Who Should Enroll?
This program is ideal for:
- Certified Illinois teachers
- Educators looking to earn their driver education endorsement
- Teachers seeking driver ed teacher certification
- Those who need a flexible, hybrid certification path
Illinois Driver Education Endorsement (Online + In-Person Lab)
Prepare to teach driver’s ed in Illinois — with a flexible, hybrid program built for working educators.
Olivet Nazarene University’s Safety and Driver Education Endorsement program is designed for licensed Illinois teachers who want to expand their credentials and teach driver’s education. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), this program blends the convenience of online learning with a short in-person summer lab experience.
Admissions Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) in Illinois
- Complete all coursework and driving lab hours
- Meet ISBE endorsement requirements
Ready to Teach Driver’s Ed?
Join other educators who are advancing their careers through Olivet’s flexible, trusted driver education endorsement program.
Required Core Courses (Hybrid: Online + In-Person)
These core courses provide a comprehensive foundation in driver education principles across classroom, simulation and behind-the-wheel teaching environments. During the school year, courses are completed online. In-person sessions are held in Midlothian, IL during June and July.
Explore safety issues in the highway transportation system. Topics include rules and regulations for driver education in Illinois, new driver challenges, distracted/aggressive driving, and parent/teen orientation planning.
June 2 | June 9 | June 16 | June 23 (8AM-5PM in Midlothian, IL)
Learn how to organize and deliver effective classroom instruction for driver ed students. Course includes curriculum development, classroom management, tech integration and assessment methods.
June 2 | June 9 | June 16 | June 23 (8AM-5PM in Midlothian, IL)
Covers a wide range of highway safety topics including railroad crossings, work zones, inclement weather driving and school zone safety. Includes nature’s laws and emergency maneuvers.
June 2 | June 9 | June 16 | June 23 (8AM-5PM in Midlothian, IL)
In-Person Hands-On Lab (Required for Driver Ed Teacher Certification)
Gain practical, hands-on experience teaching behind-the-wheel and range lessons. Focus on safe vehicle operation, emergency maneuvers and the development of effective driving habits in students.
*Choose one lab from the dates below.
June 30 – July 2 (9AM-12PM)
July 7-9 (1PM-4PM)
July 14-16 (9AM-12PM)
Online Elective Courses (Choose Two)
These elective courses support specialized areas of driver education instructor training. All courses are fully online and begin in October 2025 unless otherwise noted.
Prepares educators to address substance use in driver education. Topics include drug and alcohol pharmacology, legal consequences and prevention strategies.
October 27, 2025 | March 2, 2026
Learn instructional techniques and adaptive tools to help students with disabilities become safe, confident drivers. Includes parent engagement and product evaluation.
October 27, 2025 | March 2, 2026
Covers essential emergency procedures including CPR, bleeding control and shock management. Certification available upon completion.
October 27, 2025 | March 2, 2026
Where Your Future Begins
We Believe. You Belong Here. Discover why Olivet is a place where faith meets calling. Take the first step today.