| Illinois at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Adult driver’s ed | 6 hours, required for many 18–20-year-olds |
| Who must take it | First-time applicants 18–20 without teen classroom ed |
| Approval | Illinois Secretary of State |
| Format | Online allowed |
| 55+ discount | Required, amount varies |
| 21 and over | Adult driver’s ed not required |
Sources listed below. Rules and prices checked October 2026.
Adult driver’s ed (18–20)
- 6 hours, approved by the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Required for first-time applicants aged 18 to 20 who haven’t completed the classroom part of teen driver’s ed.
- Can be taken online at your own pace; drivers 21 and over don’t need it.
Young drivers pay some of the highest premiums of any age group, so once licensed, ask insurers about good-student and driver training discounts and compare several quotes.
The 55+ discount
Illinois requires insurers to offer a discount to drivers 55 and over who complete an approved course. The law doesn’t set an amount, so ask your insurer what it gives and which courses qualify.
Everyone else
For drivers between 21 and 54 there’s no required discount, but some insurers give one voluntarily for a defensive driving course. It costs nothing to ask.
Getting licensed at 18–20? IL adult driver’s ed, 6 hours (online, Driverz). Drivers 55+: Insurance discount courses (online). (sponsored link) Always confirm the course is accepted by your court, state agency or insurer before you enrol.
How to do it, step by step
- Check whether you need adult driver’s ed: first-time applicant, aged 18–20, no teen classroom course.
- Enroll in a Secretary of State-approved 6-hour course; online is allowed.
- Finish within the provider’s time limit and pass the final exam.
- Your completion certificate is then issued for your license application.
- Once licensed, compare insurance quotes and ask about young-driver discounts.
Is it worth it?
The adult course is a requirement rather than a money-saver, but young drivers can still cut costs: good-student discounts, telematics programs and staying on a parent’s policy can each make a real difference. Drivers 55+ should ask what discount their insurer gives for an approved course.
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Common questions
Who needs adult driver’s ed in Illinois?
First-time applicants aged 18 to 20 who haven’t completed teen classroom driver’s ed.
How long is the Illinois adult course?
6 hours, and it can be taken online.
Is there a senior driver discount in Illinois?
Yes, insurers must offer drivers 55+ a discount after an approved course; the amount varies.
Is the Illinois adult course the same as teen driver’s ed?
No, it’s a separate 6-hour course for first-time applicants aged 18–20.
Do I need it if I did teen classroom driver’s ed?
No, completing the teen classroom portion exempts you.
Sources
- IDriveSafely: Illinois adult driver’s ed FAQ
- Kiplinger: States where insurers must give a defensive driving discount (May 2026)
Prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state and driver. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.