Do I Need Adult Driver Education in Chicago?
You generally need the course if you are 18 to 20, are applying for your first Illinois driver's license, and have never completed an approved driver education course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Illinois 6-Hour Adult Driver Education Course for Chicago Residents
The course is at least six hours. Online instruction is permitted through certified providers. The course is separate from behind-the-wheel instruction and the Secretary of State's licensing examination. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Chicago Illinois Adult Driver Education FAQ
How the IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com Online Course Works
The provider currently describes 10 chapters, a final exam, electronic completion reporting, mobile compatibility, and a 30-day completion period. (IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com)
What Happens After I Complete the Course?
After successful completion, the course provider reports completion to the Secretary of State. You must then complete the separate licensing process, including applicable vision, written, and road testing. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Where Can I Apply for My First Driver's License in Chicago?
Chicago has several current Secretary of State facilities. The current directory lists:
Chicago Flagship Center
125 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60603.
Chicago North
5401 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago, IL 60630.
Chicago South
9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, IL 60628.
Chicago West
5301 W. Lexington Street, Chicago, IL 60644.
Chinatown
2250 S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60616.
The current directory identifies several of these locations as appointment required for Driver Services. It also identifies Chicago Central and Chicago Public Service as permanently closed. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Do not assume that every Chicago facility provides every testing service. Confirm the facility's current services before booking or traveling.
Preparing for Your First Illinois Driver's License in Chicago
Chicago applicants should prepare for a more complex urban licensing environment than someone who has practiced only on residential streets. Make sure you understand lane markings, turn restrictions, parking rules, pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and traffic signals before taking your road test.
Driving in Chicago as a New Driver
Urban Intersections Require More Scanning
Chicago combines dense street grids, pedestrians, cyclists, transit vehicles, parked cars, turning vehicles, and multiple lanes. A new driver should scan well beyond the car immediately ahead and check both sides before turning.
Expressways and Local Streets
Chicago's expressway system includes major routes such as I-90, I-94, I-290, I-55, and I-57. Moving from a neighborhood street onto an expressway requires different skills, including merging, speed management, lane positioning, and reading overhead signs.
Do not wait until the last moment to choose an exit lane.
Transit and Pedestrian Activity
A Chicago driver should expect buses, trains, pedestrians, bicycles, and other road users near major corridors. When turning across a bike lane or pedestrian crossing, check the complete intersection rather than focusing only on oncoming vehicles.
Start Your Illinois Adult Driver Education Course From Chicago
Eligible Chicago residents can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online through a certified provider and then complete the separate Secretary of State licensing requirements.
Chicago Illinois Adult Driver Education FAQ
Do I need driver's ed if I am 18 in Chicago?
Yes, if you are a first-time Illinois license applicant who has never completed an approved driver education course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Do 19-year-olds need the course?
Yes, when the same eligibility conditions apply.
Do 20-year-olds need the course?
Yes, under the same statewide rule.
Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Chicago?
Yes.
Is IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com approved?
It is currently listed by the Secretary of State as an online provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the course include behind-the-wheel training?
No.
Does completing it give me my license?
No.
Which Chicago facilities provide Driver Services?
The current directory lists Chicago Flagship Center, Chicago North, Chicago South, Chicago West, and Chinatown, among other Chicago-area facilities. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is Chicago Central still open?
No. The current facility directory identifies it as permanently closed. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is Chicago Public Service still open?
No. The current directory identifies it as permanently closed. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Do I need an appointment?
Many Chicago Driver Services locations currently require appointments for Driver Services. Verify the current facility listing before visiting. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is the provider final exam the same as the state written test?
No.
Can I take the course on my smartphone?
Yes, according to IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com's current information. (IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com)
How long do I have to complete it?
The provider currently states 30 days from registration. (IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com)
What should a new Chicago driver practice most?
Practice intersection scanning, lane changes, turning around pedestrians and cyclists, transit interactions, and transitioning between local streets and expressways.