Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
You must complete the course if you:
Are 18, 19, or 20.
Are applying for your first Illinois driver's license.
Have never completed an approved driver education course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Who Does Not Need the Course?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement generally does not apply to people who are under 18 and following the teen GDL process, age 21 or older, already licensed, have qualifying prior driver education, or are transferring a valid out-of-state license.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The Adult Driver Education Course is six hours of classroom or online instruction. It must be provided by a Secretary of State-certified provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Topics include traffic laws, signs, markings, impaired driving, distraction, speed, safety belts, night driving, right-of-way, and decision-making. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course does not include behind-the-wheel training.
What the West Frankfort Course Includes
Six-hour online instruction
Traffic-safety instruction
Provider final test
Completion certificate
It does not include:
Behind-the-wheel lessons
In-car training
Secretary of State written examination
Road examination
Automatic license issuance
West Frankfort Licensing Process
Confirm your eligibility.
Choose a certified provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Pass the provider final test.
Obtain and print your certificate.
Gather your identification documents.
Verify the current Driver Services facility information.
Visit a facility.
Complete the applicable vision, written, and road testing.
Meet the remaining requirements.
Driving in West Frankfort
West Frankfort is one of the most important transportation communities in Franklin County. Illinois Route 149 connects the city with I-57 and other county communities.
IDOT's highway materials identify Route 149 through West Frankfort and the I-57 connection. Current IDOT programming also identifies pavement improvements on Illinois 37 north of Douglas Street in West Frankfort. (IDOT)
The city's official website identifies a city street department, police department, fire department, parks, and commercial areas, reflecting a more developed local street environment than many rural portions of the county. (West Frankfort)
Major Roads Near West Frankfort
Illinois Route 149
Route 149 is the primary local highway connection for West Frankfort. It links the city with I-57 and communities to the west and east.
Interstate 57
I-57 provides high-speed north-south access through Franklin County.
Illinois Route 37
Illinois Route 37 connects West Frankfort with Benton and communities farther south and north. (IDOT)
Primary Local Driving Topic: I-57 and Route 149 Interchange Driving
For West Frankfort students, learning to navigate the Route 149 and I-57 area is particularly important.
IDOT has documented work involving the Route 149/I-57 interchange area, including safety and reconstruction projects. (IDOT)
New drivers should:
Enter highway traffic at an appropriate speed.
Check blind spots.
Avoid last-second lane changes.
Watch for trucks.
Plan exits before reaching the interchange.
Leave additional following distance.
Pay attention to construction signs.
Reduce speed gradually after exiting.
Additional Safety Topic: Commercial and Regional Traffic
West Frankfort's position near I-57 means drivers can encounter traffic that is traveling through the community rather than simply traveling locally.
Expect:
Commercial vehicles
Regional traffic
Construction vehicles
Higher traffic volumes near interchanges
Changing speeds near commercial areas
Take the Course Online From West Frankfort
Eligible West Frankfort students can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online from home.
The online course does not replace the in-person licensing requirements.
Secretary of State Facility
Benton Driver Services Facility812 N. Main StreetBenton, IL 62812 (Illinois Secretary of State)
Other Southern Illinois facilities may be available depending on the services required. Verify current information before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education in West Frankfort?
If you meet all three eligibility conditions, yes. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Can I take the course online?
Yes.
Is the course six hours?
Yes.
Does it include behind-the-wheel training?
No.
Is the final test the same as the state written test?
No.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes.
Can I complete the course at home?
Yes.
Do I still need to visit the Secretary of State?
Yes.
Where can I complete my licensing requirements?
The Benton Driver Services Facility is at 812 N. Main Street. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What is the most important local highway skill?
Safe merging and lane management around I-57 and Route 149.
How much practice does Illinois recommend?
At least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What if I completed driver education previously?
You may not need the six-hour course.
What if I am under 18?
You follow the Illinois teen GDL process. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What if I am 21 or older?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement generally does not apply solely because of age.
Does finishing the course guarantee a driver's license?
No.
Start Your West Frankfort Adult Driver Education Course Online
Eligible West Frankfort applicants ages 18 to 20 can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement online through a certified provider.
Start your online Adult Driver Education course today.