Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
You generally must complete the course if:
You are 18, 19, or 20.
You are applying for an Illinois driver's license for the first time.
You have never completed an approved driver education course.
Illinois law requires successful completion before an eligible applicant obtains an Illinois driver's license. (Illinois General Assembly)
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this specific course if you:
Are under 18 and follow the separate GDL program.
Are 21 or older.
Previously held a driver's license.
Completed qualifying driver education.
Are transferring a valid out-of-state license.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The Adult Driver Education course must be provided by a certified provider. Illinois permits online delivery by providers certified for online instruction. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The six-hour curriculum addresses traffic laws, signs, signals, markings, risk-taking, impaired driving, distraction, speed, seat belts, nighttime driving and right-of-way. Illinois law also includes traffic-stop procedures in the curriculum. (Illinois General Assembly)
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
Includes
Six hours or more of instruction
Online classroom instruction through a certified provider
Illinois traffic laws
Signs, signals and pavement markings
Impaired and distracted-driving education
Decision-making and risk management
Nighttime driving
Right-of-way
Provider final test
Completion documentation
Does Not Include
Behind-the-wheel instruction
Instructor driving lessons
Secretary of State written examination
Secretary of State road examination
Automatic license issuance
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 nighttime hours. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Elgin Licensing Process
Confirm eligibility.
Select a certified provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Pass the provider final test.
Obtain your completion documentation.
Gather required identification documents.
Check current Secretary of State facility information.
Visit a Driver Services facility.
Complete the applicable vision, written and road examinations.
Complete remaining requirements.
Driving in Elgin
Elgin has a more urban transportation environment than much of western Kane County.
The city identifies numerous arterial roads, including Illinois Route 31, Illinois Route 25, Illinois Route 72, Route 20, Big Timber Road, Randall Road, McLean Boulevard, Larkin Avenue, Dundee Avenue and other major streets. (City of Elgin)
Elgin's location near I-90 and its Fox River crossings also create substantial regional traffic.
The city has three Metra stations and Pace service, meaning new drivers should be comfortable sharing roads with buses, pedestrians and cyclists. (City of Elgin)
Major Roads and Highways
Interstate 90
I-90 provides a major east-west connection across northern Kane County.
U.S. Route 20
U.S. 20 is one of Elgin's principal east-west corridors and connects the city with surrounding communities.
Illinois Route 31
Route 31 is an important north-south route through Elgin.
Illinois Route 25
Route 25 provides another north-south connection and carries traffic through Elgin's urban network.
Illinois Route 72
Route 72 provides an east-west connection across the northern portion of the area.
Randall Road
Randall Road carries regional and commercial traffic and connects Elgin with communities farther south.
McLean Boulevard
McLean Boulevard is an important north-south arterial and connects with Big Timber Road and other major corridors.
Primary Local Driving Topic: Major Intersections and Commuter Traffic
Elgin's major intersections can require careful lane positioning, timing and anticipation.
The city has transportation planning activity involving intersections such as U.S. 20 with Route 31 and Route 25, as well as Randall Road intersections. (City of Elgin)
New drivers should:
Read overhead lane signs early.
Choose the correct lane before reaching an intersection.
Check mirrors frequently.
Avoid abrupt lane changes.
Watch for vehicles entering from side streets.
Expect queues near major intersections.
Leave extra space around buses and trucks.
Watch for pedestrians near Metra stations.
Slow down through construction areas.
Additional Safety Topic: Railroad and Transit Activity
Elgin has three Metra stations and a central transportation center, making transit activity an important local driving consideration. (City of Elgin)
New drivers should expect pedestrians crossing toward stations, buses entering traffic, vehicles stopping near transit facilities and increased traffic around commuter periods.
Never stop on railroad tracks, even when traffic ahead appears to be moving slowly.
Take the Course Online in Elgin
Eligible first-time applicants ages 18 to 20 can complete the Adult Driver Education classroom instruction online through a certified provider.
You can complete the course from home in Elgin and then continue the licensing process at a Secretary of State facility.
Important Elgin Roads
I-90
U.S. Route 20
Illinois Route 25
Illinois Route 31
Illinois Route 72
Randall Road
McLean Boulevard
Big Timber Road
Larkin Avenue
Dundee Avenue
Elgin Secretary of State Facility
Elgin Driver Services
595 S. StateElgin, IL 60123
The current statewide Secretary of State facility list identifies Elgin as Appointment Required for Driver Services. Confirm current services before traveling. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education if I live in Elgin?
If you are 18, 19 or 20, applying for your first Illinois driver's license and have not completed qualifying driver education, you generally must complete the six-hour course.
Can I take the course online in Elgin?
Yes, when using a provider certified to offer online Adult Driver Education.
How long is the course?
At least six hours.
Does it include behind-the-wheel training?
No.
Does the final course test replace the Secretary of State test?
No. They are separate.
Where can I complete the licensing process?
The Secretary of State currently lists an Elgin Driver Services facility at 595 S. State.
Does Elgin require an appointment?
The current facility directory identifies Elgin as appointment required for Driver Services.
What roads should a new Elgin driver practice?
Practice progressively, starting with residential roads before moving to Route 31, Route 25, U.S. 20, Randall Road and other busy corridors.
What makes Elgin driving different?
Elgin combines urban traffic, major highways, Fox River crossings, transit activity and commercial corridors.
Should I be careful around Metra stations?
Yes. Expect pedestrians, buses and changing traffic patterns around stations.
What should I know about I-90?
Highway merging, higher speeds and lane changes require additional attention and experience.
What should I watch for on U.S. 20?
U.S. 20 carries substantial regional traffic and has several important intersections in the Elgin area.
Does Illinois recommend supervised driving practice?
Yes. Illinois encourages 50 hours, including 10 hours at night.
Can I get my license immediately after the online course?
No. Secretary of State licensing steps remain.
Start Your Elgin Adult Driver Education Course Online
Eligible first-time applicants ages 18 to 20 can complete the required six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction online.
Complete the course, pass the provider final test and continue the Illinois licensing process.
Start your six-hour online Adult Driver Education course today.
Sources
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education (Illinois Secretary of State)
- Illinois Secretary of State Adult Driver Education FAQs (Illinois Secretary of State)
- Illinois Compiled Statutes (Illinois General Assembly)
- City of Elgin Transportation information (City of Elgin)
- City of Elgin arterial-road information (City of Elgin)
- City of Elgin transportation planning documents (City of Elgin)
- Illinois Secretary of State Facility Locations (Illinois Secretary of State)