Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?

Illinois requires the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course when 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 approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that applicants who meet all three conditions must successfully complete the six-hour course before applying for an Illinois driver's license.

This requirement is based on your age, first-time licensing status, and prior driver education history. It applies whether you live in Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Ashmore, Humboldt, Lerna, or another part of Coles County.

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 and follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process.

You are 21 or older and are not otherwise subject to a separate requirement.

You have previously been licensed and therefore are not applying as a first-time driver.

You completed an approved driver education course through a high school.

You completed an approved driver education course through a commercial driving school.

You are moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver's license and are transferring that license rather than applying as a first-time driver.

The Secretary of State specifically says that an applicant who can provide proof of successful completion of a qualifying high school driver education program does not have to take the Adult Driver Education Course. The Secretary of State also states that a person moving to Illinois with an out-of-state driver's license does not need the adult course solely to obtain an Illinois license.

Applicants under 18 are subject to Illinois' Graduated Driver Licensing requirements rather than the adult six-hour course.

Illinois Online Course Rules

The Illinois Adult Driver Education Course must provide at least six hours of instruction. The Secretary of State permits certified providers to offer the course in a classroom or online format, depending on the provider's certification. A course completed through a provider that is not certified by the Secretary of State will not be accepted.

Illinois' required subject matter includes traffic safety topics such as:

Current Illinois traffic laws

Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings

Poor decision-making and risk-taking

Impaired driving

Driver distraction, including cell phone use and text messaging

Speed

Safety belt use

Night driving

Failure to yield the right-of-way

For online courses, Secretary of State materials require at least 360 minutes of instruction, with students completing the online instruction within the applicable provider requirements.

A written final test is also required at the end of the Adult Driver Education Course. This test is administered by the course provider and is part of completing the course. It is not the same as the written examination administered by the Secretary of State when you apply for your driver's license.

After successful completion, the student receives access to an official Certificate of Completion. The Secretary of State's FAQ explains that the student receives an email containing a link to download the certificate.

The current Secretary of State certified-provider list identifies IllinoisAdultDriverEd.com as an online Adult Driver Education provider.

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 law and traffic safety education

Instruction on signs, signals, pavement markings, and common driving risks

A provider-administered final written test

Access to an official Certificate of Completion after successful completion

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel driving lessons

The Secretary of State road examination

The Secretary of State written examination

The Secretary of State vision examination

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license

Automatic driving privileges

Illinois encourages adult applicants to obtain at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is a recommendation for additional practice. It is not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. The Secretary of State also states that applicants must still pass the behind-the-wheel component of the driving test when applying for their license.

County Licensing Process

For an eligible first-time applicant in Coles 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.

Choose a certified Adult Driver Education provider.Use the Secretary of State's current certified-provider list and select an online provider if you want to complete the course online.

Complete the six-hour course.Complete the required classroom or online instruction.

Successfully complete the provider's final written test.This test is part of the Adult Driver Education Course and does not replace the Secretary of State written examination.

Obtain your Certificate of Completion.After successful completion, follow the Secretary of State and provider instructions to access the certificate.

Download and print the certificate.Keep the printed certificate for your licensing visit.

Prepare your identification documents.First-time Illinois applicants must provide documents required to establish identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and residency, as applicable.

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.Coles County applicants can use the Charleston or Mattoon facilities, subject to the services offered at the time of the visit.

Complete the applicable Secretary of State examinations.The licensing process includes the applicable vision, written, and behind-the-wheel road examinations.

Complete all remaining licensing requirements.Course completion is only one part of the licensing process. Completing the course does not automatically issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges.

Driving in Coles County

Coles County has a varied driving environment that combines two larger communities, smaller rural communities, agricultural roads, major highways, railroad infrastructure, and a significant university presence.

Mattoon and Charleston form the county's principal urban centers. The two communities are connected by Illinois Route 16, while Interstate 57 provides a major north-south regional corridor. US 45 also carries important north-south traffic through the county, and IL 130 serves the eastern part of the county. The county's current transportation plan identifies these routes as important for commuting, freight movement, and connections between communities.

Agricultural traffic is relevant outside the more developed areas. Drivers traveling on rural roads can encounter farm equipment, slow-moving vehicles, machinery entering or leaving fields, and vehicles making wide turns. A new driver should be prepared for substantial speed differences between passenger vehicles and agricultural equipment.

Rail transportation is also an important part of the county's transportation system. The Coles County Transportation Plan identifies multiple rail lines and notes that Mattoon has the county's Amtrak station. The county's transportation system therefore includes both highway and rail activity.

Coles County also has an active university environment in Charleston. Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, and official university directions route visitors into the city on IL 16, IL 130, and local streets around campus. This creates additional pedestrian, student, school, event, and parking activity around the Charleston campus area.

Weather can also affect local driving. Snow, ice, heavy rain, and reduced visibility can make rural roads and highway travel more difficult. New drivers should allow additional stopping distance during poor weather and should be especially cautious on roads outside the larger communities where roadway lighting and traffic volumes can be lower.

Major Roads and Highways

Interstate 57

Interstate 57 is the county's primary long-distance north-south highway. The Coles County Transportation Plan describes I-57 as a major regional corridor connecting the county with larger markets and cities. It is also important for freight and daily commuting.

I-57 has interchanges serving the Mattoon and Charleston area. The I-57 and IL 16 interchange east of Mattoon is an important connection for drivers traveling between the interstate, Mattoon, Charleston, and Eastern Illinois University. IDOT has also documented work involving this interchange and structures on I-57 in Coles County.

New drivers using I-57 should practice safe merging, maintaining a safe following distance, changing lanes well in advance, and managing speed differences when traveling around large trucks.

U.S. Route 45

US 45 is a principal north-south highway through the county. The Coles County Transportation Plan identifies it as a major route linking Mattoon with Champaign-Urbana to the north and Effingham to the south. The route supports freight, commuting, and access to commercial areas.

Because US 45 carries both local and regional traffic, drivers should expect a mixture of passenger vehicles, commercial traffic, turning vehicles, and traffic entering and leaving developed areas.

Illinois Route 16

IL 16 is a major east-west route through the center of Coles County. It provides the principal highway connection between Mattoon and Charleston and continues east toward Paris and west toward Shelbyville. The county transportation plan describes it as the main east-west commuter route between the two cities.

IL 16 is especially important for drivers traveling between Charleston, Mattoon, Eastern Illinois University, and the I-57 corridor.

Illinois Route 130

IL 130 is a north-south route through the eastern portion of Coles County. The county transportation plan identifies it as an important connection serving Charleston, Mattoon, and nearby communities and linking the county with areas such as Villa Grove and Tuscola.

The route is particularly relevant to drivers traveling between Charleston and communities south or north of the county.

Illinois Route 121

IL 121 runs through the western portion of Coles County and provides another north-south connection. The county's 2026 comprehensive plan describes it as an alternative corridor parallel to US 45 and IL 130, serving rural areas, local commuting, and agricultural traffic.

For new drivers, IL 121 is a useful example of how traffic conditions can change between urban areas and rural portions of the county.

Other state and county routes

The county transportation plan also identifies IL 133 and IL 49 among the transportation routes serving Coles County. County roads provide additional connections between rural areas, farms, smaller communities, and the larger highway network.

Primary Local Driving Topic: Charleston-Mattoon Commuter and University Traffic

One of the most distinctive driving environments in Coles County is the connection between Charleston and Mattoon.

IL 16 serves as the main east-west commuter route between the two communities. The county's transportation plan specifically identifies the route as important for commuting and university traffic.

Eastern Illinois University adds another layer to the Charleston-area driving environment. Official university directions tell visitors arriving from I-57 to use Exit 190A and follow IL 16 into Charleston. Drivers arriving from IL 130 also use the Charleston street network before reaching campus.

For a new driver, this means the Charleston-Mattoon corridor is a useful place to understand the transition between highway travel and city driving.

When driving between the communities:

Leave additional space when traffic is heavier.

Watch for vehicles turning from or onto IL 16.

Avoid following another vehicle too closely when approaching intersections.

Expect traffic patterns to change around school and university activity.

Watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists in developed areas.

Slow down when entering Charleston or Mattoon from the highway.

Pay attention to lane markings and turning lanes.

If traveling toward the EIU campus, follow posted signs and temporary traffic controls rather than relying solely on a familiar route.

New drivers should also understand that traffic patterns around a university can change during major events, move-in periods, commencement, athletic events, and the beginning or end of academic terms.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Railroad Crossings

Railroad activity is a genuine part of Coles County's transportation environment. The county transportation plan identifies rail as an important transportation mode and notes that Mattoon has an Amtrak station serving passenger rail connections.

New drivers should approach railroad crossings with the same caution whether they are driving in Mattoon, Charleston, or a smaller community.

Important habits include:

Slow down as you approach a crossing.

Obey flashing lights, bells, gates, and other warning devices.

Never drive around a lowered crossing gate.

Look and listen for trains before crossing.

Be cautious where more than one track is present.

Do not stop on railroad tracks.

Keep enough space ahead of your vehicle to clear the tracks completely.

Avoid distractions while approaching a crossing.

Use extra caution at night and during poor weather.

Railroad safety is especially important for new drivers because trains can be difficult to judge accurately for speed and distance.

Take the Course Online Throughout the County

Eligible residents throughout Coles County can complete the classroom portion of Adult Driver Education online through a Secretary of State-certified online provider.

That includes eligible applicants living in Mattoon, Charleston, Oakland, Ashmore, Humboldt, Lerna, and other communities throughout the county.

The online format means the six-hour classroom portion does not require a trip to a physical classroom. However, online completion does not eliminate the in-person licensing process. After successfully completing the course and receiving your Certificate of Completion, you must still visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility with the certificate and required identification documents. You must also complete the applicable Secretary of State examinations.

Important County Communities

Mattoon

Mattoon is one of the two principal cities in Coles County and an important regional transportation center. I-57, US 45, IL 16, and IL 121 provide connections to the city's transportation network. The county transportation plan also identifies Mattoon as the location of the county's Amtrak station.

New drivers in Mattoon should be comfortable transitioning between city streets, commercial areas, railroad activity, and higher-speed highway connections.

Charleston

Charleston is the county seat and home to Eastern Illinois University. IL 16 leads directly into Charleston and becomes Lincoln Avenue within the city, while IL 130 also provides an important approach to the community.

University activity adds pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the campus. EIU's current traffic notices also demonstrate that temporary roadway patterns can affect local travel, including traffic controls around 7th Street. New drivers should follow posted signs and temporary barricades when driving around campus.

Oakland

Oakland is a smaller city in the western part of Coles County. It is surrounded by rural agricultural roads and provides a local connection between the county's smaller communities and its larger highway network. The Illinois State Archives identifies Oakland as a city in Coles County.

Drivers in and around Oakland should expect rural intersections, agricultural equipment, and changing traffic speeds as they travel between city streets and surrounding roads.

Ashmore

Ashmore is a village in eastern Coles County. The community is served by the rural highway network and has a close connection to IL 16. IDOT records document IL 16 improvements in Ashmore, including work between Old Route 316 and Indiana Street.

Drivers should be prepared for the transition between village streets, rural roads, and the higher-speed IL 16 corridor.

Humboldt

Humboldt is a village in Coles County surrounded by rural agricultural roads. The county transportation plan identifies rural transportation routes serving the area, including IL 121 and other state and county roads.

New drivers should practice scanning for farm equipment, slowing at rural intersections, and maintaining extra following distance on open roads.

Lerna

Lerna is a village in Coles County near the county's rural road network. IDOT records document IL 316 extending from Mattoon toward Lerna Road, reflecting the local connection between Mattoon and rural portions of the county.

Drivers traveling around Lerna should be prepared for rural roadway conditions and agricultural traffic rather than assuming that every road will have the same traffic pattern as Mattoon or Charleston.

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

Charleston Driver Services Facility

Address:1010 E Street, Charleston, IL 61920

The current statewide Illinois Secretary of State facility list identifies the Charleston Driver Services facility at 1010 E Street. The statewide list doesnotcurrently identify Charleston as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" facility.

Mattoon Driver Services Facility

Address:2020 Charleston, Mattoon, IL 61938

The current statewide facility list identifies the Mattoon Driver Services facility at 2020 Charleston. The statewide list doesnotcurrently identify Mattoon as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" facility.

Nearby alternatives

Applicants who need another facility can also consider nearby locations such as:

Tuscola Driver Services Facility:211 S. Main, Tuscola, IL 61953

Paris Driver Services Facility:714 Grandview, Paris, IL 61944

Neither Tuscola nor Paris is currently marked as "Appointment Required for Driver Services" on the statewide facility list.

Facility services and appointment requirements can change. Before traveling, use the official DMV Finder to confirm current hours, available first-time driver's license services, written testing, road-testing availability, vision screening, and any appointment requirements. The DMV Finder allows users to filter for first-time issuance, written tests, road tests, and vision services.

A Fast-Lane or self-service kiosk should not be treated as a replacement for a full Driver Services facility when a first-time applicant needs licensing examinations. The Secretary of State's DMV Finder distinguishes full DMV services from self-service kiosk locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Coles 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 must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Coles County?

Yes. Eligible applicants can complete the course online when they choose a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State to offer online Adult Driver Education.

How long is the Adult Driver Education Course?

The course provides at least six hours of classroom or online instruction. Secretary of State online-course standards require at least 360 minutes of instruction.

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

No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course consists of classroom or online instruction. It does not include behind-the-wheel instruction.

Do I have to complete 50 hours of driving practice?

Illinois encourages adult applicants to obtain at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. These practice hours are recommended and are not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

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

No. The provider administers a written final test as part of the course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your driver's license.

What happens after I pass the course?

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

Can I complete the course online in Mattoon?

Yes. If you meet the age and first-time applicant requirements, you can complete the six-hour classroom portion online from Mattoon through a certified online provider. You will still need to visit a Driver Services facility for the remaining licensing requirements.

Can I complete the course online in Charleston?

Yes. Eligible Charleston residents can complete the course online. Charleston also has a Secretary of State Driver Services facility at 1010 E Street. Check the DMV Finder before traveling to confirm the services and testing options currently available.

Does the Charleston Driver Services facility require an appointment?

The current statewide facility list does not identify Charleston as an appointment-required Driver Services facility. However, appointment policies and available services can change, so confirm the current requirements through the official DMV Finder before visiting.

What identification documents do I need?

First-time applicants must provide the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. Current Illinois requirements generally involve documents establishing written signature, date of birth, Social Security number, and residency. The exact documents depend on your application and license type.

What if I am under 18 and live in Coles County?

Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course is intended for eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20.

What if I am 21 or older?

Most applicants age 21 or older do not need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course solely because they are applying for an Illinois driver's license. The specific adult-course requirement applies to eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20.

Do I need the course if I already have an out-of-state driver's license?

No. The Secretary of State states that someone moving to Illinois with an out-of-state driver's license does not need the Adult Driver Education Course solely to transfer that license to Illinois.

Is the Certificate of Completion my driver's license?

No. The certificate only documents successful completion of the Adult Driver Education Course. You must still satisfy the Secretary of State's licensing requirements and applicable examinations. Course completion does not automatically issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges.

Start Your Coles County Adult Driver Education Course Online

If you are 18, 19, or 20 and meet Illinois' three-part eligibility requirements, you can complete the Secretary of State-certified six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online.

Complete the required instruction and provider final test, download and print your Certificate of Completion, then visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your certificate and required identification documents to continue the Illinois licensing process.

Cities and Towns in Coles County, Illinois

Charleston, city and county seat

Mattoon, city

Oakland, city

The Illinois State Archives Name Index identifies Charleston, Mattoon, and Oakland as cities in Coles County. It identifies Ashmore, Humboldt, Lerna, and other local municipalities as villages, so those communities are intentionally excluded from this section. The same official index identifies Charleston as the county seat.

Coles County Illinois Online Adult Driver Education