Learning a skill at a young age has its perks. For one, you have more time to make mistakes and more room for improvement. However, starting a little later also has its advantages.
In Illinois, for instance, teens need 30 hours of classroom driver’s education, 12 hours of observation, and in-car training before they can secure a learner’s permit.
Adults aged 18 to 20, on the other hand, only require a 6-hour driver education course, which can be completed online. Doesn’t that sound easy?
So whether you’re a teen or an adult in Chicago, we’ve got the best driving schools lined up for you. We’ll review both online and in-person schools.
So are you ready?
The Best Online Driving Schools in Chicago, IL
As we already said, online driver’s ed is currently not an option for teens in Chicago, IL. So the following online schools are intended for first-time drivers who are 18 to 21 years old.
That said, these are the 4 best online driving schools in Chicago, IL:
Let’s review them one by one.
Aceable
Aceable is the top pick for 2023. It is a much younger education provider compared to its competitors, but it has built quite a solid reputation.
Aceable has one of the most technologically advanced online driver’s ed programs in the country. Its state-of-the-art curriculum is highly engaging. It comes with 3D animations that feature a robot that will teach you the rules of the road, driving techniques, and vehicle maintenance.
Aceable’s online driver’s ed course is interactive; you can even use a VR headset for a more immersive learning experience. Because the videos are 3D, you can move your cursor around for a 360-degree view.
These innovative lessons will help you learn essential driving skills while having a little fun.
Aceable’s online driver’s ed course for Illinois costs about $85, but it is often on sale for up to 40% off. What’s more, it comes with a free month of Allstate Roadside Services and an electronic certificate delivery within 24 to 72 hours.
DriversEd
DriversEd is one of the earliest adopters of online driver’s education in the country. It has been in the business for over 25 years and has helped millions of Americans get their licenses.
The school’s online driver’s ed program features tons of interactive elements that reinforce lessons effectively. It has 3D videos that demonstrate simulations of road situations and prepare students for real-life scenarios. It also contains a bunch of fun games that will help you retain what you learned.
The pricing sets you back by $95, but like Aceable, it usually offers discounts of up to 35% off the course fees.
Once you get your learner’s permit, you can also sign up for behind-the-wheel lessons with DriversEd. You’ll even save a lot of money if you opt for an online driver’s ed and in-car training bundle.
Top Driver
Top Driver is a driving school that started in Illinois. It was the first to be authorized by the state to provide adult driver’s education.
Top Driver’s focus is on providing good quality education using an engaging, multimedia teaching approach. It offers plenty of online tools and resources that will teach you how to become a responsible driver. It also provides professional customer service that even sends you email reminders to help you keep track of your lessons.
What’s great about this online school is that it is SUPER cheap. You can take the approved course for only $54. For extra cost, the school also offers in-car training.
First Time Driver
First Time Driver is an online driver’s ed provider that operates under the American Safety Council. Its course offerings provide comprehensive content that covers all the essential topics you will need to know as a first-time driver.
First Time Driver’s convenient online course is mobile-friendly and fully narrated. You don’t have to read through the entire content. You can just listen to the audio narration while you do some light chores.
First Time Driver’s online driver’s ed for adults is also SUPER cheap, only $45. And, you get FREE practice questions to help you prepare for your permit test.
Best In-Person Driving Schools in Chicago, IL
Now, what if you’re a teen looking to fulfill your driver’s ed requirements? Here are the best in-person schools in Chicago, IL:
Nova Driving School
Address: 2036 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
Contact Number: 773-489-2712
Nova Driving School is one of the most trusted driver education providers in Illinois. It’s one of the biggest in-person driving schools in Chicago, with over 30 professional instructors.
It offers the mandatory 30-hour teen driver education. As for education packages, it includes in-car training and cost from around $400 to $815, depending on the length of the behind-the-wheel lessons.
It currently doesn’t offer in-person classes for adult driver’s ed, but an online self-paced option is available for around $60.
Central Driving Academy
Address: 1455 Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
Contact Number: (773) 868-3927
Central Driving Academy has been around for almost 50 years. It’s committed to helping first-time drivers in Chicago be confident and prepared for the challenges and obstacles on the road.
Central Driving Academy offers in-person driver’s education courses for both teens and adults. The 6-hour classroom instruction for drivers aged 18 to 20 costs about $210, which already includes the permit test fee. The 30-hour course for teens, on the other hand, starts at around $230.
Teens and adults can book add-on driving training for around $55 per 1.5 or 2-hour lesson.
Driving Schools in Chicago, IL FAQs
Do I have to take the driver’s ed course in Chicago, IL, if I am over 21 years of age?
You may do so voluntarily, but it is not mandatory.
Also, if you are under 21 but you have completed the teen driver’s education, you no longer need to take the 6-hour course.
How long does it take to finish the driver’s ed course in Chicago, IL?
The adult driver’s ed is designed to last 6 hours, while the teen driver’s ed course is a 30-hour program.
Is an online driving school better than an in-person driving school in Chicago, IL?
Overall, an online driving school is better than a classroom in terms of cost and convenience. They are generally cheaper and they won’t require you to make a trip to the school for a weekend class. They allow you to take the mandatory course literally anytime and anywhere.
Conclusion
Looking for a good driving school to provide you with your driver’s ed requirements?
Look no further.
Whether you’re a teen or adult, you can be sure that the driving schools that we mentioned here are all approved, will satisfy requirements, and will give you quality education
Good luck!