Carroll County Adult Driver Education

Online Adult Driver Education in Carroll County, Illinois

If you are 18, 19, or 20 and are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, you may be required to complete the Illinois Secretary of State-certified six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. Illinois allows this course to be completed online when you choose a provider certified to offer online Adult Driver Education. (Illinois Secretary of State)

For eligible applicants throughout Carroll County, online instruction can be completed without traveling to a classroom in communities such as Mount Carroll, Savanna, Lanark, Chadwick, and Shannon. Carroll County has a predominantly rural road network, with important routes connecting its communities and the Mississippi River corridor.

After completing the course and passing the provider's final written test, the student receives access to an official Certificate of Completion. The certificate should be downloaded and printed. The student must then visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility with the certificate and required identification documents and complete the applicable licensing examinations. Completing the course does not automatically issue an Illinois driver's license or authorize you to drive. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Seal of the State of Illinois
Approved by the Illinois Secretary of StateProvider #3362
Enroll Now for $47 How It Works

Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?

Illinois requires the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course when all three of the following conditions apply:

You are18, 19, or 20 years old.

You are applying for anIllinois driver's license for the first time.

You havenever completed an approved driver education coursethrough a high school or commercial driving school.

All three conditions must apply. If you meet them, the course must be completed before you obtain your Illinois driver's license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course must be completed through a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois states that completion through a provider that is not certified will not be accepted. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Who Does Not Need This Course?

The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement does not apply to every Illinois license applicant.

You generally do not need this specific course if:

You areunder 18. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements. (Illinois Secretary of State)

You are21 or older, because the six-hour adult-course requirement is directed at eligible first-time applicants ages 18 through 20.

You have previously been licensed and therefore are not applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.

You are 18, 19, or 20 but can provide proof that you successfully completed an approved driver education program through a high school or commercial driving school. (Illinois Secretary of State)

You are moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver's license and are transferring that license. The Secretary of State states that proof of Adult Driver Education is not required solely because you are transferring an out-of-state license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Your individual licensing circumstances can affect what documents or examinations you need, so review the current Secretary of State requirements if you are unsure whether the adult course applies to you.

Illinois Online Course Rules

The Illinois Adult Driver Education Course must contain at least six hours of classroom or online instruction. Illinois permits certified providers to offer the course in a classroom, online, or both, depending on the provider's certification. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course covers traffic-safety subjects including:

Current Illinois traffic laws.

Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings.

Poor decision-making and risk-taking.

Impaired driving.

Driver distraction, including cell phone and text-message use.

Speed and speed-related risks.

Safety-belt use.

Nighttime driving.

Failure to yield the right of way.

Other traffic-safety issues associated with motor vehicle crashes. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course also includes a provider-administered written final test. Passing this test is part of successfully completing the Adult Driver Education Course. It doesnotreplace the written examination administered by the Illinois Secretary of State. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The Secretary of State maintains a certified-provider list. The current list identifies IllinoisAdultDriverEd.com as anOnlineAdult Driver Education provider. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

After successful course completion, the Secretary of State sends an email containing a link to download the Certificate of Completion. The student should print the certificate and take it to a Driver Services facility with the required identification documents. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What the Course Includes and Does Not Include

Includes

At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction.

Online instruction when completed through a certified online provider.

Illinois traffic laws and traffic-safety information.

Highway signs, signals, and markings.

Instruction concerning impaired and distracted driving.

Information about speed, nighttime driving, safety belts, right of way, and other crash-related risks.

A provider-administered written final test.

Access to an official Certificate of Completion after successful completion. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel driving instruction.

In-car lessons with a driving instructor.

The Secretary of State written examination.

The Secretary of State road examination.

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license.

Driving privileges.

Illinois specifically states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course consists of classroom or computer online time and does not include, or have to include, behind-the-wheel training. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is a recommendation and isnot a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. Applicants must still pass the applicable behind-the-wheel portion of the Secretary of State driving test. (Illinois Secretary of State)

County Licensing Process

For an eligible first-time applicant in Carroll County, the general process is:

Confirm your eligibility.Make sure you are 18, 19, or 20, are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have not previously completed an approved driver education course.

Select a certified provider.Choose an Adult Driver Education provider listed by the Illinois Secretary of State. If you want to study online, make sure the provider is certified to offer the online course. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Complete the six-hour course.Finish the required online instruction and course activities.

Pass the provider's final written test.This test is required for course completion. It is separate from the Secretary of State's written licensing examination. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Get your Certificate of Completion.Follow the provider and Secretary of State instructions to access the official certificate. Download and print it. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Prepare your identification documents.First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. Review the current acceptable-document list before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Check the facility before traveling.Use the official Driver Services Facility Finder to confirm current hours, services, testing availability, and any appointment requirements.

Visit a Driver Services facility.Bring your printed Certificate of Completion and required identification documents.

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

Complete the remaining licensing requirements.Course completion is only one part of the licensing process. The Secretary of State determines whether you meet all requirements for an Illinois driver's license.

Driving in the County

Carroll County has a rural driving environment with several small communities connected by state highways, U.S. routes, county roads, and local streets. The county's transportation network also reflects its location along the Mississippi River and the bluffs and rolling terrain of northwest Illinois. IDOT's current Carroll County highway map shows the combination of state routes, U.S. Route 52, county roads, and local roads serving the county. (IDOT)

Drivers in the eastern and central parts of the county can encounter rolling terrain, curves, wooded areas, and changes in elevation. These conditions require different speed and steering decisions than a straight rural road across flat farmland.

The Mississippi River is especially important along the western edge of the county. Savanna and other communities in the western portion of Carroll County are part of the Great River Road and Mississippi River recreation corridor. Savanna's official municipal website highlights the community's riverfront setting, Mississippi Palisades State Park, scenic driving, and the surrounding Driftless Area. (Savanna)

Agricultural traffic is also relevant on the county's rural road network. New drivers should expect farm equipment, slower-moving vehicles, large machinery entering or leaving fields, and vehicles making wide turns on rural routes.

Winter driving is another consideration. Local governments maintain snow-emergency routes, and the City of Savanna publishes designated snow routes for winter conditions. Drivers should expect snow, ice, reduced visibility, and changing pavement conditions during winter weather. (Savanna)

Rail transportation is also part of the county's transportation environment. Savanna has a long railroad and transportation history, and the city's current website references railroad tracks within the community. Drivers should remain attentive at crossings and avoid distractions when approaching tracks. (Savanna)

Major Roads and Highways

Carroll County does not contain an Interstate highway. Its principal through routes are a combination of U.S. and Illinois routes that connect the county's communities with neighboring counties and regional destinations. IDOT's current county highway map identifies the major routes and county roadway network. (IDOT)

U.S. Route 52is an important north-south route through Carroll County. It provides a regional connection through the county and connects with the surrounding northwest Illinois road network. Carroll County road-maintenance documents specifically reference Ogle Road's connection with U.S. Route 52. (Carroll County)

Illinois Route 64crosses the northern portion of the county and serves communities including Mount Carroll. County transportation documents identify the Route 64 and Route 78 intersection in Mount Carroll. (Carroll County)

Illinois Route 78is an important north-south state route through the central portion of Carroll County. It intersects Route 64 in Mount Carroll and provides a major connection between communities in the county and surrounding areas. (Carroll County)

Illinois Route 84serves the western portion of Carroll County and follows the Mississippi River corridor. County road-maintenance records reference Brookville Road's connection with Illinois Route 84. (Carroll County)

Illinois Route 40serves the eastern and southeastern portion of the county's roadway network. Carroll County road-maintenance records reference Benson Road's connection with Illinois Route 40. (Carroll County)

Illinois Route 73serves the eastern portion of the county and connects with local county roads. Carroll County maintenance documents identify Georgetown Road's connection with Route 73. (Carroll County)

These routes are primarily rural highways rather than limited-access expressways. New drivers should be prepared for intersections, farm equipment, slower vehicles, curves, changing elevation, and traffic entering or leaving small communities.

Primary Local Driving Topic: Rural Roads, Bluffs, and Curves

One of the most important driving considerations in Carroll County is adapting speed and vehicle control to rural roads and the area's rolling terrain.

The county's location near the Mississippi River and the Mississippi Palisades creates a landscape that differs from the flat, straight road environment found in parts of central Illinois. The City of Savanna describes the surrounding area as part of the Driftless Area and highlights its bluffs, panoramic views, trails, and scenic drives. (Savanna)

For a new driver, a scenic road can still be a demanding road. Curves can limit how far ahead you can see. Trees and changes in elevation can reduce sight distance. A vehicle traveling in the opposite direction can appear quickly after a blind curve.

Good habits include:

Reduce speed before entering a curve rather than braking sharply after entering it.

Keep the vehicle within your lane, especially on narrow rural roads.

Look beyond the immediate curve for potential hazards.

Leave extra following distance behind farm equipment and other slow vehicles.

Do not pass unless you have a clear, legal, and safe view of the roadway ahead.

Expect animals, pedestrians, bicyclists, and recreational traffic in scenic areas.

Avoid letting the scenery distract you from the road.

A driver who learns to adjust speed before a curve is better prepared for the road conditions found throughout Carroll County.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Winter Weather and Snow Routes

Winter weather can change normal driving conditions quickly in Carroll County. Snow and ice can reduce traction, increase stopping distances, and make curves more difficult to negotiate.

The City of Savanna maintains designated snow-emergency routes and publishes information about snow-route restrictions. This illustrates why local drivers need to pay attention to temporary winter traffic rules as well as normal traffic signs. (Savanna)

New drivers should:

Reduce speed when snow or ice is present.

Increase following distance.

Brake smoothly rather than making sudden movements.

Clear snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the vehicle roof before driving.

Allow additional time for trips.

Watch for snowplows and give them adequate space.

Follow temporary parking or snow-emergency restrictions.

Avoid unnecessary travel during severe winter conditions.

Winter driving is not simply about having a vehicle that can move through snow. It requires adjusting speed and following distance to the actual road conditions.

Take the Course Online Throughout the County

Eligible first-time applicants throughout Carroll County can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction online through a certified online provider. The requirement applies to eligible applicants throughout Illinois, so you do not need to live in Mount Carroll or another particular community to take the online course. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Students in Mount Carroll, Savanna, Lanark, Chadwick, Shannon, and surrounding rural areas can complete the classroom or online portion without traveling to a physical classroom for the required instruction.

However, online course completion does not eliminate the in-person licensing process. After completing the course, you must download and print your completion certificate, prepare your identification documents, and visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to complete the applicable licensing requirements and examinations. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Important County Communities

Mount Carroll

Mount Carroll is the county seat of Carroll County and is one of the county's principal communities. The Illinois State Archives identifies Mount Carroll as acityand the county seat. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

Mount Carroll is also an important transportation point because Illinois Routes 64 and 78 meet in the community. County transportation documents specifically identify the intersection of those routes and their surrounding roadway connections. (Carroll County)

New drivers traveling through Mount Carroll should be prepared for the transition between rural highways and local city streets, along with traffic near the Route 64 and Route 78 corridor.

Savanna

Savanna is a city along the Mississippi River and one of Carroll County's most recognizable transportation and recreation communities. The city's official website describes its Mississippi River setting, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Great River Road connections, and scenic driving opportunities. (Savanna)

Savanna's riverfront location and recreational attractions can create traffic patterns that differ from those of an inland rural community. Drivers should remain alert for visitors unfamiliar with local streets, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles traveling toward recreational destinations.

Lanark

Lanark is a city in Carroll County and is one of the communities included in the Illinois State Archives' official local-government index. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

The city is located within the county's rural roadway network, where local streets connect with county and state routes. Drivers traveling between Lanark and other Carroll County communities should expect rural highway conditions, agricultural vehicles, and changing weather conditions.

Chadwick

Chadwick is a village in Carroll County and is home to an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility at 236 Main Street. The Illinois State Archives classifies Chadwick as a village rather than a city or town. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

For eligible drivers, Chadwick is particularly relevant because it provides an in-county location for Secretary of State services. Applicants should verify current testing and appointment information before traveling.

Shannon

Shannon is a village in Carroll County located within the county's rural transportation network. The Illinois State Archives identifies Shannon as a village. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

County transportation records reference the Shannon Route in connection with local road maintenance, illustrating the community's connection to the county road system. (Carroll County)

Thomson

Thomson is a village in Carroll County near the Mississippi River corridor. The Illinois State Archives identifies Thomson as a village and records its former name as York. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

The area's location near the Mississippi River and regional recreational destinations means drivers may encounter a mix of local, agricultural, and visitor traffic.

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

The current Illinois Secretary of State facility list identifiesChadwickas a Driver Services facility within Carroll County. The statewide list does not currently display the phrase"Appointment Required for Driver Services"next to Chadwick. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Chadwick Driver Services Facility

236 Main StreetChadwick, IL 61014

Appointment designation:The current statewide facility list does not identify Chadwick as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" location. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Chadwick is the in-county Secretary of State facility listed for Carroll County. Because facility services and testing availability can change, applicants should use the official Facility Finder to verify whether the location currently provides the particular first-time license services and examinations they need before traveling.

Dixon Driver Services Facility

925 S. PeoriaDixon, IL 61021

Appointment designation:The current statewide facility list does not identify Dixon as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" location. The current official Facility Finder identifies Dixon as offering first-time driver's license issuance, non-CDL written testing, non-CDL road testing, vision screening, and other driver services. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Sterling Driver Services Facility

1224 W. 4th StreetSterling, IL 61081

Appointment designation:The current statewide facility list does not identify Sterling as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" location. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Chadwick, Dixon, and Sterling are separate Driver Services facilities. Applicants should not assume that every service is available at every location.

Before traveling to any facility, check the official Illinois Secretary of State Facility Finder to confirm:

Current facility hours.

First-time license services.

Vision screening availability.

Written testing availability.

Road-testing availability.

Current appointment requirements.

Any temporary service changes.

The official statewide facility list should also be checked because facility locations and service policies can change. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Carroll 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. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Carroll County?

Yes. Illinois permits the course to be completed online when the provider is certified to offer online Adult Driver Education. (Illinois Secretary of State)

How old must I be to take the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course?

The requirement applies to eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicants who are 18, 19, or 20 years old. (Illinois Secretary of State)

How long is the Adult Driver Education Course?

The course must contain at least six hours of classroom or online instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does the course include behind-the-wheel lessons?

No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course does not include behind-the-wheel instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Should I practice driving before applying for my license?

Yes. Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This is a recommendation and is not a required part of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does the provider's final test replace the Secretary of State written test?

No. You must successfully complete the provider's final written test to complete the course, but you must also complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What happens after I pass the course?

The Secretary of State sends an email containing a link to your Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate, then bring it with your required identification documents to a Driver Services facility. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What identification documents do I need?

First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. Review the current acceptable-identification-document list before visiting a facility because the documents required can depend on your circumstances. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Is there a Secretary of State Driver Services facility in Carroll County?

Yes. The current statewide facility list identifies a Driver Services facility in Chadwick at 236 Main Street. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does the Chadwick facility require an appointment?

The current statewide facility list does not identify Chadwick with the "Appointment Required for Driver Services" designation. Applicants should still check the official Facility Finder for current appointment requirements and service availability before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Can I use a facility outside Carroll County?

Yes. Nearby Driver Services facilities include Dixon at 925 S. Peoria and Sterling at 1224 W. 4th Street. The current statewide list does not identify either location with the "Appointment Required for Driver Services" designation. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Do applicants under 18 take this six-hour course?

Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements. The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies to eligible applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Do applicants age 21 or older need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course?

Most applicants age 21 or older are not subject to this specific six-hour adult-course requirement. The requirement applies to eligible first-time applicants ages 18 through 20. Other Illinois licensing requirements may still apply based on an applicant's circumstances. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Call to Action

If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant age 18, 19, or 20 in Carroll County, you can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction online through an Illinois Secretary of State-certified provider.

Complete the course and provider final test, download and print your completion certificate, then take the certificate and required identification documents to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to complete the remaining licensing requirements.

Cities and Towns in Carroll County, Illinois

Lanark, city

Mount Carroll, city and county seat

Savanna, city

The Illinois State Archives Name Index to Illinois Local Governments identifies Lanark, Mount Carroll, and Savanna as municipalities with acityform of government. Mount Carroll is identified as the county seat. The same official index identifies Chadwick, Milledgeville, Shannon, and Thomson as villages, so they are excluded from this section. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

Sources