Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?

Illinois uses a three-part eligibility test. You must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course ifall threeof these statements apply:

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 specifically states that all three conditions must be met. The course must be completed through a provider certified by the Secretary of State, and an uncertified course will not be accepted.

Who Does Not Need This Course?

You generally do not need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course when the adult-course eligibility requirements do not apply.

Important examples include:

Applicants under 18:Drivers under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process.

Most applicants age 21 or older:The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement specifically applies to eligible applicants ages 18, 19, and 20.

Previously licensed applicants:The Secretary of State's first-time-driver requirement does not apply if you have previously been licensed.

Applicants who completed approved driver education:If you successfully completed an approved high school or commercial driver education course, you generally do not need the six-hour adult course. Illinois also recognizes qualifying high school driver education completed in another state when acceptable proof is provided.

Drivers transferring a valid out-of-state license:A person moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver's license does not take the Adult Driver Education Course solely because the license is being transferred. The Secretary of State states that the out-of-state license must be surrendered and the applicable Illinois tests must be completed.

Illinois Online Course Rules

The Adult Driver Education Course is asix-hour classroom or online driver education coursefor eligible applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Illinois law and Secretary of State rules require the course to be offered by a provider certified by the Secretary of State. A provider may be certified for classroom instruction, online instruction, or both.

The course covers traffic-safety subjects such as:

Illinois traffic laws

Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings

Risk-taking and poor decision-making

Impaired driving

Driver distraction, including cell phone and text-message use

Speed-related risks

Safety-belt use

Night driving

Failure to yield the right-of-way

Other issues associated with motor vehicle crashes

Students must also successfully complete aprovider-administered written final test. This test is part of completing the Adult Driver Education Course. It is not the same examination as the written test administered by the Illinois Secretary of State when you apply for your driver's license.

After successful course completion, the student receives a Certificate of Completion. The Secretary of State requires the certificate when the eligible applicant applies for the Illinois driver's license.

What the Course Includes and Does Not Include

Includes

At least six hours of classroom or online driver education

Illinois traffic-law and traffic-safety instruction

Instruction concerning signs, signals, and roadway markings

Education about impaired driving, distraction, speeding, nighttime driving, seat belts, yielding, and other crash-related risks

A provider-administered final written test

A Certificate of Completion after successful completion

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel driving instruction

Private driving lessons

Road-test instruction

The Illinois Secretary of State written examination

The Illinois Secretary of State behind-the-wheel road examination

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license

Illinois specifically states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course doesnotinclude and is not required to include behind-the-wheel training. Illinois encourages applicants to obtain substantial supervised driving practice, but that practice is separate from the six-hour adult course.

County Licensing Process

For an eligible first-time applicant in Edwards County, the general process is:

Confirm that you meet the adult-course eligibility requirements.You must be 18, 19, or 20, applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have never completed an approved driver education course.

Choose a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.The official provider list identifies which providers are certified and whether they offer online instruction.

Complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course online.Online instruction is permitted when offered by a properly certified provider.

Successfully complete the provider's final written test.This is the course completion test and does not replace the Secretary of State written examination.

Obtain your Certificate of Completion.Download and print the certificate so you have it available for your Driver Services visit.

Prepare your required identification documents.The Secretary of State requires first-time applicants to bring acceptable identification documents. Requirements vary depending on the type of license and documents you already have.

Check the current facility information before traveling.Use the Secretary of State's Facility Finder to confirm the facility, available services, current hours, testing availability, and any appointment requirements.

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.Bring your printed course certificate and required identification documents.

Complete the applicable Secretary of State examinations.The licensing process can include the vision examination, written examination, and behind-the-wheel road examination, depending on your circumstances.

Complete the remaining licensing requirements and pay the applicable fees.Passing the course and receiving the certificate does not automatically issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges.

Illinois encourages adult applicants to getat least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is an encouragement from the Secretary of State and isnot a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. You must still pass the applicable behind-the-wheel examination when applying for the license.

Driving in Edwards County

Edwards County presents a predominantly rural driving environment, with Albion serving as the county seat and several smaller communities connected by state highways and county roads. The Secretary of State's county history identifies Albion as the county seat since 1821, while IDOT's current highway program documents projects on county roads such as Bone Gap Road and County Highway 13, also known as Mt. Erie Road.

For a new driver, the county's combination of small-city streets and rural roads means that driving conditions can change quickly. Roads outside the communities may have fewer nearby services, longer stretches between intersections, and agricultural traffic. Drivers should leave extra following distance around farm equipment and be prepared for vehicles entering or leaving fields and local roads.

The Grayville area creates a different type of driving environment. Grayville is located along the Wabash River, and Illinois Route 1 and Illinois Route 130 meet in the community. Interstate 64 also serves the Grayville area, providing an important regional connection across the Wabash River.

Flooding is an important local consideration. Edwards County emergency planning identifies flooding from the Wabash River, Little Wabash River, Bonpas Creek, Big Creek, and Village Creek. Significant Wabash River flooding can affect Illinois Route 1 northeast of Grayville, while Bonpas Creek flooding can affect Illinois Route 15 around Browns.

New drivers should never attempt to drive through water covering a roadway. During heavy rain or flooding, watch for road closures, standing water, reduced visibility, and changing conditions. A route that is normally familiar may become unsafe during a flood event.

Winter driving also deserves preparation. Southern Illinois can experience freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and rapidly changing road conditions. Reduce speed when traction or visibility deteriorates, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Major Roads and Highways

Interstate 64

Interstate 64 serves the Grayville area and provides an important east-west regional connection. In the Grayville area, the interstate crosses the Wabash River and connects Illinois with Indiana. New drivers using I-64 should pay particular attention to entrance and exit ramps, merging traffic, changing speeds, and weather conditions around the river corridor.

Illinois Route 1

Illinois Route 1 serves the eastern portion of Edwards County and passes through the Grayville area. The route provides a north-south connection along the Wabash River corridor. Flooding is a documented concern along Route 1 northeast of Grayville during significant Wabash River events.

Illinois Route 15

Illinois Route 15 crosses Edwards County through Albion and connects the county with communities including Mount Carmel to the east and Fairfield to the west. IDOT documentation also identifies Bone Gap Road's connection with Illinois 15 and a current project on that county road.

Illinois Route 130

Illinois Route 130 is a major north-south highway through Edwards County. It meets Illinois Route 15 in Albion and continues south to Grayville, where it connects with Illinois Route 1. The route is important for travel between Albion, Grayville, and communities north of the county.

County and Local Roads

County roads provide the connections between Edwards County's communities, farms, residences, and state highways. IDOT's current highway program identifies Bone Gap Road and County Highway 13, or Mt. Erie Road, among local roads scheduled for improvements in the 2026-2030 period. Drivers should pay attention to roadwork, changing pavement conditions, equipment, and temporary traffic controls when traveling these routes.

Primary Local Driving Topic: Flooding and High-Water Road Conditions

Flooding is a particularly important driving issue in Edwards County because multiple waterways affect different parts of the county. County emergency planning identifies the Wabash River, Little Wabash River, Bonpas Creek, Big Creek, and Village Creek as sources of river or flash flooding. Grayville and Browns are among the communities specifically identified as vulnerable to flooding, and Route 1 and Route 15 have documented flood exposure in certain areas.

For a new driver, the most important rule is simple:never assume that water over a roadway is safe to cross. Water can conceal damaged pavement, washouts, debris, or a deeper section of roadway than it appears to be.

When severe weather is expected:

Check current road and weather information before leaving.

Avoid roads that are closed or barricaded.

Never drive around a barricade.

Slow down when approaching standing water.

Avoid sudden braking or steering in wet conditions.

Give other vehicles additional following distance.

Be especially cautious near low-lying roads and waterways.

If water is covering the road, choose another route rather than attempting to cross.

Flood conditions can change rapidly, so a route that was open earlier may not remain safe later in the day.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Rural and Agricultural Traffic

Agricultural activity is an important part of the driving environment outside Edwards County's communities. Rural county roads can bring passenger vehicles into close proximity with farm tractors, combines, trucks, trailers, and other slow-moving equipment.

New drivers should expect agricultural equipment to travel below normal passenger-vehicle speeds and should avoid unsafe passing. Slow down when approaching a slow-moving vehicle, maintain a safe following distance, and wait for a legal and clearly visible opportunity to pass.

Watch carefully for equipment turning into fields, farm drives, or side roads. Large equipment may also need more roadway space than a passenger vehicle. At night or in poor weather, the equipment may be harder to see, making speed control and attentive driving especially important.

IDOT's current Edwards County highway program includes work on Bone Gap Road and County Highway 13, reinforcing the importance of watching for roadway work and changing conditions on rural routes.

Take the Course Online Throughout the County

Eligible residents throughout Edwards County can complete the classroom portion of the Adult Driver Education requirement online when they choose a provider certified for online Adult Driver Education by the Illinois Secretary of State.

That means an eligible applicant in Albion does not need to travel to a classroom simply to complete the six-hour education requirement. The same online option can be useful for eligible residents in Grayville, Bone Gap, Browns, West Salem, and rural areas of the county.

The online course does not eliminate the need for the Secretary of State visit. After successful completion, the student should download and print the Certificate of Completion and take it, along with the required identification documents, to a Driver Services facility. The applicant must still complete the applicable Secretary of State licensing examinations and other requirements.

Important County Communities

Albion

Albion is the county seat of Edwards County and the central community for many county government services. Illinois Route 15 and Illinois Route 130 meet in Albion, making the city an important local connection point for drivers traveling across the county.

Grayville

Grayville is located in the southeastern part of Edwards County along the Wabash River and is divided between Edwards and White counties. Illinois Route 1 and Illinois Route 130 meet in Grayville, while Interstate 64 provides a major regional connection near the Wabash River. Because of its river location, drivers should also pay attention to flood conditions and potential route changes during major weather events.

Bone Gap

Bone Gap is a village in Edwards County connected to Albion and other parts of the county through the local road network and Illinois Route 15. IDOT's current highway program identifies Bone Gap Road as a county road extending to Illinois 15, with a standard-overlay project planned for the 2026-2030 period.

Browns

Browns is a village near the eastern side of Edwards County and is particularly relevant to local flood awareness because Bonpas Creek affects the area. County emergency planning identifies Browns as one of the incorporated communities where flooding has been documented. Illinois Route 15 can also be affected by Bonpas Creek flooding near Browns.

West Salem

West Salem is a village in the northern part of Edwards County. The community is connected to the county's rural road network and is part of an area where flash and urban flooding have been documented. New drivers traveling between West Salem and other county communities should be prepared for changing conditions on rural roads, especially during heavy rain.

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

There isno Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility currently listed within Edwards Countyon the statewide facility directory. Applicants from Edwards County therefore need to plan for a Driver Services visit outside the county.

Reasonable nearby facilities include:

Olney Driver Services Facility

1302 S. West Street, Olney, IL 62450

The current statewide facility directory lists the Olney Driver Services facility but doesnotidentify it as an appointment-required Driver Services location.

Lawrenceville Driver Services Facility

1305 State Street, Lawrenceville, IL 62439

The current statewide facility directory lists the Lawrenceville facility and doesnotidentify it as appointment required for Driver Services.

Robinson Driver Services Facility

300 W. Main, Robinson, IL 62454

The current statewide facility directory lists the Robinson Driver Services facility and doesnotidentify it as appointment required for Driver Services.

Carmi Driver Services Facility

Southeastern Illinois College, 1700 College Avenue, Carmi, IL 62821

The current statewide facility directory lists the Carmi facility and doesnotidentify it as appointment required for Driver Services.

The Secretary of State's statewide list can change. Before traveling, applicants should use the officialDMV Facility Finderto confirm the current facility, hours, available services, road-testing availability, and any appointment requirements. A location appearing on the statewide facility list does not by itself guarantee that every type of transaction or examination is available at that location on a particular day.

Applicants should also distinguish full Driver Services facilities from express or self-service locations. A renewal kiosk or other limited-service location should not be treated as a substitute for a Driver Services facility when applying for a first-time driver's license or completing a road examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Albion?

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. Your residence in Albion does not change the eligibility rules.

Can I take the Edwards County Adult Driver Education Course online?

Yes. Illinois permits eligible applicants to take the six-hour course online when the provider is certified by the Secretary of State to offer online Adult Driver Education.

How long is the Adult Driver Education Course?

The course is at least six hours long. The Secretary of State describes it as six hours of classroom or online instruction.

Does the six-hour course include behind-the-wheel lessons?

No. Behind-the-wheel instruction is not part of the required six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

Should I practice driving before applying for my license?

Yes. Illinois encourages adult applicants to have at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. This is an encouragement and is separate from the six-hour adult course.

Does the provider's final test replace the Illinois written test?

No. The course provider administers a written test to verify successful completion of the course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your Illinois driver's license.

What do I receive after completing the course?

After successful completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate and bring it with you when you visit the Secretary of State Driver Services facility.

What documents should I bring to the Secretary of State facility?

You must bring the required identification documents for your application. Illinois maintains an official list of acceptable documents, and requirements depend on the type of application and documentation you have.

Is there a Driver Services facility in Edwards County?

The current statewide Illinois Secretary of State facility list does not show a Driver Services facility in Edwards County. Nearby listed facilities include Olney, Lawrenceville, Robinson, and Carmi.

Do I need an appointment at the nearest facility?

The current statewide facility list does not mark Olney, Lawrenceville, Robinson, or Carmi as appointment-required Driver Services locations. Because facility policies and services can change, confirm the current requirements through the Secretary of State's Facility Finder before traveling.

Do applicants under 18 take this six-hour course?

No. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.

Do applicants age 21 or older need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course?

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

What if I already completed driver education in high school?

If you successfully completed an approved high school driver education program and can provide acceptable proof, you generally do not need to complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.

What if I live in Grayville and need to complete the licensing process?

You can complete the eligible adult course online, then travel to an appropriate Secretary of State Driver Services facility. Grayville does not have a current Secretary of State Driver Services facility listed in the statewide directory, so check nearby locations such as Olney, Lawrenceville, Robinson, or Carmi and confirm services before traveling.

Does completing the course give me a driver's license?

No. Course completion gives you the required course certificate when applicable. It does not issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges. You must still satisfy the Secretary of State's licensing requirements and pass the applicable examinations.

Start Your Edwards County Adult Driver Education Course Online

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 Course online through a certified provider.

IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com is listed by the Illinois Secretary of State as anonline Adult Driver Education provider. Complete the course requirements, obtain your Certificate of Completion, then continue with the Secretary of State licensing process at an appropriate Driver Services facility.

Cities and Towns in Edwards County, Illinois

Albion, city and county seat

Online Adult Driver Education in Edwards County, Illinois