Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
The Illinois Secretary of State uses a three-part eligibility test for the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement.
You generally must complete the course ifall threeconditions apply:
You are18, 19, or 20 years old.
You are applying for anIllinois driver's license for the first time.
You havenever completed an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school.
The Secretary of State says the course must be completed before applying for the Illinois driver's license when these conditions apply. The provider must be certified by the Secretary of State, and a course from a provider that is not on the certified list will not be accepted.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course is not the general driver education requirement for every Illinois applicant.
You generally do not need this particular course when:
You are under 18.Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements.
You are age 21 or older.The specific six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies to eligible first-time applicants ages 18, 19, and 20.
You have previously been licensed.The adult-course requirement is directed at applicants who have never previously been licensed.
You completed qualifying driver education.The Secretary of State states that an applicant who completed a high school driver education course, including an approved course in another state with acceptable proof, may apply without taking the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
You are transferring a valid out-of-state driver's license.Illinois says that a person moving to Illinois with an out-of-state license does not need the Adult Driver Education Course solely to obtain an Illinois license. The out-of-state license must be surrendered and the applicable Illinois tests completed.
If you are unsure whether a previous driver education course qualifies, verify your situation with the Secretary of State before assuming that you need to repeat driver education.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The Adult Driver Education Course must be taught by a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Certified providers may offer the course in a classroom, online, or both, depending on their certification.
The course is at leastsix hoursin length. The Secretary of State says the curriculum addresses traffic safety topics including:
Current traffic laws
Highway signs, signals, and pavement markings
Poor decision-making and risk-taking
Impaired driving
Driver distraction, including cell phone and text-message use
Speed
Safety belt use
Night driving
Failure to yield the right of way
The course also includes a provider-administered written final test. This test is required for successful completion of the course. It is separate from the written examination administered by the Illinois Secretary of State when you apply for your driver's license.
After successful completion, the provider gives you access to a Certificate of Completion. The certificate documents completion of the education requirement. It is not a driver's license and does not itself authorize you to drive.
Includes
At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction
Online instruction when completed through a certified online provider
Illinois traffic laws and traffic-safety information
Instruction on signs, signals, and pavement markings
Instruction about common driving risks and unsafe behaviors
A provider-administered written final test
A Certificate of Completion after successful completion
Does Not Include
Behind-the-wheel instruction
In-car driving lessons
A driving instructor teaching vehicle-control skills
The Secretary of State written examination
The Secretary of State road examination
Automatic issuance of a driver's license
Automatic driving privileges
The six-hour course is an education requirement. It does not replace the applicable Secretary of State licensing examinations.
Illinois encourages applicants to completeat least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night, before obtaining a driver's license. This is a recommendation for supervised practice, not a required component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course. The applicant must still pass the behind-the-wheel portion of the Secretary of State driving test.
Henry County Licensing Process
For an eligible first-time applicant in Henry County, the general process is:
Confirm your eligibility.Make sure you are 18, 19, or 20, are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have not previously completed an approved driver education course.
Choose a certified provider.Use the Illinois Secretary of State's official Adult Driver Education provider list.
Complete the six-hour course.Eligible applicants can complete the classroom portion online when using a provider certified for online Adult Driver Education.
Take the provider's final written test.Successfully completing this test is part of completing the course.
Obtain your Certificate of Completion.Download and print the certificate.
Prepare your identification documents.First-time applicants must bring the documents required by the Secretary of State's current identification checklist.
Visit a Driver Services facility.Bring the printed certificate and required documents.
Complete the applicable Secretary of State testing.Depending on your circumstances, this includes the required vision, written, and behind-the-wheel examinations.
Complete the remaining licensing requirements and pay applicable fees.
Receive your Illinois driver's license only after satisfying all applicable requirements.
Completing the online Adult Driver Education Course does not guarantee that you will pass the Secretary of State examinations or receive a driver's license.
Driving in Henry County
Henry County has a distinctly mixed driving environment. The county describes itself as primarily rolling farmland, with agricultural production involving hogs, corn, soybeans, and cattle. At the same time, its cities and towns contain manufacturing and business activity, and the county is served by Interstates 80 and 74 as well as freight and passenger rail lines.
For a new driver, that means a trip can quickly change from city streets to rural roads or higher-speed highways. Henry County's Highway Department maintains approximately 170 miles of county highways and works with the county's 24 townships on an additional 1,046 miles of township highways. Its regular responsibilities include pavement work, shoulder repairs, culvert replacements, drainage improvements, mowing, snow and ice removal, and tree trimming.
Agricultural traffic is an important part of the local driving environment. Drivers can encounter farm equipment and other slow-moving vehicles on rural roads, particularly during planting and harvest seasons. New drivers should be prepared for large vehicles traveling well below normal highway speeds and should never attempt an unsafe pass simply because a trip is taking longer than expected.
Henry County also has substantial railroad infrastructure. Galva's official comprehensive plan describes the city's history as both a rail hub and agricultural center, with rail lines remaining important freight corridors. IDOT has also documented railroad-crossing improvement projects in Henry County, including crossings associated with U.S. 150 and Illinois Route 17 in Galva.
Winter conditions are another local consideration. Henry County's Highway Department performs snow and ice removal as part of its regular winter maintenance program. New drivers should reduce speed, increase following distance, and allow extra stopping room when snow, ice, slush, or freezing precipitation affects the roadway.
The county's western transportation network also connects to the Rock River area, while its broader highway system links Henry County with the Quad Cities and other regional communities. Drivers should pay attention to changing traffic patterns when moving between local streets, rural highways, interstates, and bridge approaches.
Major Roads and Highways
Henry County has an unusually important regional highway network for a largely rural county. The county's official website identifies Interstates 80 and 74 as major transportation connections, while IDOT's Henry County highway map documents the county's interstate, U.S. route, state route, county highway, and railroad network.
Interstate 80
I-80 serves the northern portion of Henry County and provides an important east-west connection between the Quad Cities region and destinations farther east in Illinois. Geneseo is directly connected to I-80, U.S. Route 6, and Illinois Route 82.
Interstate 74
I-74 is a major north-south and east-west regional connector through the western portion of the county. IDOT project records identify the I-74/I-80/I-280 interchange area near Colona and work extending toward Illinois Route 81.
Interstate 280
I-280 connects with the I-80/I-74 system near the Colona area and forms part of the major interstate network serving western Henry County and the Quad Cities region. IDOT identifies the I-74/I-80/I-280 interchange as a Henry County transportation project area.
U.S. Route 6
U.S. 6 is a major east-west route serving Geneseo and the surrounding area. In Geneseo, U.S. 6 is also known locally as Main Street. The city specifically restricts low-speed and non-highway vehicles from traveling on U.S. 6/Main Street except when crossing the highway at intersections, reflecting the route's role as a significant state and local traffic corridor.
U.S. Route 34
U.S. 34 is an important east-west highway through communities including Kewanee and Galva. Galva identifies U.S. 34 and Illinois Route 17 as its two principal regional highway connections.
U.S. Route 150
U.S. 150 provides another important regional connection through Henry County. IDOT's 2024 highway program records include a railroad-crossing improvement on U.S. 150 in Henry County.
Illinois Route 17
Illinois Route 17 serves the Galva area and intersects U.S. 34 there. IDOT has documented railroad-crossing improvements involving IL 17 and the BNSF railroad in Galva.
Illinois Route 78
Illinois Route 78 serves Kewanee and other parts of Henry County. In Kewanee, it runs along Main Street and shares portions of the local roadway network with U.S. 34.
Illinois Route 81
IL 81 is an important north-south route through Kewanee and toward Cambridge. IDOT's current project records include work on IL 81 in Kewanee and the Osco Road connection between IL 81 and U.S. 6.
Illinois Routes 82, 84, 91, and 92
These state routes provide additional connections between Henry County communities and neighboring counties. IDOT's Henry County highway map identifies these routes within the county, while current IDOT work records include IL 82 and resurfacing work involving IL 78 and IL 92.
Primary Local Driving Topic: Agricultural and Slow-Moving Traffic
Agricultural traffic is an especially relevant safety issue in Henry County because the county identifies rolling farmland and hog, corn, soybean, and cattle production as important parts of its local landscape. The county also maintains an extensive rural road network.
A new driver should expect farm equipment to share the road with passenger vehicles. Tractors, combines, wagons, and other agricultural equipment can be substantially wider or slower than ordinary vehicles.
When approaching agricultural equipment:
Slow down early.
Maintain a generous following distance.
Watch for equipment turning into or out of fields.
Do not assume a vehicle is turning simply because it appears to be moving toward one side of the road.
Do not pass unless you have a clear, legal, and sufficiently long passing opportunity.
Be especially cautious on hills, curves, and narrow rural roads.
Watch for additional equipment following the first vehicle.
Expect conditions to change during planting and harvest periods.
A slow-moving vehicle may require significantly more time and space to complete a turn or enter a field. Patience is safer than attempting to force a pass.
Additional Driving or Safety Topic: Railroad Crossings
Railroad crossings are another important consideration in Henry County. Galva's city planning documents describe the community's continuing role as a rail and agricultural center, and IDOT has funded railroad-crossing improvements in Henry County. Annawan municipal records also document railroad concerns involving the Route 78 crossing.
New drivers should:
Slow down when approaching a railroad crossing.
Obey crossing signals, gates, signs, and traffic-control personnel.
Never drive around lowered crossing gates.
Never stop on railroad tracks.
Make sure there is sufficient space on the other side of the tracks before entering the crossing.
After one train passes, look and listen for another train.
Take extra care at crossings with limited visibility or unfamiliar layouts.
The safest approach is to treat a railroad crossing as a place where traffic conditions can change quickly.
Take the Course Online Throughout Henry County
Eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicants throughout Henry County can complete the classroom portion of the Adult Driver Education requirement online through a certified online provider.
This applies whether the applicant lives in Kewanee, Geneseo, Galva, Annawan, Atkinson, Cambridge, or another Henry County community. The Illinois Secretary of State confirms that eligible applicants may use either a classroom or online course when the selected provider is certified for that format.
Online course completion does not eliminate the in-person licensing process. After receiving your Certificate of Completion, you must still visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility with the certificate and required identification documents and complete the applicable licensing examinations.
Kewanee
Kewanee is one of Henry County's principal transportation centers. U.S. Route 34 and Illinois Route 78 pass through the city, with portions of those routes sharing the local street network. The city also has a substantial railroad presence.
For new drivers, Kewanee provides practice in a small-city environment where highway traffic, downtown streets, railroad crossings, and local traffic can interact.
Geneseo
Geneseo is served by Interstate 80, U.S. Route 6, and Illinois Route 82. The city identifies U.S. 6/Main Street and IL 82/Oakwood Avenue/College Avenue as significant roadways within the community.
A driver transitioning between I-80 and Geneseo's local streets should be prepared for the change from interstate speeds to city intersections, pedestrian activity, and local traffic.
Galva
Galva sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 34 and Illinois Route 17. The city describes those highways as vital regional connections and identifies BNSF Railway as an important freight corridor.
That combination makes Galva a useful example of how agricultural, commercial, highway, and railroad traffic overlap in Henry County.
Cambridge
Cambridge is the Henry County seat and is legally classified as a village. The Illinois State Archives identifies Cambridge as the county seat, and Henry County's official history states that Cambridge has served as the county seat since 1843.
The county's highway map shows Cambridge connected to the surrounding rural highway network, including IL 81 and county roads.
Annawan
Annawan is legally incorporated as a town. The Illinois State Archives identifies it as an M-TOWN, and municipal records document traffic and railroad concerns involving the Route 78 crossing.
Drivers in and around Annawan should remain alert for railroad activity and agricultural traffic on the surrounding rural road system.
Atkinson
Atkinson is also legally classified as an incorporated town in the Illinois State Archives. It is located within Henry County's rural transportation network, where drivers may transition quickly from local streets to agricultural roads and state or county highways.
Kewanee Driver Services Facility
715 TenneyKewanee, IL 61443
The current Illinois Secretary of State statewide facility list identifies Kewanee as a Driver Services facility. The statewide list doesnotcurrently display an "Appointment Required for Driver Services" designation next to Kewanee.
Because facility procedures, available services, and testing schedules can change, applicants should use the official Facility Finder before traveling to confirm current hours, road-testing availability, services, and appointment requirements.
Nearby Alternative: Galesburg Driver Services Facility
1066 E. Losey StreetGalesburg, IL 61401
Galesburg is listed as a downstate Driver Services facility and may be a reasonable alternative for some Henry County residents. The current statewide facility list does not display an appointment-required designation next to Galesburg.
Nearby Alternative: Moline/Silvis Driver Services Facility
Twin Oaks Shopping Centre2001 Fifth Street, Suite 10Silvis, IL 61282
Moline/Silvis is another regional alternative. The current statewide facility list identifies this location asAppointment Required for Driver Services.
The official statewide list is the best source for current facility designations. Use the Secretary of State's DMV Facility Finder before visiting to confirm whether the location provides the specific first-time licensing and testing services you need.
Do not confuse a Driver Services facility with an Illinois Secretary of State renewal kiosk. A kiosk should not be treated as a substitute for a first-time driver's license facility or road examination location.
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Henry County?
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 generally must complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
Can I take the course online in Kewanee or Geneseo?
Yes. Eligible applicants may complete the course online when they select a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State to offer the online format.
How long is the Adult Driver Education Course?
The course is at least six hours long. Providers may make the course longer.
Does the course include behind-the-wheel instruction?
No. The six-hour Adult Driver Education Course consists of classroom or online instruction. It does not include, and is not required to include, behind-the-wheel training.
How much supervised driving practice does Illinois recommend?
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours at night. This is recommended practice and is not part of the six-hour Adult Driver Education Course.
Is the provider's final test the same as the Secretary of State written test?
No. The provider's written final test is required to successfully complete the Adult Driver Education Course. The Secretary of State separately administers the applicable written examination as part of the driver's license application process.
What do I receive after completing the course?
You receive a Certificate of Completion. Download and print the certificate and bring it to the Secretary of State Driver Services facility with your required identification documents.
Can I complete the entire licensing process online from Henry County?
No. The education portion may be completed online, but you must still visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility to complete the applicable licensing requirements and examinations.
Can I use the Kewanee Driver Services facility for my first Illinois license?
Kewanee is currently listed as a Driver Services facility by the Secretary of State. Applicants should use the official Facility Finder to confirm the current services, testing availability, hours, and appointment requirements before traveling.
Do I need an appointment at Kewanee?
The current statewide facility list does not display an appointment-required designation for Kewanee. Because procedures can change, confirm the current requirement through the official DMV Facility Finder before visiting.
What identification documents should I bring?
First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. The official checklist explains the documents that may be needed for identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and Illinois residency.
What if I am under 18 and live in Henry County?
Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process rather than the six-hour Adult Driver Education process.
Do I need this course if I am 21 or older?
The specific six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies to eligible first-time Illinois license applicants ages 18, 19, and 20. Most applicants age 21 or older do not need this particular course.
Does an out-of-state license holder need the course?
No. If you are moving to Illinois with a valid out-of-state driver's license, Illinois says you do not need the Adult Driver Education Course solely to transfer that license. You must surrender the out-of-state license and complete the applicable Illinois requirements.
What should a new Henry County driver watch for on local roads?
Agricultural equipment, railroad crossings, winter conditions, and the transition between rural roads and major highways are important local considerations. Henry County's road network includes extensive county and township roads, major interstates, U.S. routes, state highways, and railroad corridors.
Start Your Henry County Adult Driver Education Course Online
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 requirement online through a Secretary of State-certified provider.
Complete the course and provider final test, obtain your Certificate of Completion, and then take the printed certificate and required documents to an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility to continue the licensing process.
Cities and Towns in Henry County, Illinois
Annawan, town
Atkinson, town
Galva, city
Geneseo, city
Green Rock, city
Kewanee, city
The Illinois State Archives Name Index to Illinois Local Governments classifies Annawan and Atkinson as towns and Galva, Geneseo, Green Rock, and Kewanee as cities. Cambridge, despite being the Henry County seat, is classified as a village and is therefore excluded from this section. Other Henry County communities listed by the State Archives, including Andover, Bishop Hill, Colona, Orion, Woodhull, and Cambridge, are also legally classified as villages and are excluded.
Illinois Secretary of State
Certified Adult Driver Education Provider List
Illinois DMV Facility Locations
New/First-Time Driver's License and ID Card Checklist
Graduated Driver Licensing Program
The Secretary of State sources establish the six-hour requirement, eligible ages, certified-provider requirement, online availability, final test, certificate, recommended supervised practice, and separation between the provider test and Secretary of State licensing tests.
Illinois State Archives
Name Index to Illinois Local Governments, Henry County
Henry County Illinois Regional Archives Depository Information
Incorporated Municipalities of Illinois
The State Archives index was used to verify the legal classifications of Annawan, Atkinson, Galva, Geneseo, Green Rock, Kewanee, and Cambridge.
Illinois Department of Transportation
Henry County General Highway Map
Illinois Highway Program Accomplishments, Henry County
Current IDOT highway project letting information
IDOT sources were used to verify the Henry County interstate, U.S. route, state-route, railroad, bridge, and current highway-project information.
Henry County Government
Henry County Highway Department
Henry County Transportation Committee
Henry County Property and GIS Information
Henry County sources were used for local road responsibilities, agricultural character, interstate access, railroad connections, winter maintenance, county-seat history, and current road-management information.
Local Municipal Sources
- City of Geneseo, Low-Speed and Non-Highway Vehicles
- City of Geneseo Annual Report
- City of Galva Economic Development
- City of Galva Comprehensive Plan
- City of Kewanee municipal code, roadway restrictions
- Village of Annawan municipal records
- These municipal sources were used to add locally specific information about Geneseo's highway corridors, Galva's U.S. 34, IL 17, and BNSF connections, Kewanee's U.S. 34, IL 78, and IL 81 corridors, and Annawan's railroad crossing considerations.
U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Henry County, Illinois
The Census Bureau was consulted for county demographic verification where appropriate. No demographic statistics are used in the landing-page copy because they are not necessary to explain the Adult Driver Education requirement or local driving environment.