Overview
Waukegan is the Lake County seat and one of the county's major transportation centers. Its transportation system includes I-94, US 41, Illinois Routes 120, 131, 132, and 137, Metra service, Pace service, and major east-west arterials. City transportation materials identify I-94, US 41, and Illinois Route 131 as major north-south access routes. (Waukegan)
Who Must Take Adult Driver Education?
You generally must complete the course if:
You are 18, 19, or 20.
You are applying for your first Illinois driver's license.
You have never completed an approved driver education course.
Who Does Not Need This Course?
You generally do not need this particular course if:
You are under 18 and following Illinois' teen GDL process.
You are 21 or older, unless another requirement applies.
You previously completed qualifying driver education.
You already hold a license in a manner that means you are not a first-time applicant.
You are transferring a valid out-of-state license.
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 laws, signs, signals, markings, impaired driving, distraction, speed, safety belts, night driving, and right-of-way.
The provider administers a final written test. The provider test is separate from the Secretary of State written test. (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
Traffic signs and markings
Distracted and impaired driving education
Night and speed safety
Final provider test
Certificate of Completion
Does not include
Behind-the-wheel lessons
Secretary of State written test
Secretary of State road test
Vision screening
Automatic license issuance
Waukegan Licensing Process
Confirm eligibility.
Choose a certified online provider.
Complete the six-hour course.
Pass the provider final test.
Obtain your Certificate of Completion.
Prepare required identification documents.
Schedule a Driver Services appointment.
Visit the facility.
Complete vision, written, and road testing as applicable.
Meet remaining licensing requirements.
Driving in Waukegan
Waukegan has one of the most complex local driving environments in Lake County.
The city is served by I-94, US 41, Illinois Route 131, Route 120, Route 132, and Route 137. The city also identifies Metra and Pace service as important transportation resources. (Waukegan)
Waukegan also has designated truck routes and permit roadways, including US 41, Route 120, Route 131, Route 132, and Route 137. (Waukegan)
New drivers should expect:
Heavy regional traffic
Commercial and truck traffic
Multi-lane roads
Railroad crossings
Transit activity
Pedestrians
Lakefront traffic
Interstate traffic
Major Roads and Highways
Interstate 94
I-94 is a major north-south regional corridor west of the city.
U.S. Route 41
US 41 is one of Waukegan's most important north-south corridors.
Illinois Route 120
Route 120, or Belvidere Road, provides an important east-west connection.
Illinois Route 131
Green Bay Road is an important north-south corridor.
Illinois Route 132
Grand Avenue provides an east-west connection.
Illinois Route 137
Sheridan Road is another major corridor serving Waukegan.
Primary Local Driving Topic: Commercial and Multi-Lane Traffic
For a new Waukegan driver, commercial, truck, and multi-lane traffic is an especially important local safety topic.
The city identifies several state, U.S., and county truck routes through Waukegan. (Waukegan)
Drivers should:
Leave extra following distance behind large trucks.
Avoid lingering in truck blind spots.
Watch for wide turns.
Expect vehicles to change lanes near interchanges.
Check mirrors frequently.
Plan lane changes early.
Avoid distractions on unfamiliar multi-lane roads.
Additional Safety Topic: Railroad and Metra Traffic
Waukegan has Metra commuter rail service and other railroad infrastructure.
Drivers should slow down near crossings and stations, watch for pedestrians, and never stop on tracks.
Additional Safety Topic: Lakefront and Weather Conditions
Waukegan's location along Lake Michigan can produce changing weather and visibility conditions. New drivers should be prepared for strong winds, rain, snow, ice, and reduced visibility during winter storms.
Take the Course Online in Waukegan
Eligible Waukegan residents can complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online through a certified provider.
IllinoisAdultDriversEd.com provides the online course.
Waukegan Driver Services Facility
617 S. Green Bay RoadWaukegan, IL 60085
The current Illinois Secretary of State facility list identifies Waukegan as Appointment Required for Driver Services. (Illinois Secretary of State)
The Waukegan facility is particularly relevant to local first-time applicants. Confirm the current services, testing availability, hours, and appointment requirements before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Adult Driver Education in Waukegan?
If you are 18, 19, or 20, applying for your first Illinois license, and have never completed qualifying driver education, yes.
Can I take the course online?
Yes.
How long is it?
At least six hours.
Does the course include driving lessons?
No.
Does it include the Secretary of State written test?
No.
Do I still need a road test?
Yes, when applicable.
Is Waukegan a busy driving environment?
Yes. The city has major regional roads, commercial traffic, transit, railroad infrastructure, and access to I-94.
Are there truck routes in Waukegan?
Yes. The city identifies multiple state and county truck routes. (Waukegan)
Does the course issue my license?
No.
Where is the Waukegan Driver Services Facility?
617 S. Green Bay Road, Waukegan, Illinois 60085. (Illinois Secretary of State)
Start Your Waukegan Adult Driver Education Course Online
If you are an eligible first-time Illinois driver's license applicant age 18, 19, or 20, complete the six-hour Adult Driver Education course online and then continue with the Illinois Secretary of State licensing process.