Overview
After successfully completing the course and provider-administered final written test, you receive access to your Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate before continuing the Illinois licensing process at Driver Services.
The Adult Driver Education Course is classroom or online instruction only. It does not include behind-the-wheel driving lessons. You must still complete the applicable Illinois Secretary of State vision, written, and road examinations.
Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
Illinois requires the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course when all three 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 an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school.
If all three conditions apply, you must successfully complete Adult Driver Education before obtaining your Illinois driver's license.
The requirement applies whether you live in Mattoon, Charleston, another Coles County community, or elsewhere in Illinois.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this specific six-hour Adult Driver Education Course if:
You are under 18 and are following the separate teen GDL requirements.
You are 21 or older and are not subject to another specific requirement.
You have previously been licensed and are not a first-time applicant.
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 transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license to Illinois rather than applying as a first-time driver.
Illinois also recognizes qualifying driver education completed in another state in certain circumstances when acceptable proof is provided.
If you are under 18, you follow the separate Graduated Driver Licensing process rather than the six-hour adult course.
Illinois Online Adult Driver Education Rules
The Adult Driver Education Course provides at least six hours of classroom or online instruction.
The Illinois Secretary of State requires instruction covering traffic safety subjects such as:
Current Illinois traffic laws
Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings
Poor decision-making
Risk taking
Impaired driving
Distracted driving
Cell phone and text messaging risks
Speed
Safety belt use
Nighttime driving
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Illinois online Adult Driver Education standards require at least 360 minutes of instruction. Current provider requirements also specify a completion period for online instruction.
A written final test is administered by the provider. Passing this test is part of successfully completing Adult Driver Education.
The provider final test does not replace the Illinois Secretary of State written examination.
After successfully completing the course, you receive access to your Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate before visiting Driver Services.
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
The course includes
At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction
Online classroom instruction through a certified provider
Illinois traffic laws and traffic safety information
Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings
Information about impaired and distracted driving
Information about speed and nighttime driving
Right-of-way and safe-driving instruction
A provider-administered written final test
A Certificate of Completion after successful completion
The course does not include
Behind-the-wheel driving lessons
Instructor-led driving practice
The Secretary of State written examination
The Secretary of State road examination
The Secretary of State vision examination
Automatic issuance of a 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 at night. This is recommended practice and is separate from the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
You must still pass the applicable behind-the-wheel component of the Illinois licensing examination.
Mattoon Illinois Licensing Process
For an eligible first-time applicant in Mattoon, the general process is:
Confirm your eligibility. You must be 18, 19, or 20, applying for an Illinois license for the first time, and without prior qualifying driver education.
Choose a certified Adult Driver Education provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Successfully complete the provider final written test.
Obtain your Certificate of Completion.
Download and print the certificate.
Gather the required identification documents.
Visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Mattoon has a Driver Services facility at 2020 Charleston.
Complete the applicable vision, written, and road examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements and pay applicable fees.
The Adult Driver Education certificate documents course completion. It does not itself provide driving privileges or guarantee issuance of a driver's license.
Driving in Mattoon, Illinois
Mattoon has a more developed urban driving environment than many of the smaller communities in Coles County.
The city's transportation system is built around several important regional corridors, including I-57, US 45, IL 16, and IL 121.
Mattoon also has commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, railroad infrastructure, local intersections, and connections to surrounding rural roads. A new driver may therefore encounter several different traffic environments during a single trip.
The city's 2025 Safety Action Plan identifies Charleston Avenue, Dettro Drive, and Lake Land Boulevard among the city's higher-traffic road segments. Charleston Avenue carries particularly significant traffic around I-57 and through portions of the city.
Mattoon also has the county's Amtrak station, making railroad and passenger activity part of the city's transportation environment.
New drivers should practice scanning ahead, identifying lane changes early, maintaining following distance, and adjusting speed when transitioning between high-traffic corridors and residential streets.
Major Roads and Highways in Mattoon
Interstate 57
I-57 is the principal north-south interstate serving Mattoon.
The I-57/IL 16 interchange east of Mattoon provides an important connection between the interstate and the Charleston-Mattoon corridor.
IDOT has identified reconstruction of the I-57/IL 16 interchange as a significant transportation project. The interchange connects a rural four-lane divided interstate with a rural four-lane divided section of IL 16.
New drivers should be particularly comfortable with:
Entering acceleration lanes
Matching traffic speed
Checking blind spots
Merging
Maintaining following distance
Changing lanes before an exit
Managing traffic around larger commercial vehicles
U.S. Route 45
US 45 is a major north-south route through Mattoon.
The route carries local and regional traffic and connects Mattoon with communities north and south of Coles County.
Within Mattoon, US 45 overlaps with other state routes in portions of the city. Drivers should watch carefully for lane markings, turning traffic, commercial entrances, and changing speed limits.
Illinois Route 16
IL 16 is a major east-west corridor connecting Mattoon and Charleston.
The route is particularly important for commuters and drivers traveling toward Eastern Illinois University.
In Mattoon, IL 16 is also known as Charleston Avenue. The city has identified Route 16 as one of its important entry corridors.
Illinois Route 121
IL 121 provides another north-south connection through the Mattoon area.
The route serves local and rural traffic and connects with other major transportation corridors.
Charleston Avenue
Charleston Avenue is a particularly important Mattoon roadway because it carries IL 16 and connects major portions of the city with the I-57 corridor.
The city's Safety Action Plan identifies portions of Charleston Avenue as having some of Mattoon's highest traffic volumes.
New drivers should pay attention to intersections, turning vehicles, lane changes, and commercial access points along this corridor.
Primary Local Driving Topic: High-Traffic Charleston Avenue and Highway Connections
For a new Mattoon driver, high-traffic corridors and highway transitions are an important local driving skill.
Mattoon's transportation network brings together I-57, US 45, IL 16, IL 121, and local streets. Charleston Avenue is especially important because it connects the city with I-57 and the route toward Charleston.
The city's 2025 Safety Action Plan identifies Charleston Avenue among the highest-traffic road segments in Mattoon. Traffic volumes are especially significant near I-57 and decrease as the road continues through different parts of the city.
When driving on Charleston Avenue or approaching I-57:
Watch for vehicles entering from side streets and driveways.
Maintain extra following distance during heavier traffic.
Check blind spots before changing lanes.
Signal before changing lanes or turning.
Avoid last-second lane changes near intersections.
Watch for pedestrians and cyclists in developed areas.
Adjust speed when leaving the interstate environment.
Pay attention to changing lane markings and traffic signals.
Be prepared for commercial vehicles near major corridors.
A new driver should also understand that traffic conditions can change quickly when moving between I-57, Charleston Avenue, US 45, and local streets.
Additional Driving Safety Topic: Railroad Crossings and Rail Activity
Rail transportation is a significant part of Mattoon's transportation environment.
The Coles County transportation plan identifies rail as an important transportation mode and notes that Mattoon has the county's Amtrak station.
New drivers should use extra caution around railroad crossings and rail facilities.
Important habits include:
Slow down when approaching railroad crossings.
Obey flashing lights, bells, and crossing gates.
Never drive around a lowered gate.
Look and listen for trains.
Never stop on railroad tracks.
Leave sufficient space beyond the tracks before crossing.
Be especially careful at night.
Avoid distractions near railroad crossings.
Railroad activity can also mean that traffic patterns around nearby streets may differ from ordinary intersections. Drivers should follow posted signs and traffic-control devices.
Take Adult Driver Education Online in Mattoon
Eligible Mattoon residents can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education classroom portion online through a certified provider.
The online course allows an eligible student to complete the required classroom instruction without traveling to a physical classroom.
After completing the instruction and provider final test, you receive your Certificate of Completion.
You then continue the licensing process in person.
Mattoon Driver Services Facility
2020 CharlestonMattoon, IL 61938
The current Illinois Secretary of State facility directory lists the Mattoon Driver Services facility at this address.
Always verify current services, testing availability, hours, and appointment information before traveling.
Mattoon Driver Services Facility
The Mattoon Secretary of State Driver Services facility is located at:
2020 CharlestonMattoon, IL 61938
The current statewide facility directory lists Mattoon as a Driver Services facility and does not currently identify it as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" location.
Because facility services and policies can change, applicants should confirm current information through the Secretary of State's facility information before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Mattoon?
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 Mattoon?
Yes. Eligible applicants can take the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online through a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.
How long is the online course?
The Adult Driver Education Course provides at least six hours of instruction. Illinois online-course standards require at least 360 minutes of instruction.
Does the Mattoon online course include behind-the-wheel training?
No. The six-hour course is classroom or online instruction. Behind-the-wheel instruction is not included.
Does Illinois recommend driving practice?
Yes. Illinois encourages adult applicants to obtain at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This is a recommendation and is separate from the six-hour course.
Does the provider final exam replace the Illinois written test?
No. The provider final test is required to complete the Adult Driver Education Course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your license.
What do I receive after completing the course?
You receive access to your Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate and bring it with your required documents when you continue the licensing process.
Where is the Mattoon Driver Services facility?
The Illinois Secretary of State lists the Mattoon Driver Services facility at 2020 Charleston, Mattoon, IL 61938.
Does Mattoon have a Driver Services facility?
Yes. Mattoon has an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Does the Mattoon facility require an appointment?
The current statewide facility directory does not identify Mattoon as an appointment-required Driver Services facility. Confirm current requirements before traveling because facility policies can change.
What documents should I bring to Driver Services?
First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Illinois Secretary of State. Requirements generally address identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois residency, depending on the applicant's situation.
What if I am under 18 and live in Mattoon?
Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements rather than the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
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 license. The specific 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 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.
What should new drivers know about I-57 and Charleston Avenue?
Drivers should be comfortable with merging, changing lanes, maintaining following distance, and transitioning between interstate speeds and city traffic. Charleston Avenue connects Mattoon with the I-57 corridor and carries substantial traffic.
Start Your Mattoon Adult Driver Education Course Online
If you are 18, 19, or 20 and meet Illinois' three-part eligibility requirements, you can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online through a certified provider.
Complete the required instruction and provider final test, download and print your Certificate of Completion, and then visit an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your certificate and required identification documents.
Mattoon and Nearby Coles County Communities
Mattoon is one of the two principal cities in Coles County.
Nearby communities include:
Charleston
Oakland
Ashmore
Humboldt
Lerna
The Adult Driver Education requirement applies based on age, first-time licensing status, and previous driver education history rather than the particular community where an applicant lives.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education FAQs
- Illinois Secretary of State Certified Provider Listing
- Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility Locations
- Illinois Secretary of State Online Adult Driver Education Certification
- Coles County 2026 Comprehensive Plan
- Mattoon Safety Action Plan 2025
- City of Mattoon Official Website
- City of Mattoon Entry Corridor Regulations
- IDOT I-57 and IL 16 Interchange Project