Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
The six-hour course generally applies when all three conditions are true:
You are 18, 19, or 20.
You are applying for your first Illinois driver's license.
You have never completed an approved driver education course.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this particular course if you:
Are under 18 and follow the Illinois teen GDL process.
Are 21 or older.
Previously held a driver's license.
Completed qualifying driver education.
Hold a valid out-of-state driver's license that you are transferring to Illinois.
Illinois Online Course Rules
Illinois requires at least six hours of Adult Driver Education. Certified providers can offer the course online, with online certification requiring at least 360 minutes of instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course covers traffic laws, signs, signals, markings, impaired driving, distraction, speed, seat belts, nighttime driving, decision-making, risk taking, and right-of-way.
The provider also administers a written final test. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
Includes
Six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction
Online classroom instruction
Traffic-safety education
Provider final test
Completion certificate
Does not include
Behind-the-wheel training
Professional driving lessons
Secretary of State written test
Secretary of State road test
Driver's license
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including at least 10 nighttime hours. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Lewistown Licensing Process
Confirm your eligibility.
Choose a certified online provider.
Complete the six-hour course.
Pass the provider's final test.
Obtain your completion certificate.
Gather the required identification documents.
Check current Driver Services information.
Visit a Driver Services facility.
Complete the applicable vision, written, and road examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements.
Driving in Lewistown
Lewistown is centrally located within Fulton County and serves as the county seat. US 24 passes through the city. IL 97 and IL 100 also connect with the local transportation network. (Wikipedia)
The City of Lewistown identifies access from Peoria through IL 78 and US 24 and from Springfield through IL 97. (lewistownillinois.org)
For a new driver, Lewistown therefore combines:
Small-city streets
US highway traffic
State highway traffic
Agricultural vehicles
Regional commuter traffic
Visitor traffic
Rural roads outside the city
U.S. Route 24
US 24 passes through Lewistown and is one of the most important local highways. (Wikipedia)
The route connects Lewistown with Astoria and western Fulton County and provides regional connections toward Peoria.
Illinois Route 97
IL 97 connects Lewistown with communities north and south of the city. The route is an important regional north-south highway. (Wikipedia)
Illinois Route 100
IL 100 also connects with US 24 in the Lewistown area and forms part of the county's regional highway network.
Primary Local Driving Topic: US 24 and Highway Intersections
The primary local driving topic for Lewistown is managing US 24 and the area's connections with IL 97 and IL 100.
New drivers should:
Check traffic carefully before entering US 24.
Avoid assuming an approaching vehicle is traveling at town speed.
Identify upcoming turns early.
Maintain adequate following distance.
Watch for trucks and agricultural vehicles.
Avoid passing when sight distance is limited.
Slow down when approaching intersections.
The City of Lewistown's visitor information confirms the city's regional highway connections through US 24 and IL 97. (lewistownillinois.org)
Additional Safety Topic: Rural Roads and Agricultural Traffic
Outside the city, drivers quickly encounter a rural environment.
Farm equipment may travel considerably slower than passenger vehicles. Drivers should slow down early, avoid unsafe passing, and watch for farm entrances.
Nighttime rural driving can also be challenging because of limited street lighting. Use headlights correctly and maintain a speed appropriate for visibility.
Take the Course Online in Lewistown
Eligible Lewistown students can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
The current Secretary of State provider listing identifies IllinoisAdultDriverEd.com as an online provider. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The online option eliminates the need to travel to a classroom for the education portion. It does not eliminate the need to visit Driver Services.
Important Lewistown Community Information
Lewistown is a city and the Fulton County seat. The Illinois State Archives identifies the county as established in 1823 and Lewistown as the county seat. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The city also has a strong connection to the Spoon River region and local history.
Illinois Secretary of State Facilities
Canton Driver Services Facility
1015 W. Locust, Canton, IL 61520
Canton is the Fulton County Driver Services facility. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Macomb and Galesburg are additional western Illinois Driver Services locations that may be alternatives depending on the services needed.
Check the current Secretary of State Facility Finder before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lewistown 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 the course online?
Yes.
How long is the course?
At least six hours.
Does the course include behind-the-wheel training?
No.
Does the provider's final test replace the Secretary of State written test?
No.
Do I still need the road test?
Yes, when applicable.
Where is the Fulton County Driver Services facility?
1015 W. Locust in Canton. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is Lewistown the county seat?
Yes. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What major road passes through Lewistown?
US 24 passes through the city. (Wikipedia)
What other state routes are important?
IL 97 and IL 100 are important regional routes.
What should new drivers watch for?
Highway traffic, farm equipment, trucks, rural intersections, wildlife, and changing weather.
How much supervised practice does Illinois recommend?
At least 50 hours, including at least 10 hours at night. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the course guarantee a license?
No.
Can I complete the course before visiting Driver Services?
Yes.
Does living in Lewistown change the course requirement?
No. Eligibility is based on age and licensing and driver education history.
Start Your Lewistown Adult Driver Education Course
Eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicants ages 18 through 20 can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
Complete the course, pass the provider's final test, obtain your certificate, and then continue with the Illinois Secretary of State licensing process.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Archives, City of Lewistown, and IDOT. (Illinois Secretary of State)