Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
You generally need the course if you:
Are 18, 19, or 20.
Are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.
Have never completed an approved driver education course.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
The special requirement generally does not apply if you:
Are under 18 and follow Illinois' teen GDL process.
Are 21 or older.
Previously held a driver's license.
Completed qualifying driver education.
Are transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The course is at least six hours long and may be completed online through a certified provider. Online certification requires at least 360 minutes of instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Subjects include Illinois traffic laws, signs and markings, impaired driving, distraction, speed, safety belts, nighttime driving, risk taking, decision-making, and yielding.
A provider-administered written final test is required. It is separate from the Secretary of State's written licensing test. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
Includes
Six hours of Adult Driver Education
Online instruction
Illinois traffic-safety information
Provider final written test
Completion certificate
Does not include
Behind-the-wheel lessons
Professional driving instruction
Secretary of State written test
Secretary of State road test
Driver's license
Illinois recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Farmington Licensing Process
Confirm eligibility.
Select a certified online provider.
Complete the six-hour course.
Pass the provider's final test.
Obtain your certificate.
Prepare your required identification documents.
Check current Driver Services information.
Visit a Driver Services facility.
Complete applicable vision, written, and road examinations.
Complete remaining licensing requirements.
Driving in Farmington
Farmington is located in eastern Fulton County along the IL 78 and IL 116 corridor. The City of Farmington describes the community as approximately 25 miles west of Peoria and identifies Route 116 as a major local connection. (City of Farmington, Illinois)
The combination of local city streets and state highways means new drivers should be comfortable with:
Turning traffic
Pedestrian activity
Intersections
Highway traffic
Farm equipment
Rural roads
Changing speed environments
Illinois Route 116
IL 116 is a major east-west connection through Farmington. The city identifies Route 116 as an important connection toward Peoria and western Illinois. (City of Farmington, Illinois)
Illinois Route 78
IL 78 also passes through Farmington. The two routes form an important part of the city's regional transportation network. (City of Farmington, Illinois)
Local Streets
Drivers moving from IL 116 or IL 78 into the city should reduce speed and watch carefully for intersections, pedestrians, parked vehicles, and turning traffic.
Primary Local Driving Topic: IL 116 and IL 78 Highway Transitions
The meeting of IL 116 and IL 78 makes highway awareness especially important for Farmington drivers.
A new driver should practice:
Checking mirrors before changing lanes.
Identifying upcoming turns early.
Maintaining a safe following distance.
Watching for vehicles turning onto the highway.
Adjusting speed when entering developed areas.
Watching for farm equipment outside the city.
IDOT's Fulton County program also identifies work involving the IL 78 and IL 116 transportation network. (IDOT)
Additional Safety Topic: Small-City and Rural Traffic
Farmington's streets connect quickly to rural roadways. Drivers should be prepared for slower agricultural vehicles, wildlife, limited nighttime lighting, and longer stretches without urban traffic controls.
During community events, additional visitor traffic can also occur. The City of Farmington identifies events including the Spoon River Drive and Farmington Farmers Homecoming. (City of Farmington, Illinois)
Take the Course Online in Farmington
Eligible students in Farmington can complete Adult Driver Education online through a certified provider.
The Secretary of State provider list identifies IllinoisAdultDriverEd.com as an online provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course can be completed without traveling to a classroom, but the licensing process still requires the appropriate Driver Services visit.
Important Farmington Community Information
Farmington is classified as an M-CITY municipality by the Illinois State Archives. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The city is an important eastern Fulton County transportation point because IL 78 and IL 116 pass through the community.
Illinois Secretary of State Facilities
Canton Driver Services Facility
1015 W. Locust, Canton, IL 61520
Canton is the Driver Services facility located in Fulton County. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Macomb and Galesburg are additional facilities that may be considered depending on the applicant's needs.
Confirm current testing and appointment information before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Farmington residents need Adult Driver Education?
Qualifying first-time Illinois license applicants ages 18 through 20 generally must complete the course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Can I take it online?
Yes.
How long is the course?
At least six hours.
Does it include behind-the-wheel instruction?
No.
Does the provider test replace the Secretary of State test?
No.
Do I still need a road test?
Yes, when applicable.
Where is the Fulton County Driver Services facility?
1015 W. Locust in Canton. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What highways are important in Farmington?
IL 116 and IL 78.
Is Farmington a city?
Yes. The Illinois State Archives classifies it as an M-CITY municipality. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What should new Farmington drivers practice?
The transition between city streets and state highway traffic.
What rural hazards should I expect?
Agricultural equipment, wildlife, limited lighting, and changing weather.
How much supervised driving is recommended?
At least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does completing the course guarantee a license?
No.
Can I complete the course before visiting Driver Services?
Yes.
Does living in Farmington change the eligibility rules?
No.
Start Your Farmington Adult Driver Education Course
If you meet Illinois' eligibility requirements, complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online, pass the provider test, obtain your completion certificate, and continue the licensing process through the Illinois Secretary of State.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Archives, City of Farmington, and IDOT. (Illinois Secretary of State)