Franklin County Adult Driver Education

Online Adult Driver Education in Franklin County, Illinois

Take the six-hour online Adult Driver Education course in Franklin County for eligible first-time Illinois applicants ages 18 to 20.

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Online Adult Driver Education in Franklin County, Illinois

If you are 18, 19, or 20 and applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, Illinois law may require you to complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course before applying for your license. The requirement applies when you have never completed an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school. The Illinois Secretary of State allows the course to be completed online when it is offered by a certified online provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)

For eligible first-time applicants in Franklin County, the online course can be completed from communities such as Benton, West Frankfort, Christopher, Sesser, Zeigler, and Orient. After successfully completing the course, you receive access to your completion certificate. You should download and print the certificate, then take it and your required identification documents to an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You must still complete the applicable vision, written, and road examinations. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?

The Illinois Secretary of State identifies three requirements that must all apply.

You must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course if:

You are18, 19, or 20 years old.

You areapplying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.

You havenever completed any type of approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school.

If all three statements apply to you, the six-hour course must be completed before you apply for your Illinois driver's license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The Secretary of State states that the course may be provided in a classroom or online, depending on the provider's certification. Courses from providers that are not certified by the Secretary of State are not accepted. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Who Does Not Need This Course?

The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement does not apply to everyone seeking an Illinois driver's license.

Generally, you do not need this particular course if:

You areunder 18. Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process. (Illinois Secretary of State)

You are21 or older, unless another specific licensing requirement applies to your situation.

You havealready been licensedand are not applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.

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

You are moving to Illinois with avalid out-of-state driver's licenseand are transferring that license. The Secretary of State says you must surrender the out-of-state license and complete the applicable Illinois testing, but you do not need to provide proof of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course solely because you are transferring a valid out-of-state license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Your individual circumstances can affect licensing requirements, so check the current Secretary of State information before visiting a facility.

Illinois Online Course Rules

Illinois' Adult Driver Education Course is asix-hour classroom or online driver education coursefor eligible applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Current Secretary of State rules define the Adult Driver Education Course as six hours of classroom or online instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course covers traffic-safety subjects such as:

Current traffic laws

Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings

Poor decision-making and risk-taking

Impaired driving

Driver distraction, including cell phone and text-message use

Speed

Safety-belt use

Night driving

Failure to yield the right-of-way

Other issues associated with motor vehicle crashes (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course must be provided by an entity certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Certified providers may offer classroom instruction, online instruction, or both, depending on their certification. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The course also includes a provider-administered final written test. Successfully completing the course gives the student access to a completion certificate. The certificate is evidence of course completion. It isnotan Illinois driver's license and does not by itself give you driving privileges.

What the Course Includes and Does Not Include

Includes

At least six hours of classroom or online driver education instruction

Illinois traffic-safety instruction

Instruction concerning traffic laws, signs, signals, markings, and safe driving decisions

A provider-administered final written test

Access to an official course completion certificate after successful completion (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does Not Include

Behind-the-wheel instruction

A driving lesson program

A road-test waiver

The Illinois Secretary of State written examination

Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license

The Secretary of State specifically states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course does not include and is not required to include behind-the-wheel training. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Illinois encourages adult applicants to obtainat least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining a license. This is a recommendation concerning driving practice. It is not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. You must still complete the applicable road examination at the Secretary of State facility. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Franklin County Licensing Process

For an eligible first-time applicant in Franklin County, the process generally works as follows:

Confirm that you meet the age and eligibility requirements.You must be 18, 19, or 20, applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have no previous qualifying driver education course.

Choose a Secretary of State-certified Adult Driver Education provider.The Secretary of State maintains a current certified-provider list. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

Complete the six-hour course onlineif you select a provider certified to offer online instruction.

Complete the provider's final written test.

Access your completion certificateafter successfully completing the course.

Download and print the certificate.Keep it with the other documents you will take to the Secretary of State.

Prepare your identification documents.First-time Illinois applicants generally need documents satisfying the Secretary of State's applicable identification groups. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Choose a Driver Services facility.Franklin County is served directly by the Benton facility, with additional facilities available in surrounding areas.

Confirm facility information before traveling.Check the Secretary of State's Facility Finder for current hours, services, testing availability, and appointment information.

Visit the facility and complete the applicable licensing requirements.This can include the vision screening, Secretary of State written examination, and road examination.

Meet all remaining requirements and pay the applicable fee.Completing the online course does not guarantee issuance of a driver's license.

The course provider's final test and the Secretary of State written examination are separate requirements. Passing the provider's final test does not replace the Secretary of State examination. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Driving in Franklin County

Franklin County has a distinctly Southern Illinois driving environment that combines interstate travel, small-city streets, rural roads, agricultural areas, industrial activity, and recreation around Rend Lake.

The county government identifies Interstate 57 as a major transportation connection through Franklin County. The county highway system also includes county-maintained roads, township roads, municipal streets, and state highways. The Franklin County Highway Department is responsible for maintaining its county highway system and bridges, including snow and ice removal, roadway repairs, signs, and drainage. (Franklin County)

For a new driver, the transition between a small community street and a higher-speed highway is particularly important. Roads around Benton, Christopher, West Frankfort, Sesser, and Zeigler connect to larger state routes and the I-57 corridor. Drivers can encounter commercial traffic, recreational traffic, farm equipment, and vehicles traveling through the county rather than stopping in a local community.

Rend Lake is another important part of the county's transportation environment. Illinois Department of Natural Resources information identifies multiple state routes providing direct access to the lake, while some recreational areas are reached primarily by township roads. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

New drivers should also be prepared for Southern Illinois weather. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and increase stopping distances. Winter weather can create slick pavement, while rural roads may have less lighting and fewer nearby services than streets in the larger communities.

Major Roads and Highways

Interstate 57

Interstate 57 is the principal interstate corridor through Franklin County. The county government describes I-57 as a major access route, connecting the area with larger transportation corridors and communities throughout Southern Illinois and beyond. (Franklin County)

For new drivers, I-57 introduces higher speeds, longer stopping distances, large trucks, entrance and exit ramps, and merging traffic. A driver who is comfortable on local streets should practice highway decision-making before attempting longer interstate trips.

Illinois Route 14

Illinois Route 14 serves communities including Christopher, West City, and Benton. IDOT project records identify portions of Route 14 between Illinois Route 148 in Christopher, West City, Interstate 57, and Illinois Route 37 in Benton. (IDOT)

Route 14 provides an important east-west connection across the county and links local communities with the larger highway network.

Illinois Route 37

Illinois Route 37 is an important north-south state route through Benton and the surrounding area. IDOT records identify Route 37 in connection with Benton and other Franklin County transportation projects. (IDOT)

Illinois Route 149

Illinois Route 149 is particularly important around West Frankfort. IDOT records identify the route between I-57 and Illinois Route 37 through West Frankfort and document interchange and intersection improvements associated with the I-57 connection. (IDOT)

Illinois Route 34

Illinois Route 34 serves the eastern portion of Franklin County, including the Thompsonville area. Current IDOT programming identifies Route 34 improvements extending from Benton toward the Saline County line. (IDOT)

Illinois Route 148 and Illinois Route 154

Illinois Route 148 provides access in the northern and western portions of the county and is an important approach to the Rend Lake area. Illinois Route 154 also provides access around the Rend Lake region. Illinois Department of Natural Resources information identifies Routes 148 and 154 among the highways providing direct access to Rend Lake. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

Primary Local Driving Topic: Interstate 57 Merging and Interchange Driving

For new Franklin County drivers,merging onto and exiting Interstate 57is an important local skill.

I-57 carries through traffic as well as vehicles traveling to Franklin County communities and the Rend Lake recreation area. The I-57 corridor connects with major local routes, including Illinois Route 149 around West Frankfort and Illinois Route 14 near Benton. IDOT has specifically identified safety and reconstruction work at the Illinois Route 149 interchange in West Frankfort. (IDOT)

When entering I-57:

Accelerate appropriately on the entrance ramp so you can match the flow of traffic.

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

Use your turn signal before moving into another lane.

Do not stop at the end of an acceleration lane unless traffic conditions leave you no safe alternative.

Give large trucks additional space.

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

When exiting, move into the appropriate lane early enough to make the maneuver calmly.

Reduce speed after leaving the interstate rather than making a sudden speed reduction while still in high-speed traffic.

New drivers should also remember that a familiar local route can feel very different when traffic volume increases around an interchange. Look well ahead, maintain a safe following distance, and make lane decisions before you reach the ramp area.

Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Rural and Recreation-Area Roads

Rend Lake brings recreational travel to an otherwise rural road network. Illinois Department of Natural Resources notes that many portions of the recreation area are reached primarily by township roads, and some parking areas use loose gravel surfaces. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

A new driver traveling toward a lake access area, campground, or other recreation site should not assume every road will have the same characteristics as a city street.

Keep these practices in mind:

Slow down before entering unfamiliar curves or intersections.

Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists near recreation areas.

Expect vehicles to turn toward access roads or parking areas.

Be cautious on narrow or less-traveled roads.

Avoid driving faster than conditions allow simply because traffic is light.

Give yourself extra stopping distance on wet or loose surfaces.

Pay attention to signs directing you toward recreation facilities rather than making sudden turns after passing an entrance.

Take the Course Online Throughout Franklin County

Eligible first-time applicants who live in Franklin County can complete the classroom portion of Adult Driver Education online when they choose a provider certified for online Adult Driver Education.

That means an eligible student can complete the six-hour course from home in Benton, West Frankfort, Christopher, Sesser, Zeigler, Orient, or another Franklin County community without attending a physical classroom for the instructional portion.

The online course does not eliminate the need to visit the Secretary of State. After successful completion, download and print your certificate and bring it with your required identification documents when you complete the Illinois licensing process at a Driver Services facility. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Important County Communities

Benton

Benton is the Franklin County seat and an important local transportation center. Illinois Route 37 runs through the community, while Illinois Route 14 connects the Benton area with I-57 and other county communities. IDOT's current highway program includes work associated with Illinois Routes 14, 34, and 37 in and around Benton. (IDOT)

Drivers should expect a combination of city streets and state-route traffic, particularly around the Public Square and the approaches to the major routes.

West Frankfort

West Frankfort is one of Franklin County's principal communities and an important point on Illinois Route 149. The route connects the city with I-57 and Illinois Route 37. IDOT has documented multiple projects involving the Route 149 and I-57 interchange area. (IDOT)

New drivers should be especially attentive to lane changes and turning movements around the interchange and surrounding commercial areas.

Christopher

Christopher lies along the Illinois Route 14 corridor. IDOT records identify Route 14 work between Illinois Route 148 in Christopher, West City, and the Benton area. (IDOT)

Drivers traveling through Christopher may transition quickly between local streets and state-route traffic, making speed management and intersection awareness important.

Sesser

Sesser is a city in northern Franklin County near Rend Lake. Illinois Department of Natural Resources identifies Illinois Route 154 as one of the routes providing direct access to Rend Lake, while the broader Rend Lake area is served by several state routes. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

Recreation-related travel can add unfamiliar vehicles and turning movements around lake access areas, particularly during periods of outdoor activity.

Zeigler

Zeigler is a city in Franklin County connected to the county's state highway network. IDOT records document an Illinois Route 149 project extending from Illinois Route 148 in Zeigler toward West Frankfort. (IDOT)

Drivers traveling between Zeigler and communities farther west should be prepared for a transition from local streets to higher-speed state routes.

Orient

Orient is a small incorporated city in Franklin County. It is located near the Illinois Route 149 corridor west of West Frankfort, making local route awareness important for drivers traveling between the community and the I-57 area. IDOT project records specifically reference Orient Road and Route 149 west of West Frankfort. (IDOT)

Illinois Secretary of State Facilities

Benton Driver Services Facility

812 N. Main StreetBenton, IL 62812

The current Illinois Secretary of State statewide facility list doesnotidentify Benton as an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" location. The Facility Finder identifies Benton as offering first-time driver's license issuance, vision screening, written testing, and road testing. (Illinois Secretary of State)

The Benton facility is the most directly relevant Secretary of State Driver Services location for Franklin County residents.

The official Facility Finder also notes that road tests can generally be conducted until 60 minutes before closing, subject to conditions such as customer volume, weather, road conditions, and vehicle conditions. Applicants taking a road test should bring proof of vehicle insurance. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

Carbondale Driver Services Facility

2516 W. Murphysboro RoadCarbondale, IL 62901

The current statewide facility list does not identify Carbondale as an appointment-required Driver Services location. The Facility Finder identifies first-time driver's license issuance, vision screening, written testing, and road testing among its services. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Marion Driver Services Facility

1905 Rendleman StreetMarion, IL 62959

Marion is a reasonable additional Southern Illinois option. The Secretary of State identifies Marion as anappointment-requiredDriver Services facility for driver's license services. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Facility policies, services, hours, and testing availability can change. Before traveling, use the officialIllinois Secretary of State Facility Finderto confirm current hours, road-testing availability, services, and appointment requirements.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Franklin 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 through a high school or commercial driving school, you must complete the six-hour course. (Illinois Secretary of State)

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

Yes. Illinois permits Adult Driver Education to be offered online when the provider is certified by the Secretary of State for online instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

How long is the course?

The Adult Driver Education Course is at least six hours of classroom or online instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does the six-hour course include driving lessons?

No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course does not include behind-the-wheel instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Does Illinois recommend driving practice?

Yes. The Secretary of State encourages adult applicants to have at least 50 hours of practice, including at least 10 hours of night driving, before obtaining a license. This is recommended practice and is not part of the six-hour online course. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Is the provider's final test the Illinois written driver's license test?

No. The course provider administers its own final written test. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your license. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What happens after I finish the online course?

After successful completion, you receive access to your completion certificate. Download and print it, then bring it with your required identification documents to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What documents do I need at the Secretary of State facility?

First-time applicants generally need acceptable documents proving the required identity information, date of birth, Social Security number, residency, and signature. The exact documents depend on your application. Review the current Secretary of State document requirements before your visit. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Can I complete the licensing process in Benton?

The Benton Driver Services Facility at 812 N. Main Street offers first-time driver's license issuance, vision screening, written testing, and road testing according to the current Facility Finder. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

Does Benton currently require an appointment?

The current statewide facility list does not mark Benton as an appointment-required Driver Services facility. Because policies can change, confirm the current requirements in the Secretary of State Facility Finder before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)

Can Franklin County residents use another facility?

Yes. Facilities such as Carbondale and Marion may provide alternatives. Carbondale is listed without an appointment-required designation on the statewide facility list, while Marion is identified as appointment required for driver's license services. Always verify the current services and appointment requirements before visiting. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What if I am under 18?

Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process rather than the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement described on this page. (Illinois Secretary of State)

What if I am 21 or older?

Most applicants age 21 or older do not have to complete this six-hour Adult Driver Education Course simply because they are applying for an Illinois driver's license. Other licensing requirements may still apply.

Does finishing the course guarantee that I will receive a license?

No. Course completion does not automatically issue a driver's license or grant driving privileges. You must still satisfy the Secretary of State's licensing requirements and successfully complete the applicable examinations.

Start Your Franklin 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 instruction online through a certified provider.

Complete the course, pass the provider's final test, download your completion certificate, and then prepare for your Secretary of State visit in Benton or another appropriate Driver Services location.

Start your six-hour online Adult Driver Education course today.

Cities and Towns in Franklin County, Illinois

Benton, city and county seat

Christopher, city

Orient, city

Sesser, city

West Frankfort, city

Zeigler, city

The municipality classifications above were checked against the Illinois State Archives Name Index to Illinois Local Governments. The index identifies Benton, Christopher, Orient, Sesser, West Frankfort, and Zeigler as municipalities classified as cities. It identifies communities including Buckner, Ewing, Hanaford, Macedonia, North City, Royalton, Thompsonville, Valier, and West City as villages, so those communities are intentionally excluded from this section. (Illinois Secretary of State Apps)

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