If you’re planning to get a driver’s license in Illinois, you may be wondering, is driver’s ed required in Illinois? The requirements for driver’s ed depend on your age and a few other factors. Understanding these driver’s ed requirements in Illinois will help you navigate the path to becoming a licensed driver in the state.
Who Needs to Take Driver’s Ed in Illinois?
In Illinois, driver’s ed is required for different age groups, with specific rules depending on whether you’re a teenager or an adult.
Teens (15-17 years old)
Driver’s ed is mandatory for anyone under 18 who wants to obtain a driver’s license. Illinois requires teens between the ages of 15 and 17 to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Driver’s ed for teens can start as early as 14 years old, as long as the student is at least 15 when they begin the behind-the-wheel portion.
Adults (18-20 years old)
For adults aged 18-20, who have never been licensed in the U.S. or any other country, Illinois requires the completion of a six-hour Illinois adult driver’s ed course before obtaining a driver’s license. However, if you completed driver’s ed as a teen in Illinois, you can use that same certification to meet this requirement. This flexibility ensures that you don’t have to retake the course if you’ve already completed it during your teenage years.
What Does Illinois Driver’s Ed Cover?
The content of a driver’s ed course in Illinois typically includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training for teens, while the adult course focuses on the fundamental knowledge necessary to pass the driver’s license exam. Topics covered may include:
- Traffic Laws and Regulations: Understanding the rules of the road, including speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way laws.
- Safe Driving Practices: Techniques for defensive driving, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding distractions.
- Vehicle Operation: Basic car maintenance, understanding vehicle controls, and practicing parking maneuvers.
- Hazardous Conditions: How to drive safely in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog.
The goal of these courses is to prepare new drivers to handle the responsibilities that come with driving and to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Driver’s Ed?
For those under 18, not completing an Illinois driver’s ed course means you won’t be able to apply for a driver’s license. For adults aged 18-20, if you don’t complete the required six-hour course, you will not be eligible to obtain your first driver’s license in Illinois. It’s important to note that the Illinois Secretary of State’s office enforces these requirements strictly, so skipping driver’s ed isn’t an option if you fall into one of these categories.
Choosing an Illinois Adult Driver’s Ed Course
Choosing a state-approved driver’s ed course is essential because only these courses meet the educational standards set by Illinois law. An approved course will ensure you receive the correct information, training, and certification needed to proceed with your licensing process.
If you’re in the 18-20 age group and need to complete your Illinois adult driver’s ed course, Ticket School offers a Secretary of State approved Illinois online driver’s ed course that you can complete at your own pace. Our course is designed to help you pass your driver’s license exam with ease, providing you with the knowledge you need to become a confident and responsible driver.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to meet Illinois’s driver’s ed requirements and get your driver’s license, check out Ticket School’s Illinois adult driver’s ed course. Our online course is affordable, convenient, and approved by the state of Illinois. Don’t wait—get started today and take the first step toward earning your driver’s license!