Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
The six-hour course is required when all three of these conditions apply:
You are 18, 19, or 20.
You are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.
You have never completed an approved driver education course.
Illinois requires eligible applicants to successfully complete the course before obtaining an Illinois driver's license.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this specific six-hour course if:
You are under 18 and are following the teen GDL process.
You are 21 or older and do not have another applicable requirement.
You previously held a driver's license.
You previously completed an approved driver education course.
You have qualifying proof of driver education completed elsewhere.
The requirement is tied to first-time applicants ages 18 through 20 rather than to a particular Illinois city.
Illinois Online Adult Driver Education Rules
Illinois permits the six-hour Adult Driver Education course to be completed online when the provider is properly certified. The Secretary of State regulates the online-only Adult Driver Education certification program.
The course covers traffic safety subjects such as:
Traffic laws
Highway signs and markings
Driver decision-making
Risk taking
Impaired driving
Distracted driving
Cell phone and texting risks
Speeding
Seat belts
Night driving
Right-of-way
Students must also successfully complete the provider's written final test. That test verifies completion of the course and does not replace the Secretary of State's licensing tests.
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
The course includes
At least six hours of instruction.
Online instruction through a certified provider.
Illinois traffic safety education.
Rules of the road.
Highway signs and markings.
Information about impaired and distracted driving.
A provider final test.
Completion certification.
The course does not include
Behind-the-wheel lessons.
Instructor-led driving practice.
The Secretary of State written examination.
The Secretary of State road examination.
Automatic issuance of a license.
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This practice recommendation is separate from the six-hour course.
Martinsville Adult Driver Licensing Process
Confirm that you meet the Adult Driver Education requirements.
Select a Secretary of State-certified provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Pass the provider's final test.
Obtain your completion certificate.
Gather the required identification documents.
Locate a Driver Services facility that provides the services you need.
Complete the applicable vision, written and road examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements and applicable fees.
Course completion alone does not create driving privileges.
Driving in Martinsville, Illinois
Martinsville is a smaller Clark County city surrounded by a predominantly rural transportation environment. Its location near I-70 means local drivers may transition quickly from city streets and rural roads to interstate traffic.
IDOT's highway program identifies I-70 work near the Martinsville interchange and U.S. 40 work in Martinsville, including a bridge project over the North Fork Embarras River.
New drivers should therefore be comfortable with:
Local city streets
Two-lane rural roads
U.S. Route 40
Interstate 70
Agricultural equipment
Commercial vehicles
Railroad crossings
Changing roadway conditions
Major Roads and Highways Near Martinsville
Interstate 70
I-70 is the most important high-speed route near Martinsville. It provides regional east-west travel and connects Clark County with destinations in Illinois and Indiana.
Entering or exiting an interstate requires careful attention to traffic speed, merging gaps and lane changes.
U.S. Route 40
U.S. Route 40 is an important east-west route through the Martinsville area. IDOT records document highway and bridge improvements on U.S. 40 in Martinsville.
Illinois Route 1
Illinois Route 1 is another important Clark County north-south route and connects the broader county transportation system with Marshall and other communities.
Primary Local Driving Topic: Interstate Merging
For a beginning driver in Martinsville, learning how to merge safely onto I-70 is especially important.
When entering the interstate:
Use the acceleration lane to build appropriate speed.
Check mirrors frequently.
Check the blind spot before changing lanes.
Signal before merging.
Look for a safe gap.
Avoid stopping at the end of an entrance ramp unless traffic conditions require it.
Maintain a safe following distance after merging.
Drivers should also prepare for commercial traffic. Large trucks can take longer to accelerate, slow down and change lanes.
If you miss an exit, continue to the next safe exit rather than attempting a sudden lane change or stopping on the shoulder.
Additional Safety Topic: Railroad Crossings
Railroad crossings are an important local safety consideration around Martinsville. Illinois Commerce Commission records document CSX-related highway-rail crossings involving Union Street, 600th Street, Friendship Road and other locations in the Martinsville area.
New drivers should:
Slow down near crossings.
Watch for warning lights and gates.
Never drive around a lowered gate.
Never stop on the tracks.
Make sure there is enough room beyond the tracks before crossing.
Look and listen for trains.
Take Adult Driver Education Online in Martinsville
Eligible first-time applicants living in Martinsville can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
Online education satisfies the education portion of the requirement when completed successfully, but applicants must still complete the applicable Secretary of State licensing process in person.
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities Near Martinsville
Clark County currently does not have a Driver Services facility listed in Martinsville in the Secretary of State's statewide facility directory.
Nearby listed facilities include:
Paris Driver Services Facility
714 GrandviewParis, IL 61944
Robinson Driver Services Facility
300 W. MainRobinson, IL 62454
The current statewide directory lists both locations. Applicants should confirm the specific service needed through the official DMV Facility Finder before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Martinsville?
If you are 18, 19, or 20, are applying for your first Illinois driver's license, and have never completed approved driver education, you must complete the six-hour course.
Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Martinsville?
Yes. Illinois allows certified providers to offer the course online.
How long is the course?
The course is at least six hours long.
Does it include driving lessons?
No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education course does not include behind-the-wheel instruction.
Is there a final test?
Yes. The provider administers a written final test as part of the course.
Does that test replace the Secretary of State written test?
No. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State examinations.
How much driving practice is recommended?
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night.
What is the main highway near Martinsville?
Interstate 70 is the major high-speed regional route near Martinsville. U.S. Route 40 is another important route in the area.
Is U.S. Route 40 important for Martinsville drivers?
Yes. IDOT identifies U.S. 40 work in Martinsville, including a bridge project over the North Fork Embarras River.
Are railroad crossings a concern?
Yes. Illinois Commerce Commission records document multiple CSX highway-rail crossings in and around Martinsville.
Where can Martinsville residents complete Driver Services?
The current Secretary of State directory lists Paris and Robinson as nearby Driver Services facilities. Verify services before traveling.
Do I need an appointment?
That depends on the facility and service. Check the official DMV Facility Finder before traveling.
Does living in Martinsville change the course requirement?
No. Your eligibility is based on your age, first-time licensing status and previous driver education.
Can someone under 18 take this six-hour course instead of teen driver education?
No. Applicants under 18 follow the Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing system.
Does the online course provide a driver's license?
No. Course completion is one part of the licensing process. You must still satisfy the applicable Secretary of State requirements and examinations.
Should new drivers practice before taking the road test?
Yes. Illinois encourages substantial supervised practice, including nighttime driving, before obtaining a license.
Start Your Martinsville Adult Driver Education Course Online
If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant ages 18 to 20 in Martinsville, you can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
Complete the course, pass the provider's final test, obtain your completion certificate, and continue your licensing process through the Illinois Secretary of State.