Who Must Take Adult Driver Education in Benton?
You generally must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course if 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.
The Secretary of State states that the course must be successfully completed before obtaining the Illinois driver's license when these conditions apply. (Illinois Secretary of State)
If you previously completed an approved driver education course, you may not need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. Check your individual situation and documentation requirements with the Secretary of State.
Who Does Not Need the Six-Hour Course?
This particular Adult Driver Education requirement generally does not apply if:
You are under 18 and following Illinois' teen Graduated Driver Licensing process.
You are 21 or older.
You already held a driver's license and are not applying as a first-time Illinois license applicant.
You previously completed qualifying driver education.
You are transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license to Illinois.
The Secretary of State specifically states that someone moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver's license does not need the Adult Driver Education Course solely because of the transfer. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Illinois Online Adult Driver Education Rules
The Adult Driver Education Course is a six-hour classroom or online course for eligible applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Providers must be certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course covers subjects including:
Illinois traffic laws
Highway signs and signals
Pavement markings
Risk-taking and decision-making
Impaired driving
Distracted driving
Cell phone and text-message use
Speed
Safety-belt use
Night driving
Right-of-way rules
Common causes of motor vehicle crashes
The course is classroom instruction only. It does not include behind-the-wheel driving lessons. (Illinois Secretary of State)
IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com is listed by the Illinois Secretary of State as an online Adult Driver Education provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What the Benton Online Course Includes
Includes
Six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction
Online classroom instruction
Illinois traffic-safety education
Provider-administered final test
Completion certificate after successful completion
Does Not Include
Behind-the-wheel lessons
In-car instruction
The Secretary of State written examination
The Secretary of State road examination
Automatic issuance of a driver's license
Illinois encourages applicants to obtain at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining a license. That practice is separate from the six-hour course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Benton Illinois Driver Licensing Process
For an eligible first-time Benton applicant:
Confirm that you meet the 18 to 20 Adult Driver Education requirements.
Choose a Secretary of State-certified provider.
Complete the six-hour course online.
Pass the provider's final test.
Access your completion certificate.
Download and print the certificate.
Gather the required identification documents.
Check the current Secretary of State facility information.
Visit a Driver Services facility.
Complete the applicable vision, written, and road examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements and pay the applicable fee.
The Adult Driver Education certificate does not replace the Secretary of State written or road examination. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Driving in Benton
Benton is the Franklin County seat and sits within a transportation network that connects local streets with Illinois Routes 14 and 37 and Interstate 57. Franklin County identifies I-57 as a major access route through the county. (Franklin County)
IDOT's current highway program identifies Route 14 work between I-57 and Illinois Route 37 in Benton and additional Route 37 improvements around Benton. (IDOT)
For a new driver, this means learning to transition safely between city streets and higher-speed state routes.
Major Roads Near Benton
Illinois Route 14
Illinois Route 14 connects Benton with West City, I-57, and other communities. IDOT has programmed improvements between I-57 and Illinois Route 37 in Benton. (IDOT)
Illinois Route 37
Illinois Route 37 is an important north-south route through Benton. IDOT is studying and planning improvements along the Benton to Bonnie corridor, including roadway, drainage, shoulder, culvert, and intersection improvements. (IDOT)
Interstate 57
I-57 provides the major interstate connection through Franklin County. The interstate expansion between Benton and West Frankfort was completed in 2025, resulting in 27 miles of six-lane highway in Southern Illinois. (IDOT)
Primary Local Driving Topic: Highway Merging Around Benton
A major skill for a new Benton driver is safely transitioning from local roads to I-57 and state highways.
Practice these habits:
Check mirrors before entering higher-speed traffic.
Match traffic speed appropriately when entering an interstate.
Check blind spots before changing lanes.
Signal before changing lanes.
Leave extra space around large trucks.
Avoid last-second lane changes.
Look well ahead for construction or congestion.
Slow down gradually after leaving the interstate.
Additional Safety Topic: Rend Lake Area Travel
Benton is closely connected with the Rend Lake area. The city identifies the Rend Lake Water Festival as a major local event, while Rend Lake provides boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and other recreational activities. (Benton City)
New drivers should expect additional recreational traffic during busy periods and should watch for vehicles turning toward lake access points and recreation areas.
Take Adult Driver Education Online From Benton
Eligible Benton residents do not need to attend a physical classroom for the instructional portion when they choose a certified online provider.
You can complete the six-hour course from home, then continue with the in-person licensing process at a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Benton Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Benton Driver Services Facility812 N. Main StreetBenton, IL 62812
The current Secretary of State facility list identifies the Benton facility at this address. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Applicants should verify current hours, services, testing availability, and appointment information before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Benton?
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 course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Benton?
Yes. Eligible applicants can take the course online through a provider certified for online Adult Driver Education. (Illinois Secretary of State)
How long is the course?
The course is six hours in length. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the course include driving lessons?
No. The six-hour course is classroom or online instruction only. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the final test replace the Secretary of State written test?
No. The provider's final test and the Secretary of State written examination are separate.
What happens after I finish?
You receive access to your completion certificate and then continue the Illinois licensing process.
Can I complete the course from home?
Yes. Online Adult Driver Education allows eligible students to complete the classroom portion online.
Do I still have to visit a Secretary of State facility?
Yes. Course completion does not eliminate the in-person licensing requirements.
Where can I take my licensing tests?
The Benton Driver Services Facility is located at 812 N. Main Street. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does Illinois recommend driving practice?
Yes. Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including at least 10 hours at night. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What if I already completed high school driver education?
You may not need the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. You should have acceptable proof of your prior qualifying education.
What if I am under 18?
You follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What if I am 21 or older?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement generally does not apply based solely on age.
Does course completion guarantee my license?
No. You must still meet all applicable Secretary of State requirements and pass the required examinations.
Start Your Benton Adult Driver Education Course Online
If you are an eligible first-time Illinois license applicant age 18, 19, or 20 in Benton, you can complete your six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
Complete the course, pass the provider final test, obtain your certificate, and continue the licensing process with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Start your six-hour online Adult Driver Education course today.