reports include traffic activity at locations such as US 24 and South Street, Main Street intersections, IL 99 near Mount Sterling and Versailles, and county-road intersections. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
When approaching rural or highway intersections:
Slow down appropriately.
Check both directions for approaching vehicles.
Watch for vehicles turning onto or off the highway.
Look for farm equipment entering the roadway.
Avoid assuming a road is clear simply because traffic is light.
Be careful where vegetation, hills, curves, or roadside objects limit visibility.
Leave enough following distance to react to sudden stops.
New drivers should also remember that rural roads can require more anticipation than city streets because there may be fewer street lights, fewer traffic-control devices, and fewer opportunities to correct an error.
Take the Course Online in Mount Sterling
Eligible Mount Sterling residents can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online when they choose a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State for online Adult Driver Education. Illinois specifically permits certified providers to offer the course online. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The online format allows eligible students to complete the education requirement without attending a physical classroom in Mount Sterling.
The course is separate from behind-the-wheel driving instruction. After completing the course and receiving the Certificate of Completion, you must still complete the applicable licensing process at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Downtown Mount Sterling
Downtown Mount Sterling contains local streets, businesses, intersections, pedestrian activity, and access to surrounding roads.
New drivers should reduce speed appropriately in the central business area and watch for pedestrians, parked vehicles, turning traffic, and vehicles entering or leaving businesses.
US 24 Through Mount Sterling
US 24 is one of the city's primary higher-speed transportation corridors.
Drivers entering US 24 from local streets should make sure they have sufficient space, check traffic carefully, and avoid entering the roadway without considering the speed of approaching vehicles.
US 24 and Illinois Route 99
The US 24 and IL 99 area is an important transportation point in Mount Sterling. IDOT's current highway program includes pavement and traffic-signal improvements at the US 24 and IL 99 area. (IDOT)
Drivers should be prepared for turning traffic, lane changes, traffic-control devices, and possible roadway work.
Illinois Route 99 South of Mount Sterling
IL 99 continues south from Mount Sterling toward IL 107 and the rural portions of Brown County.
This section combines higher-speed highway travel with rural conditions and potential wildlife activity. Brown County Sheriff's reports have documented speeding and deer-related incidents on IL 99. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
Illinois Route 107
IL 107 connects the southern Brown County area with Mount Sterling and the surrounding highway network.
Deer collisions have been documented on IL 107 near county-road intersections, making wildlife awareness especially important for drivers using this route. (Brown County, IL | Mt. Sterling, IL)
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities
There is currently no full Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility listed in Mount Sterling or elsewhere in Brown County on the statewide facility directory. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Applicants therefore need to use an appropriate Driver Services facility outside Brown County.
Pittsfield Driver Services
202 W. Jefferson, Pittsfield, IL 62363
Pittsfield is one of the regional Secretary of State Driver Services options identified on the statewide facility list. Applicants should confirm current services, hours, and appointment requirements through the official DMV Facility Finder before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Quincy Driver Services
2512 Locust Street, Quincy, IL 62301
Quincy is another regional Driver Services option. Applicants should confirm that the facility offers the particular first-time licensing and testing services they need before traveling.
Beardstown Driver Services
103 W. 15th Street, Beardstown, IL 62618
Beardstown is another regional Driver Services facility that may be used for applicable licensing services. Confirm current services and hours before making the trip.
Jacksonville Driver Services
Lincoln Square Shopping Center, 901 W. Morton, Suite 13, Jacksonville, IL 62650
Jacksonville is another regional option for Illinois driver services.
Because facility services and appointment policies can change, applicants should use the official Illinois Secretary of State DMV Facility Finder to confirm the current location, hours, testing availability, and appointment requirements before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Mount Sterling Illinois Adult Driver Education FAQ
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Mount Sterling?
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 must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Mount Sterling?
Yes. Illinois allows Adult Driver Education to be provided online when the provider has the appropriate Secretary of State certification. (Illinois Secretary of State)
How long is the Mount Sterling Adult Driver Education Course?
The Adult Driver Education Course must contain at least six hours of instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the six-hour course include behind-the-wheel lessons?
No. The Adult Driver Education Course is an education requirement. It does not include behind-the-wheel driving lessons.
Does the online course replace the Illinois written test?
No. The provider's final test is part of completing the Adult Driver Education Course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination during the licensing process. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What do I receive after completing the course?
You receive a Certificate of Completion after successfully completing the course and its final test. You then use the certificate as part of your licensing process. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Can I get my driver's license immediately after finishing the online course?
No. Course completion does not issue a driver's license. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State licensing requirements and testing.
How much driving practice does Illinois recommend?
Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. These are recommended practice hours and are separate from the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does Mount Sterling have a Secretary of State Driver Services facility?
The current statewide Secretary of State facility directory does not list a full Driver Services facility in Mount Sterling or Brown County. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Where can I complete the licensing process if I live in Mount Sterling?
Regional Driver Services facilities include locations such as Pittsfield, Quincy, Beardstown, and Jacksonville. Confirm current services and appointment requirements through the official Secretary of State Facility Finder before traveling.
Do I need an appointment at a Driver Services facility?
Appointment policies vary by facility and may change. Check the current official facility listing and DMV Facility Finder before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What documents should I bring to the Driver Services facility?
You should bring the identification documents required by the Illinois Secretary of State for a first-time driver's license application, along with your Certificate of Completion.
Do applicants under 18 take the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course?
No. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Do applicants age 21 or older need this six-hour course?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies specifically to eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is Mount Sterling a city or village?
Mount Sterling is legally classified as a city and is the county seat of Brown County. The Illinois State Archives identifies Mount Sterling as a city and county seat. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What roads should new drivers in Mount Sterling know?
US 24, Illinois Route 99, and Illinois Route 107 are particularly important routes for drivers in and around Mount Sterling. IDOT's highway program identifies current and planned improvements involving US 24 and IL 99 in Mount Sterling. (IDOT)
Call to Action
If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant age 18, 19, or 20 in Mount Sterling, you can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online through a certified provider.
Complete the course and provider final test, receive your Certificate of Completion, and prepare your required identification documents. You will then need to visit an appropriate Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility outside Brown County to complete the applicable licensing examinations and remaining requirements.
City Information
Mount Sterling
County: Brown County
Classification: City
County Seat: Yes