Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
The Illinois six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement applies when all three of the following conditions are true:
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 coursethrough a high school or commercial driving school.
The Illinois Secretary of State states that qualifying first-time applicants in this age group must successfully complete a six-hour Adult Driver Education Course before obtaining an Illinois driver's license. The course must be completed through a provider certified by the Secretary of State.
If you completed qualifying driver education in high school, you may not need the six-hour adult course. The Secretary of State says acceptable proof can include a certified high school transcript showing successful completion.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
The six-hour Adult Driver Education course is not a universal requirement for every person seeking an Illinois driver's license.
You generally do not need this particular course if:
You areunder 18and are following Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing process.
You are21 or older, because the special Adult Driver Education requirement applies to qualifying first-time applicants ages 18 through 20.
You havepreviously been licensed.
You completed an approved driver education course through a high school or commercial driving school and can provide acceptable proof.
You are moving to Illinois with a validout-of-state driver's license. The Secretary of State says an out-of-state license holder must surrender the out-of-state license and complete the applicable Illinois requirements rather than taking Adult Driver Education solely to transfer the license.
Applicants under 18 follow the separate Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing system. Illinois' current Rules of the Road also distinguish the teen driver education process from the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement for first-time applicants ages 18 through 20.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The Adult Driver Education course must be provided by a provider certified by the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois specifically states that a course from a provider that is not listed as certified will not be accepted. Certified providers may offer classroom instruction, online instruction, or both, depending on their certification.
The course contains at leastsix hours of instruction. Illinois' online-provider requirements specify a minimum of 360 minutes of instruction. Course material covers subjects including Illinois traffic laws, highway signs, signals and markings, risk management, decision-making, impaired driving, driver distraction, speed, seat belt use, nighttime driving, yielding and other traffic-safety topics.
The course also includes a provider-administered written final test. Passing that test is necessary to successfully complete the course, but it doesnotreplace the written examination administered by the Secretary of State when you apply for your driver's license.
After successful completion, the Secretary of State sends an email containing a link to download the Certificate of Completion. The student should print the certificate and bring it to the Driver Services facility with the required identification documents.
The Secretary of State maintains a current certified-provider link on its Adult Driver Education page.
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
Includes
At least six hours of Adult Driver Education instruction.
Online classroom instruction when completed through a certified online provider.
Illinois traffic-law and traffic-safety instruction.
Highway signs, signals and pavement markings.
Risk management and decision-making concepts.
Information about impaired and distracted driving.
Instruction concerning speed, seat belt use, nighttime driving and right-of-way.
A provider-administered written final test.
An official course completion certificate after successful completion.
Does Not Include
Behind-the-wheel driving instruction.
Instructor-led driving lessons.
The Secretary of State written examination.
The Secretary of State road examination.
Automatic issuance of an Illinois driver's license.
Automatic authorization to drive.
Illinois specifically states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education course consists of classroom or online instruction and does not include, or have to include, behind-the-wheel training.
Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving, before obtaining a driver's license. This is a recommendation and is separate from the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.
Jersey County Licensing Process
For an eligible first-time applicant in Jersey County, the general process is:
Confirm your eligibility.You should be 18, 19 or 20, applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time, and have no prior qualifying driver education.
Select a certified Adult Driver Education provider.The Secretary of State will not accept completion from an uncertified provider.
Complete the six-hour course.If the provider is certified to offer online instruction, you can complete the instructional portion online.
Pass the provider's final written test.This is part of successfully completing the Adult Driver Education course.
Download and print your Certificate of Completion.The Secretary of State provides the certificate through the process described in its Adult Driver Education FAQ.
Prepare your identification documents.First-time applicants must bring the required documents. The Secretary of State's current identification document guide explains acceptable documentation for identity, date of birth, Social Security number, residency and related requirements.
Visit a Driver Services facility.Jersey County is served by the Jerseyville Driver Services facility at 710 County Road, Jerseyville.
Complete the applicable Secretary of State examinations.The licensing process includes the applicable vision, written and behind-the-wheel road examinations.
Complete all remaining licensing requirements.Meeting the course requirement does not guarantee that the Secretary of State will issue a driver's license.
Driving in the County
Jersey County has a distinctly rural transportation environment. The county government describes the county as predominantly rural and identifies Jerseyville as its county seat and largest municipality. US 67 provides an important north-south transportation corridor, while several Illinois routes connect the county's communities and rural areas.
The county's geography is particularly important to drivers. The Mississippi River forms the southern boundary, while the Illinois River borders much of the western side. The county also contains smaller waterways including Macoupin Creek, Piasa Creek and Otter Creek. These waterways create areas where flooding can affect roads and travel conditions.
Grafton and the river corridor also bring a different type of traffic from the county's agricultural areas. Grafton is a riverfront tourism community on Illinois Route 100, which forms part of the Great River Road. Drivers can encounter visitors, recreational traffic and vehicles unfamiliar with local roads.
Jersey County maintains approximately 120 miles of county highways and 29 county-system bridges, while its 11 townships maintain hundreds of additional miles of highways and bridges. This extensive road network means new drivers need to be comfortable transitioning between state highways, county roads and narrower local roads. County maintenance activities include pothole repairs, shoulder repairs, ditch work, snow and ice removal and bridge maintenance.
There areno interstate highways within Jersey County. The county is, however, close to the St. Louis metropolitan interstate network. US 67 provides a major north-south connection toward the Alton area, while the county's state highways provide access to surrounding communities.
Major Roads and Highways
U.S. Route 67
US 67 is one of the most important transportation corridors in Jersey County. It runs through Jerseyville and provides a north-south connection toward the Alton area and other communities north of the St. Louis metropolitan area. IDOT's current multi-year program includes major reconstruction work on US 67 in Jerseyville from north of Fulkerson Drive to Crystal Lake Road.
The route is important for local trips as well as regional travel. New drivers should pay attention to speed changes, turning traffic, intersections and the difference between local streets and the higher-speed US 67 corridor.
Illinois Route 3
Illinois Route 3 serves the western and southern portions of the county and connects with the Grafton area. IDOT project documents identify Route 3 in the Grafton area, including its connection toward Illinois Route 100.
Route 3 also forms part of the transportation network connecting Jersey County with the broader Mississippi River corridor.
Illinois Route 16
Illinois Route 16 is an important east-west route through Jersey County. It connects Jerseyville and other inland communities with the Illinois River and Mississippi River corridor. The Jersey County Highway Department is located on State Highway 16 in Jerseyville, illustrating the route's importance to county transportation.
Illinois Route 100
Illinois Route 100 is particularly important along the river corridor. It serves Grafton and continues toward the Illinois River, including the Brussels Ferry connection. IDOT documents identify the Brussels Ferry crossing on IL 100 and current highway work at the ferry facilities.
Route 100 also forms part of the Great River Road through the Grafton area, making it important for both local transportation and recreational travel.
Illinois Routes 109, 111 and 267
Illinois Routes 109, 111 and 267 are additional state highways serving Jersey County and connecting the county with surrounding communities. Illinois transportation records identify all three among the state routes located in the county.
These routes are especially relevant to drivers who travel between rural communities and the larger regional road network.
County Highways and Local Roads
Jersey County's local road network is extensive. The county highway system includes approximately 120 miles of roads and 29 bridges, with township systems adding hundreds of miles of additional roads and bridges. New drivers should expect changes in pavement width, traffic volume, shoulders and roadside conditions as they move from state routes onto county and township roads.
Primary Local Driving Topic: River Flooding and Changing Road Conditions
Flooding is a particularly important local driving issue in Jersey County because the county is bordered by the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and contains several smaller waterways. The county government's floodplain information identifies the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers as major flood sources and notes that flooding along Macoupin, Piasa and Otter Creeks can occur more suddenly.
This is more than a property-planning issue. Flooding can affect whether a familiar route remains safe or passable.
The county's official flood information explains that river flooding can generally be forecast in advance, while overbank and flash flooding on smaller creeks can occur suddenly. The county can experience flooding during any season, with spring and summer identified as the most common periods.
Historical state transportation notices have documented flood-related closures of roads in Jersey County, including US 67, Illinois 16/100 and Illinois 3.
New drivers should:
Check weather and road conditions before traveling during major storms.
Never drive around a barricade or road-closure sign.
Avoid entering water when the depth or condition of the roadway cannot be determined.
Remember that water can conceal pavement damage, debris or a washed-out shoulder.
Allow extra time for detours when river flooding affects a normal route.
Be especially alert on low-lying roads near rivers and creeks.
Follow official emergency-management and highway instructions during flooding.
A route that is normally routine can become unsafe quickly when water covers or undermines a roadway.
Additional Driving or Safety Topic: River and Tourist Traffic
The Grafton and Great River Road corridor creates a driving environment that can differ from the rest of rural Jersey County. Grafton is a riverfront tourist community on Illinois Route 100, and Jersey County describes it as a tourist town along the river. The county's geography and Pere Marquette State Park area also attract visitors to the Mississippi River and Illinois River confluence region.
New drivers should expect that some vehicles on these routes may be unfamiliar with the area. Drivers may slow unexpectedly near attractions, make turns toward parking areas, or change lanes after realizing they have missed a destination.
Useful habits include:
Leave extra following distance around unfamiliar vehicles.
Anticipate sudden slowdowns near attractions and riverfront areas.
Watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists in community and recreational areas.
Avoid passing when approaching curves, intersections or areas with limited visibility.
Give turning vehicles plenty of room.
Pay attention to signs rather than following the vehicle ahead.
The goal is to expect changes in traffic behavior rather than becoming frustrated by them.
Take the Course Online Throughout the County
Eligible residents throughout Jersey County can complete the classroom portion of the six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement online when they use a provider certified to offer online Adult Driver Education. The Secretary of State expressly permits certified providers to offer the course online.
That means an eligible first-time applicant in Jerseyville, Grafton, Fieldon, Elsah, Otterville or another Jersey County community can complete the instructional portion without traveling to a physical classroom.
The online course does not eliminate the in-person licensing process. After successful completion, you must download and print your Certificate of Completion, gather your required identification documents, and visit a Secretary of State Driver Services facility. You must still complete the applicable vision, written and road examinations administered by the Secretary of State.
Important County Communities
Jerseyville
Jerseyville is the county seat and largest municipality in Jersey County. US 67 passes through the city, and Illinois Route 16 is another important transportation corridor. The city's position on these routes makes it a central point for local and regional travel.
For new drivers, Jerseyville provides a useful mix of city streets, state highway traffic, commercial activity and connections to rural roads.
Grafton
Grafton is a riverfront community on Illinois Route 100 and is closely associated with the Great River Road. Its location near the Mississippi River and the confluence area of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers makes it an important recreational and tourism destination.
Drivers in Grafton should be prepared for visitor traffic, pedestrians, recreational vehicles and vehicles slowing or turning toward riverfront destinations.
Fieldon
Fieldon is a small community in the eastern portion of the county's rural road network. The Illinois State Archives identifies Fieldon as a village.
Because travel around Fieldon connects local roads with the county's broader highway system, drivers should be prepared for low-volume roads, agricultural traffic and changing roadway conditions.
Elsah
Elsah is a historic river-area village near the southern portion of Jersey County. The county identifies Elsah as one of the communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, reflecting its location in the county's river-influenced environment.
Drivers should pay close attention to roadway geometry, local traffic and weather conditions when traveling near the river corridor.
Otterville
Otterville is an incorporated town in Jersey County. IDOT's current highway program identifies an Otterville Road reconstruction project extending from Main Street in Otterville to Illinois Route 3.
This connection illustrates the importance of local roads that link smaller communities with the state highway system. Drivers should expect transitions between local streets and rural state-route traffic.
Brighton
Brighton is a village associated with Jersey County's rural transportation network. The county's hazard mitigation plan includes Brighton among the participating local jurisdictions considered in its planning process.
Drivers traveling around Brighton should expect the rural-road characteristics common elsewhere in the county, including agricultural activity and changing traffic conditions as local roads meet larger routes.
Illinois Secretary of State Facilities
Jerseyville Driver Services Facility
710 County RoadJerseyville, IL 62052
The current statewide Illinois Secretary of State facility list doesnotidentify the Jerseyville facility as appointment required for Driver Services. The official Facility Finder currently lists the facility for first-time driver's license issuance, instruction permits, vision screening, written testing, road testing and other driver services.
The Facility Finder currently identifies road tests as generally available until 60 minutes before closing, although the Secretary of State notes that timing can change because of customer volume. Road tests may also be postponed or canceled because of unsafe road, weather or vehicle conditions.
Nearby Alternatives
Applicants who need another facility may also consider:
Edwardsville Driver Services Facility1502A Troy RoadEdwardsville, IL 62025
The current statewide facility list identifies Edwardsville asappointment required for Driver Services.
Bethalto Driver Services Facility20 Terminal Drive, Suite 103East Alton, IL 62024
The current statewide facility list identifies Bethalto asappointment required for Driver Services.
Before traveling to Jerseyville or another facility, applicants should confirm current hours, available services, road-testing availability and appointment requirements through the official DMV Facility Finder. Facility information can change, and not every Secretary of State location offers every service.
The Secretary of State's statewide list also includes self-service locations and other specialized facilities. A renewal or self-service kiosk should not be treated as a substitute for a full Driver Services facility when a first-time applicant needs licensing examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Jerseyville?
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.
Does the requirement apply to someone living in Grafton or another Jersey County community?
Yes. The Adult Driver Education requirement is a statewide Illinois licensing requirement. Your specific Jersey County community does not change the eligibility rules.
Can I take Adult Driver Education online in Jersey County?
Yes. Eligible applicants can take the course online when the provider is certified by the Secretary of State to offer online Adult Driver Education.
How long is the course?
The Adult Driver Education course is at least six hours long. Illinois' online certification requirements specify at least 360 minutes of instruction.
Does the six-hour course include behind-the-wheel driving lessons?
No. Illinois states that the six-hour Adult Driver Education course does not include and is not required to include behind-the-wheel training.
How much driving practice does Illinois recommend?
Illinois encourages applicants to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 10 hours of nighttime driving. This is a recommendation and is not a component of the six-hour Adult Driver Education course.
Is the provider's final test the Illinois written driver's license test?
No. The provider's final written test is required to successfully complete the Adult Driver Education course. You must still complete the applicable Secretary of State written examination when applying for your license.
What do I do after completing the course?
After successful completion, you receive access to your Certificate of Completion. Download and print it, then take it with your required identification documents to a Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
What documents do I need to bring?
First-time applicants must bring the identification documents required by the Secretary of State. The current identification-document publication lists acceptable documents for identity, signature, Social Security number and residency requirements.
Is there a Driver Services facility in Jersey County?
Yes. The Illinois Secretary of State currently lists theJerseyville Driver Services facility at 710 County Road, Jerseyville, IL 62052.
Does the Jerseyville facility require an appointment?
The current statewide facility list does not identify Jerseyville as appointment required for Driver Services. However, applicants should check the official Facility Finder before traveling because facility procedures and available services can change.
Can I take my road test in Jerseyville?
The current Facility Finder lists a non-CDL road test among the services offered at Jerseyville. Road-test availability can be affected by operating conditions, customer volume, weather and other circumstances, so confirm the current status before traveling.
What if I am under 18?
Applicants under 18 follow Illinois' separate teen driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing requirements. The six-hour Adult Driver Education course described here applies to qualifying first-time applicants ages 18 through 20.
Do I need this course if I am 21 or older?
Most applicants age 21 or older are not subject to this specific six-hour Adult Driver Education requirement. The special requirement applies to qualifying first-time Illinois license applicants ages 18, 19 and 20.
What should a new driver watch for around Grafton and the river roads?
Grafton and the Great River Road corridor can have visitor and recreational traffic, while the county's river geography creates potential flooding concerns. Drivers should watch for unfamiliar vehicles, pedestrians, changing traffic speeds and weather-related road closures.
Start Your Jersey County 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 required six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction online through a Secretary of State-certified provider.
Complete the course and provider final test, obtain your Certificate of Completion, and then continue the licensing process at an Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility.
Start your six-hour online Adult Driver Education course today.
Cities and Towns in Jersey County, Illinois
Grafton, city
Jerseyville, city and county seat
Otterville, town
The Illinois State Archives Name Index to Illinois Local Governments identifies Grafton and Jerseyville as municipalities with acityform of government and Otterville as an incorporatedtown. It identifies Elsah, Fidelity and Fieldon as villages, so those communities are intentionally excluded from this section.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education FAQs
- Illinois Secretary of State certified Adult Driver Education providers
- Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services facility list
- Illinois Secretary of State DMV Facility Finder, Jerseyville
- Illinois Secretary of State identification-document requirements
- Illinois Secretary of State 2026 Rules of the Road
- Illinois Secretary of State online Adult Driver Education certification requirements
- Illinois Department of Transportation Highway Maps
- IDOT Jersey County General Highway Map
- IDOT FY 2025-2030 Jersey County Highway Improvement Program
- IDOT FY 2025 Jersey County Highway Improvement Program
- Jersey County Government
- Jersey County Highway Department
- Jersey County Floodplain Information
- Illinois State Archives Name Index to Illinois Local Governments, Jersey County
- Jersey County Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Quality-control check:The municipality section contains only the three legally qualifying municipalities identified by the Illinois State Archives, with villages excluded. The page distinguishes the provider final test from Secretary of State testing, identifies the 50-hour driving practice as a recommendation, and does not present behind-the-wheel instruction as part of the six-hour course. Jerseyville's current Secretary of State facility information was checked separately against both the statewide facility list and the live Facility Finder.