Overview
After completing the course and provider-administered final test, the student receives access to the Certificate of Completion. The certificate should be downloaded and printed before visiting an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
The six-hour course is the education requirement. It does not provide a driver's license, driving privileges, or behind-the-wheel instruction.
Who Must Take Adult Driver Education in Bentley?
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.
Your location in Bentley does not change the statewide eligibility requirements.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this particular course if:
You are under 18 and following Illinois' teen licensing process.
You are 21 or older.
You previously held an Illinois driver's license.
You previously completed qualifying approved driver education.
You are transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license rather than applying for your first license.
If your licensing history is unusual, confirm your requirements with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Illinois Online Adult Driver Education Rules
Illinois requires at least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction. For an online course, Secretary of State certification requires at least 360 minutes of instruction, and students must complete the instruction within 30 days of beginning the course. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The course covers subjects including:
Illinois traffic laws
Signs, signals and pavement markings
Risk management
Driver attitudes
Distracted driving
Impaired driving
Speed
Right-of-way
Seat-belt use
Nighttime driving
Safe decision-making
A provider-administered written final test is part of completing the course. It is separate from the Illinois Secretary of State written driver's license examination.
What the Bentley Online Course Includes
Six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction
Online instruction through a certified provider
Illinois traffic-safety education
Traffic laws and roadway rules
Signs, signals and pavement markings
Impaired and distracted driving information
Risk-management and decision-making instruction
Provider-administered final written test
Certificate of Completion after successful completion
What It Does Not Include
Behind-the-wheel instruction
Private driving lessons
The Secretary of State road test
The Secretary of State written examination
A driver's license
Automatic driving privileges
Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This is separate from the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.
Bentley Licensing Process
For an eligible Bentley applicant:
Confirm that you meet the 18-to-20 eligibility requirements.
Select a Secretary of State-certified Adult Driver Education provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Pass the provider's final written test.
Obtain and print your Certificate of Completion.
Gather your required identification documents.
Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Complete the applicable vision, written and road examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements.
Receive your license if all requirements are satisfied.
Completing the online course does not itself issue a driver's license.
Driving in Bentley and Hancock County
Bentley is a very small rural community in southeastern Hancock County. The surrounding transportation environment is dominated by agricultural land, rural roads and connections to larger highways.
The Illinois State Archives identifies Bentley as a town, while regional transportation mapping places Bentley within the Hancock County highway network near IL 94 and other routes. (Illinois Secretary of State)
For a new driver, the transition from Bentley's local streets to surrounding rural roads is important. Drivers should be prepared for:
Agricultural equipment
Farm trucks
Limited street lighting
Longer distances between developed areas
Rural intersections
Reduced visibility at night
Wildlife
Changing pavement and weather conditions
Primary Local Driving Topic: Rural and Agricultural Traffic
A new driver around Bentley may encounter tractors, combines, trailers and other agricultural equipment.
When approaching slow-moving equipment:
Reduce speed early.
Maintain extra following distance.
Watch for left turns into farm entrances.
Do not pass without adequate sight distance.
Be especially cautious near curves and hills.
Watch for vehicles entering from gravel or farm roads.
Additional Topic: Rural Night Driving
Rural roads around Bentley may have substantially less artificial lighting than urban streets. New drivers should use headlights properly, reduce speed when visibility is limited and avoid outrunning the area illuminated by the headlights.
Taking Adult Driver Education Online From Bentley
Eligible students living in Bentley can complete the six-hour classroom portion online through a certified online provider.
You do not need to travel from Bentley to Carthage simply to attend a six-hour classroom course when you choose an approved online provider.
The in-person portion of the licensing process remains separate. After completing the course, you must still visit a Driver Services facility and complete the applicable examinations.
Hancock County Driver Services
The nearest full Driver Services facility within Hancock County is in Carthage:
Carthage Driver Services130 Buchanan StreetCarthage, IL 62321
The current Illinois Secretary of State facility list identifies Carthage as a Western Illinois Driver Services location. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Nearby alternatives include Macomb, Quincy and Pittsfield. Confirm services, testing availability and current requirements before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Bentley?
If you are 18, 19 or 20, are applying for your first Illinois driver's license and have never completed qualifying driver education, you generally need the six-hour course.
Can I take Adult Driver Education online from Bentley?
Yes. Eligible applicants can take the course online through a provider certified for online Adult Driver Education.
How long is the course?
The online course must provide at least 360 minutes of instruction, or six hours. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does the course include driving lessons?
No. Behind-the-wheel instruction is separate.
Do I still need a road test?
Yes. The course does not replace the Secretary of State road test.
Where is the nearest Hancock County Driver Services facility?
Carthage Driver Services is located at 130 Buchanan Street in Carthage. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Is Bentley a city?
No. The Illinois State Archives classifies Bentley as an incorporated town. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Does living in Bentley change the eligibility rules?
No. The Adult Driver Education rules are statewide.
How much supervised driving is recommended?
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours, including at least 10 hours at night.
Does the provider final test replace the Secretary of State written test?
No. They are separate tests.
What should I watch for on rural roads?
Pay attention to farm equipment, limited lighting, wildlife, gravel-road intersections and changing weather.
Can I complete the course without going to a classroom?
Yes, when you select a certified online provider.
Does completing the course guarantee a license?
No. You must satisfy all other applicable Illinois licensing requirements.
Start Your Bentley Illinois Adult Driver Education Course
If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant age 18, 19 or 20, you can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online.
Complete the course and final test, obtain your Certificate of Completion and continue the licensing process at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.