The driver education program consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel observation experience. At Scales Mound High School driver education class is offered during the KSL time period (11:03 – 11:27 a.m.) on Monday through Wednesday, occasionally on Thursday to make up a missed class earlier in the week. The behind-the-wheel driving/observation component is currently scheduled during the summer months. The instructor will work with you during the 4th quarter to develop the summer driving schedule.
It is very important for students to attend all scheduled classroom and driving instruction. The state of Illinois requires students to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of class time and 6 hours of driving/observation time. It is not possible to make up missed class time and very difficult to reschedule summer driving time.
During the school year, a student may miss 15 Driver Education classes. At 16 absences, the student will fail the class, will not be able to enroll in the summer behind-the-wheel class, and will need to retake the entire year-long class during sophomore year.
Students must earn a 75% on every test, including the final exam and Rules of the Road test, to pass the class.
If a student fails the first semester of Driver Education class, he or she will be dropped from the class, assigned to another KSL class, and will need to retake the entire class during sophomore year. The student’s driving permit will be revoked and they will need to reapply at the beginning of the sophomore year.
Strict cell phone policy: Cell Phone use is not allowed at any time in driver education without permission from an instructor. Failure to meet this expectation could result in a student being dropped from the course.
Office of Secretary of State – Graduated Driver License
Permit Phase – drivers age 15
Nighttime driving restrictions:
Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
The permit must be held for a minimum of nine months.
Must practice driving a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, supervised by a parent or an adult age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license.
Must not acquire any driving infractions, underage alcohol convictions or court supervisions during the nine-month permit phase.
The number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
Any wireless/cell phone use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for a driver under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency.
The permit is valid for up to two years.
Initial Licensing Phase – drivers ages 16-17
Nighttime driving restrictions:
Sun.-Thurs., 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
Fri.-Sat., 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (local curfews may differ).
Must maintain a conviction-free driving record for six months prior to turning 18. A traffic conviction during the Initial Licensing Phase may extend restrictions beyond age 18.
For the first 12 months of licensing, or until the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first, the number of passengers is limited to one person under age 20, unless the passenger(s) is a sibling, step-sibling, child or stepchild of the driver. After this period, the number of passengers is limited to one in the front seat and the number of safety belts in the back seat.
Any wireless/cell phone use while driving, including a hands-free device, is prohibited for a driver under age 19, except in the case of an emergency to contact a law enforcement agency, health care provider or emergency services agency
Full Licensing Phase – drivers ages 18-20
Office of Secretary of State – Instruction Permit Requirements
15 years old and Illinois resident
Enrolled in Driver Education – need permit application signed by the instructor
Pass the “Rules of the Road” written test at the Department of Motor Vehicle office
Pass vision test at the Department of Motor Vehicle office
Take proper identification documents to the Department of Motor Vehicle office when you apply – documents needed
Must maintain a passing grade in driver education class
According to the Wisconsin DOT web page, you may not drive in Wisconsin with an Illinois Instruction Permit until you are 16. Wisconsin DOT – scroll down to “Driving in other states”
Iowa allows driving with an out-of-state Instruction Permit subject to restrictions mandated by issuing state.
Instruction permit
Pass driver education class (30 hours) and behind-the-wheel instruction (6 hours) (Instructor(s) will register completion with Secretary of State office)
Affidavit/Consent For Minor To Drive
50-hour driving log with parent/guardian signature
Illinois Rules of the Road Book (PDF)
Illinois Rules of the Road Workbook (PDF)
Illinois Parent/Teen Driving Guide (PDF)
How to apply for an Illinois driver’s license: Step-by-step guide
Office of Illinois Secretary of State
Driver’s Education Course Completion Check – (Will need permit number)