Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?

Illinois uses a three-part eligibility test for the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement.

You generally must complete the course if all three statements are true:

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.

The Illinois Secretary of State states that applicants meeting all three conditions must successfully complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course before obtaining an Illinois driver’s license.

For example, an 18-year-old in Wheaton who has never been licensed and never completed an approved driver education program would generally need to complete the course before obtaining an Illinois driver's license.

The same basic eligibility test applies to an eligible applicant living in Elmhurst, Naperville, West Chicago, Wood Dale, Darien, or another DuPage County community.

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 areunder 18and are following Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process.

You are21 or older, because the specific six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies to eligible first-time applicants ages 18 through 20.

You have previously been licensed and therefore do not meet the first-time applicant requirement.

You completed an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school and can provide acceptable proof.

You have a valid out-of-state driver's license and are moving to Illinois. The Secretary of State states that you do not have to complete Adult Driver Education solely to transfer a valid out-of-state license to Illinois.

Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate Graduated Driver Licensing program, with its own permit, education, supervised-driving, and licensing requirements.

If you previously completed high school driver education, the Secretary of State says acceptable proof can include a certified high school transcript showing successful completion.

Illinois Online Course Rules

The Illinois Adult Driver Education Course must provide at least six hours of instruction. The instruction may be provided in a classroom or online, depending on the provider's Secretary of State certification.

The required course content includes traffic-safety subjects such as:

Current traffic laws

Highway signs, signals, and markings

Poor decision-making and risk-taking

Impaired driving

Driver distraction, including cell phone and text-message use

Speeding

Safety-belt use

Nighttime driving

Failure to yield the right-of-way

Other issues commonly associated with motor vehicle crashes

For online courses, Illinois Secretary of State rules require at least 360 minutes of instruction. The applicable online-course rules also establish requirements concerning course completion and instructional content.

The course must be completed through a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. The official provider list currently identifies IllinoisAdultDriverEd.com as anOnlineAdult Driver Education provider.

The provider also administers a written final test at the end of the course. Passing that test is part of successful course completion. It is separate from 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 a Certificate of Completion. The student should download and print the certificate for the next stage of the licensing process.

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.

Information about impaired driving, distraction, speeding, nighttime driving, safety-belt use, risk-taking, and right-of-way.

A provider-administered written final test.

Access to an official Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel driving instruction.

In-car driving lessons.

The Secretary of State written examination.

The Secretary of State road examination.

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver’s license.

Automatic driving privileges.

The Secretary of State specifically states that the six-hour course consists of classroom or computer online instruction only. It does not include, and is not required to include, behind-the-wheel training.

County Licensing Process

For an eligible first-time applicant in DuPage 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 never completed an approved driver education course.

Select a certified provider.Choose a provider listed by the Illinois Secretary of State as an approved Adult Driver Education provider.

Complete the six-hour course.If you choose an online provider, complete the required instruction online.

Pass the provider's final written test.This test is part of completing the Adult Driver Education course.

Obtain your completion certificate.After successful completion, download and print the Certificate of Completion.

Prepare your identification documents.First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State.

Choose a Driver Services facility.DuPage County has several nearby Secretary of State facilities, including locations in Addison, Lombard, Naperville, and West Chicago.

Check the facility before traveling.Confirm current services, hours, road-testing availability, and appointment requirements through the official Facility Finder.

Visit Driver Services with your certificate and documents.

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

Complete the remaining licensing requirements.Completing Adult Driver Education does not guarantee issuance of an Illinois driver’s license.

The provider's final test and the Secretary of State written examination are separate. Passing the course test does not replace the state licensing examination.

Driving in DuPage County

DuPage County presents a very different driving environment from many rural Illinois counties. It is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and contains a dense network of interstate highways, tollways, state routes, county roads, municipal streets, commuter corridors, railroad lines, and pedestrian facilities.

The county's transportation network includes I-88, I-355, I-290, I-390, I-55, and I-294 along the eastern county boundary. DuPage County's Mobility Framework identifies these major highways alongside the county's road, railroad, river, trail, and wetland networks.

Commuter traffic is particularly important for new drivers. The county's transportation planning documents identify the I-88 corridor around Warrenville, Naperville, and Aurora as a significant transportation and development corridor. The county also identifies transportation demand around the DuPage Business Center near West Chicago and the I-88 interchange area.

The county's urban environment also means that drivers must share road space with pedestrians and bicyclists. DuPage County's transportation planning identifies the Illinois Prairie Path, Great Western Trail, Salt Creek Trail, West Branch DuPage River Trail, and other facilities that cross or run alongside transportation corridors.

Railroad crossings are another consideration. DuPage County transportation planning specifically recognizes conflicts between roads, railroads, and other transportation facilities, while Metra and freight rail lines serve communities throughout the county.

Winter weather can create difficult conditions on the county's highways and local streets. DuPage County planning documents note that IDOT maintains state highways, the Illinois Tollway maintains tollways such as I-88, and county and municipal agencies maintain local roads during snow events.

Heavy rainfall can also affect roads near Salt Creek and the West Branch DuPage River. DuPage County operates a countywide flood-monitoring system with stream and rain gauges and flood-control facilities. New drivers should take flooding seriously, avoid barricaded roads, and never drive through moving floodwater.

Major Roads and Highways

Interstate 88

I-88, the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, is one of the most important east-west routes through DuPage County. It connects the western suburbs with the greater Chicago area and serves major employment and commercial corridors around Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Lombard, Wheaton, Warrenville, and the Naperville area.

County transportation planning identifies the I-88 corridor as a major area of existing and anticipated travel demand. New drivers should become comfortable with interstate entrance and exit ramps, lane changes, blind-spot checks, and maintaining appropriate following distance.

Interstate 355

I-355, the Veterans Memorial Tollway, runs north-south through DuPage County and provides connections between I-88, I-55, and major suburban arterial roads. It is especially important for drivers traveling between central and southern DuPage County.

The county's transportation documents identify I-355 as one of the principal tollways crossing DuPage County.

Interstate 290

I-290, the Eisenhower Expressway, serves the eastern portion of the county and provides an important connection between DuPage County and Chicago. Oakbrook Terrace's official directions specifically identify I-290, I-294, I-88, IL 38, and IL 83 as major approaches to the community.

Interstate 390

I-390, also known as the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway, crosses the northern portion of DuPage County and connects communities including Wood Dale and surrounding areas with O'Hare-area transportation corridors. DuPage County transportation planning identifies I-390 as a major county transportation facility.

Interstate 55

I-55 serves the southern portion of DuPage County and connects the county with Chicago and communities farther southwest. It is particularly relevant for drivers in the Woodridge, Darien, and Downers Grove area. DuPage County's Mobility Framework identifies I-55 as part of the county's major highway network.

Interstate 294

I-294, the Tri-State Tollway, runs along the eastern edge of DuPage County and provides a major connection between I-290, I-88, I-55, and the northern Chicago suburbs. The Illinois Tollway and DuPage County identify I-294 as part of the regional tollway network.

U.S. Route 34

U.S. 34, commonly known as Ogden Avenue in much of the county, serves the southern and central portions of DuPage County. IDOT project records document U.S. 34 intersections and ramps throughout the county, including connections with IL 53, IL 59, I-355, and local roads.

Illinois Route 38

IL 38, Roosevelt Road, is a major east-west arterial through communities including Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Wheaton, and West Chicago. IDOT identifies current and recent work along the corridor, including sections near Winfield and the western portion of the county.

Illinois Route 53

IL 53 serves the central and southern parts of DuPage County and connects with U.S. 34 and numerous local arterials. IDOT project documentation identifies intersections along IL 53 in Lisle, Woodridge, and nearby communities.

Illinois Route 56

IL 56, Butterfield Road, is an important east-west corridor through central DuPage County. IDOT has identified projects on IL 56 involving I-355, IL 59, York Road, and Naperville Road.

Illinois Route 59

IL 59 is a major north-south arterial serving the western portion of DuPage County. It connects with I-88 and other important roads around Warrenville and the Naperville area. Warrenville's current city work plan specifically identifies the IL 59 corridor as a transportation-planning priority.

Illinois Route 83

IL 83, also known as Kingery Highway in portions of DuPage County, is a major north-south route through communities including Elmhurst and Oakbrook Terrace. Oakbrook Terrace's official directions use IL 83 as a principal connection to I-88, I-294, I-290, and Roosevelt Road.

Primary Local Driving Topic: Chicago-Area Commuter Traffic and Interstate Merging

One of the most important local driving challenges in DuPage County is managing traffic where suburban arterial roads connect with the region's major expressways and tollways.

I-88, I-355, I-290, I-390, I-55, and I-294 create a network of high-speed routes that carry commuters, commercial vehicles, and local traffic. County transportation planning identifies the I-88 corridor around Warrenville and the Naperville area as an important transportation and development corridor.

A new driver who is comfortable on residential streets may find an I-88 or I-355 interchange much more demanding. Traffic can change speed quickly, multiple lanes may be entering or exiting at the same time, and drivers may need to position themselves well before reaching a ramp.

New drivers should:

Check overhead signs early so you know which lane you need.

Avoid making a last-second lane change because you missed an exit.

Use the full acceleration lane when entering an interstate when traffic conditions allow.

Match the flow of traffic without exceeding the posted speed limit.

Check mirrors and blind spots before every lane change.

Leave extra space around trucks and buses.

Avoid lingering beside another vehicle in a neighboring lane.

Signal before changing lanes or exiting.

Expect traffic to slow suddenly near major interchanges.

Allow additional travel time during weekday commuter periods.

The safest strategy is to anticipate your route before entering the interchange rather than trying to make a sudden correction after traffic has already become dense.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Railroad and Pedestrian Crossings

DuPage County's extensive transportation network includes freight railroads, Metra lines, trails, sidewalks, and numerous road crossings. County transportation planning specifically identifies railroad crossings as locations where transportation users can encounter conflicts.

Elmhurst provides a clear local example. City transportation planning identifies both Union Pacific and Canadian National rail operations, with freight and passenger traffic affecting local road patterns. Underpasses at IL 83 and Robert Palmer Drive help separate some road and rail movements, but railroad-related congestion remains an important local consideration.

New drivers should:

Slow down and look for pedestrians and bicyclists near trail crossings.

Obey railroad signals and crossing gates.

Never drive around a lowered railroad gate.

Avoid stopping on railroad tracks or in a crossing.

Watch for traffic queues caused by a stopped train.

Leave enough room beyond a crossing before proceeding.

Pay particular attention near Metra stations and busy downtown streets.

Avoid distractions when approaching any railroad or pedestrian crossing.

A green traffic signal does not eliminate the need to watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, trains, or vehicles that may still be clearing an intersection.

Take the Course Online Throughout the County

Eligible residents throughout DuPage County can complete the classroom portion of the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement online when they use a provider certified for online instruction.

An eligible applicant in Wheaton does not need to attend a physical classroom simply because the applicant lives near the county seat. The same online option is available to eligible applicants in Elmhurst, West Chicago, Wood Dale, Darien, Oakbrook Terrace, and other communities throughout the county.

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

Online course completion does not eliminate the in-person licensing requirements. After successfully completing the course, the student should download and print the completion certificate, gather the required identification documents, and visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. The applicable vision, written, and road examinations are completed as part of the state licensing process.

Wheaton

Wheaton is the county seat of DuPage County. The Illinois State Archives records Wheaton as the county seat from 1867 to the present and classifies Wheaton as a city.

The community sits within the central portion of the county's transportation network. IL 38 provides an important east-west connection, while county roads such as County Farm Road serve major government and civic destinations. Wheaton is also connected to the county's trail network, including the Illinois Prairie Path and West Branch DuPage River Trail.

Elmhurst

Elmhurst is a city in eastern DuPage County with direct access to I-290 and connections toward I-294 and I-88. The city's transportation planning identifies North Avenue, York Road, IL 83, and other corridors as locations where rush-hour congestion can be significant.

Elmhurst also has substantial railroad activity, including Union Pacific passenger and freight service and Canadian National freight operations. New drivers should pay particular attention to railroad crossings and traffic queues in the city.

West Chicago

West Chicago is a city in western DuPage County near the Kane County boundary. Its location places it near I-88 and the broader DuPage Business Center and transportation corridor. County transportation planning identifies development around the West Chicago area as a factor affecting future traffic volumes and congestion.

The community is also connected to the Great Western Trail and other county transportation facilities, creating locations where drivers need to watch for trail users and crossings.

Wood Dale

Wood Dale is a city in northern DuPage County. The area is closely connected to I-290, I-390, IL 83, and the regional transportation system around O'Hare. County transportation planning identifies I-390 and the North Central DuPage transportation network as important regional corridors.

Wood Dale also lies within the Salt Creek watershed. County stormwater operations monitor Salt Creek near Wood Dale and Itasca because heavy rainfall can affect water levels and flood-control operations.

Warrenville

Warrenville is a city in western DuPage County near I-88 and IL 59. The city's current transportation planning specifically identifies the IL 59 corridor and the I-88 corridor as important areas for ongoing transportation and development planning.

Drivers in Warrenville can move quickly between local streets and higher-volume regional corridors. New drivers should be especially careful when entering major roads from residential areas and when navigating I-88 interchanges.

Darien

Darien is a city in southern DuPage County. Its location near I-55 and I-355 puts it within an important regional highway network connecting the western suburbs with Chicago and communities farther south.

The county's Mobility Framework identifies I-55 and I-355 among the major highways crossing the county, while local transportation planning documents show the extensive network of arterial roads connecting these expressways to surrounding communities.

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

DuPage County residents have several Driver Services facilities within or directly serving the county. Facility services and appointment rules can change, so applicants should verify the current information through the official Illinois Secretary of State Facility Finder before traveling.

Addison Driver Services Facility

50 E. Oak StreetAddison, IL 60101

The current Illinois Secretary of State facility list identifies this location asAppointment Required for Driver Services.

Lombard Driver Services Facility

837 Westmore-Meyer Road, Unit A2Lombard, IL 60148

The current statewide facility list identifies this location asAppointment Required for Driver Services.

Naperville Driver Services Facility

1771 W. Diehl Road, Unit 110Naperville, IL 60563

The current statewide facility list identifies this location asAppointment Required for Driver Services.

Naperville extends across the DuPage and Will County boundary, but the facility is a practical Driver Services option for DuPage County applicants depending on the services required.

West Chicago Driver Services Facility

721 Kress RoadWest Chicago, IL 60185

The current statewide facility list identifies the West Chicago location but doesnotdisplay the "Appointment Required for Driver Services" designation next to the facility.

Before You Travel

Do not assume that a facility offers every type of driver's license service or examination. Before traveling, use the official Illinois Secretary of State Facility Finder to confirm:

Current facility hours

Available Driver Services

Written-testing availability

Road-testing availability

Appointment requirements

Temporary closures or service changes

A renewal kiosk or other limited-service location should not be treated as a substitute for a full Driver Services facility when you need first-time licensing or a road examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in DuPage 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 the Adult Driver Education Course online in DuPage County?

Yes. Illinois allows eligible applicants to take the course online when the provider is certified to offer online Adult Driver Education.

How long is the Illinois Adult Driver Education Course?

The course must provide at least six hours of instruction. Illinois' online-course rules specify a minimum of 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, and is not required to include, behind-the-wheel instruction.

How much supervised driving practice does Illinois recommend?

The Secretary of State encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is a recommendation and is not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

Do I have to pass a final test for the online course?

Yes. The provider administers a written test at the end of the six-hour course, and you must successfully complete that test.

Is the provider's final test the same as the Secretary of State written test?

No. The provider's final test is part of the Adult Driver Education course. The Secretary of State written examination is a separate requirement of the driver's license application process.

What happens after I complete the course?

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

What identification documents do I need?

First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. The exact documents depend on your individual circumstances, so review the current Illinois identification-document checklist before your facility visit.

Does DuPage County have Driver Services facilities?

Yes. Current Secretary of State facility information lists Driver Services locations in Addison, Lombard, Naperville, and West Chicago that are useful to DuPage County applicants.

Does the Addison Driver Services facility require an appointment?

The current statewide facility list identifies Addison asAppointment Required for Driver Services. Confirm the current requirement through the official Facility Finder before traveling.

Does the Lombard Driver Services facility require an appointment?

Yes. The current statewide facility list identifies Lombard asAppointment Required for Driver Services.

What if I live in Wheaton?

Wheaton is the county seat, and eligible first-time applicants living there can complete the Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider. After completion, you still need to visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to complete the licensing process.

What if I live in Elmhurst?

The same Adult Driver Education eligibility rules apply. Elmhurst residents who meet the 18-to-20 first-time applicant requirements can complete the course online through a certified provider. Elmhurst's dense road and railroad network also makes careful attention to traffic signals, pedestrians, and railroad crossings particularly important for new drivers.

What if I am under 18?

Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing program. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course is not the teen licensing program.

What if I am 21 or older?

The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement is directed at eligible first-time Illinois license applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Most applicants age 21 or older are not required to take this specific course.

Can I take this course if I already have a valid out-of-state driver's license?

No. You do not take Adult Driver Education solely to transfer a valid out-of-state driver's license to Illinois. The Secretary of State states that an applicant moving to Illinois with an out-of-state license must surrender that license and complete the applicable Illinois requirements.

Does completing Adult Driver Education guarantee an Illinois driver's license?

No. Completing the course satisfies the Adult Driver Education requirement when it applies, but you must still complete the applicable Secretary of State licensing requirements and examinations. Course completion itself does not issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges.

Start Your DuPage County Adult Driver Education Course

If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver’s license applicant age 18, 19, or 20, you can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction online through IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com.

Complete the course and provider final test, download and print your completion certificate, and then continue the Illinois licensing process at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.

Cities and Towns in DuPage County, Illinois

Darien, city

Elmhurst, city

Oakbrook Terrace, city

Warrenville, city

West Chicago, city

Wheaton, city and county seat

Wood Dale, city

The Illinois State Archives Name Index identifies Darien, Elmhurst, Oakbrook Terrace, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Wood Dale as incorporated cities in DuPage County. The same official index identifies communities including Addison, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Hinsdale, Itasca, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Roselle, Villa Park, Westmont, Willowbrook, and Winfield as villages, so they are excluded from this section.

Wheaton is identified by the Illinois State Archives as the DuPage County seat.

Online Adult Driver Education in DuPage County, Illinois