Overview
Highwood has a compact, walkable transportation environment with Metra service, Pace service, close access to I-94, and several important local roads. The city's transportation plan identifies Prairie Avenue, Waukegan Avenue and Sheridan Road, Green Bay Road, and Highwood Avenue as important parts of its roadway system. (City of Highwood)
Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
You generally must take 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 high school or commercial driving school driver education course.
The requirement is statewide and does not change because you live in Highwood. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this specific course if you are:
Under 18 and following Illinois' teen licensing process.
21 or older, unless another requirement applies.
Already licensed in a manner that means you are not a first-time applicant.
Able to provide acceptable proof of qualifying driver education.
Transferring a valid out-of-state license rather than applying as a qualifying first-time Illinois applicant.
Illinois Online Course Rules
The course must be provided by a Secretary of State-certified provider. It is at least six hours long and covers traffic safety subjects including Illinois traffic laws, signs, signals, pavement markings, impaired driving, distraction, speed, safety belts, night driving, risk taking, and right-of-way.
A provider-administered final written test is part of course completion. The provider test does not replace the Secretary of State written examination. (Illinois Secretary of State)
What the Course Includes and Does Not Include
Includes
Six-hour Adult Driver Education instruction
Online instruction through a certified provider
Illinois traffic laws
Signs, signals, and markings
Safe driving practices
Impaired and distracted driving education
Final provider test
Certificate of Completion
Does not include
Behind-the-wheel lessons
The Secretary of State road test
The Secretary of State written test
Vision screening
Automatic license issuance
Illinois encourages at least 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 hours at night.
Highwood Licensing Process
Confirm eligibility.
Select a certified provider.
Complete the six-hour online course.
Pass the provider's final test.
Obtain your Certificate of Completion.
Gather required identification documents.
Confirm a Driver Services appointment.
Visit the facility.
Complete applicable vision, written, and road testing.
Meet all remaining Illinois licensing requirements.
Driving in Highwood
Highwood is a compact North Shore city with a transportation system that emphasizes walking, bicycling, transit, and local road connections. The city's transportation plan identifies Metra, Pace, and proximity to I-94 as important transportation resources. (City of Highwood)
For a new driver, this means the roadway environment can change quickly. A driver may move from a neighborhood street into a corridor with pedestrians, cyclists, transit passengers, and railroad traffic.
Major Roads and Highways
Sheridan Road
Sheridan Road is one of Highwood's important transportation corridors. It connects Highwood with neighboring North Shore communities and carries both local and regional traffic.
Green Bay Road
Green Bay Road provides another important north-south connection.
Prairie Avenue
Prairie Avenue functions as an important local roadway and is identified in the city's transportation plan.
Highwood Avenue
Highwood Avenue connects Sheridan Road and Green Bay Road and includes an at-grade railroad crossing over Metra's Union Pacific North Line. (City of Highwood)
Interstate 94
I-94 is close to Highwood and provides regional access. New drivers should practice interstate merging before driving independently.
Primary Local Driving Topic: Railroad Crossings and Pedestrian Activity
Highwood's compact transportation network and Metra service make railroad crossings and pedestrian awareness especially important.
The city's transportation plan specifically identifies the Highwood Avenue railroad crossing over the Metra Union Pacific North Line. (City of Highwood)
New drivers should:
Slow down near railroad crossings.
Look both ways for trains.
Never drive around lowered gates.
Never stop on tracks.
Leave room beyond the crossing before entering.
Watch for pedestrians walking toward the station.
Expect traffic to stop suddenly near crossings.
Additional Safety Topic: Downtown and Commuter Traffic
Highwood has a walkable downtown environment and Metra access. City planning also identifies Downtown Highwood as an area receiving particular transportation attention. (City of Highwood)
Drivers should watch carefully for:
Pedestrians crossing streets
Cyclists
Transit passengers
Parked vehicles
Turning vehicles
Delivery vehicles
Congestion near busy destinations
Take the Course Online in Highwood
Eligible Highwood residents can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
The course is completed online, while licensing and testing requirements remain with the Illinois Secretary of State.
IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com provides the online six-hour Adult Driver Education course.
Secretary of State Facility Options
The Waukegan Driver Services Facility is at:
617 S. Green Bay RoadWaukegan, IL 60085
The current Secretary of State facility list identifies Waukegan as appointment required for Driver Services. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Deerfield is another northern Lake County area option. Always confirm current testing and appointment information before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education in Highwood?
If you are 18, 19, or 20, applying for your first Illinois driver's license, and have never completed qualifying driver education, yes.
Can I take it online?
Yes. Certified providers may offer the course online.
How long is the course?
At least six hours.
Does it include driving lessons?
No. Behind-the-wheel instruction is separate.
Does the final course test replace the DMV written test?
No.
Do I still need a road test?
Yes, when applicable to your licensing situation.
Is Highwood driving mostly residential?
Highwood has a compact local street network, but drivers also encounter Sheridan Road, Green Bay Road, Metra rail traffic, pedestrians, and connections to I-94.
Are railroad crossings important in Highwood?
Yes. Highwood Avenue includes an at-grade crossing over the Metra Union Pacific North Line. (City of Highwood)
Does the course give me a driver's license?
No.
Where can I complete the licensing process?
Waukegan is a relevant Driver Services option. Confirm the current appointment and service requirements before visiting.
Start Your Highwood Adult Driver Education Course Online
Eligible first-time applicants ages 18 to 20 can complete the required six-hour course online through a certified provider.
Complete the course and provider final test, obtain your Certificate of Completion, and continue with the Illinois licensing process.