Illinois Form DSD A 294: Adult Driver Ed Provider Guide – If you plan to operate or help manage an online-only adult driver education course in Illinois, you must submit Form DSD A 294. This personal history form is required by the Illinois Secretary of State for every owner, partner, associate, corporate director, officer, and manager involved with a certified provider. It helps the Commercial Driver Training School Section verify good moral character and eligibility under state rules.
First-time applicants ages 18–20 who never completed high school or commercial driver education must finish a six-hour adult driver education course from a certified provider before they can get an Illinois driver’s license. Providers that offer these courses only online must meet strict certification standards, and Form DSD A 294 is a key part of that process.
What Is Form DSD A 294?
Form DSD A 294 is the official “Online-Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Personal History” document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department. It collects background information so the state can determine whether an individual is of good moral character and suitable to operate or manage an online adult driver education program.
The form must be completed by every owner, partner, associate, corporate director, officer, and manager of the provider. It is used together with the main application (DSD A 293) and the required surety bond (DSD A 295).
You can download the current version of the form directly from the official Illinois Secretary of State website:
Download Illinois Form DSD A 294 (PDF)
Who Must File Form DSD A 294?
According to Illinois administrative rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1066), every person who will serve in a leadership or ownership role for an online-only adult driver education course provider must submit a completed personal history form. This includes:
- Owners and sole proprietors
- Partners and associates
- Corporate directors and officers
- Managers responsible for day-to-day operations
The requirement applies whether the provider is a new applicant or is renewing certification. Any material change in the information reported on the form must be reported to the Commercial Driver Training School Section within 20 days.
Key Questions on Form DSD A 294
The form asks a series of yes/no questions designed to reveal potential conflicts or disqualifying history. Applicants must answer honestly. The main questions include:
- Are you a current salaried or contractual employee of the Secretary of State?
- Have you ever been known by any name other than the one shown on this personal history?
- Has your Online-Only Adult Education Course Provider Certification ever been denied, canceled, suspended, disqualified, or revoked?
- Do you owe any outstanding fees to the Secretary of State?
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Are you currently, or have you ever been, associated with an Online Driver Education Course in any other state or country?
- If yes to the previous question, was your license, certification, or accreditation ever denied, canceled, suspended, disqualified, or revoked?
- Have you been declared to have engaged in fraudulent activity within the past five years?
Any “yes” answers require a written explanation on the form. False statements or concealment of material facts can result in denial or revocation of certification and may constitute a criminal offense under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
How Form DSD A 294 Fits Into the Certification Process?
To become a certified online-only adult driver education course provider in Illinois, applicants must submit several documents to the Commercial Driver Training School Section. The core package typically includes:
- Form DSD A 293 – Online-Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Application
- Form DSD A 294 – Personal History (one for each qualifying individual)
- Form DSD A 295 – Online-Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Bond ($50,000 continuous surety bond)
- Course curriculum that meets the requirements of 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1066.45
- Procedures for verifying student identity and ensuring course completion
Official guidance and the full list of required forms are available on the Illinois Secretary of State’s Online Adult Driver Education Certification page.
Once the complete package is received, the Commercial Driver Training School Section reviews the materials. The office will contact the applicant when the certification process is complete. Providers must also maintain student records for at least three years and electronically transmit completion data (plus the statutory $5 fee) within two business days after a student finishes the course.
Good Moral Character and Related Requirements
Illinois regulations state that the Secretary of State shall not issue (or may deny, cancel, suspend, or revoke) an online-only adult education course provider certification unless the applicant/provider is of good moral character. In evaluating character, the Department may consider felony or misdemeanor convictions, especially those related to the ability to operate a driver education course, reckless behavior, or failure to maintain a professional relationship with students.
Additional mandatory requirements include:
- A continuous $50,000 surety bond underwritten by a company authorized to do business in Illinois
- Adequate procedures to verify student identity (examples include keystroke analysis, voice verification, challenge questions, or web video recording)
- A course that delivers a minimum of 360 minutes of instruction, completed within 30 days of starting
- Compliance with approved course content covering Illinois traffic laws, risk management, impaired driving, distraction, and other safety topics
Full details appear in 92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1066 (Online Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Certification).
Where to Submit Form DSD A 294?
Completed forms and supporting documents should be mailed to:
Illinois Secretary of State
Commercial Driver Training School Section
1800 W. Hawthorne Ln.
West Chicago, IL 60185
Phone: 630-520-9310
The official website is ilsos.gov. Always use the most recent version of the form, which is currently marked “September 2021 — 1 — DSD A 294.1.”
Tips for Completing and Filing Accurately
- Answer every question completely and truthfully. Provide clear explanations for any “yes” answers.
- Report name changes, prior certifications in other jurisdictions, and any material changes within 20 days.
- Keep a copy of the signed form for your records.
- Coordinate submission with the main application (DSD A 293) and the bond form (DSD A 295) so the package is complete.
- Review the administrative rules before applying to ensure your course content, identity-verification methods, and record-keeping procedures meet state standards.
Certified providers are listed on the Illinois Secretary of State’s Adult Driver Education Provider Listing. Only courses from these certified providers count toward the adult driver education requirement for first-time license applicants ages 18–20.
Why Accurate Personal History Reporting Matters?
The personal history form protects students and the integrity of Illinois’ driver education system. By screening owners and managers, the Secretary of State helps ensure that online courses are delivered by responsible parties who meet legal and ethical standards. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay certification or lead to denial or later revocation.
For the most current requirements, forms, and administrative rules, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State website and the Illinois Administrative Code. Regulations can be updated, so checking primary sources is the best way to stay compliant.
Download the form now: Illinois Form DSD A 294 – Online-Only Adult Driver Education Course Provider Personal History
This guide is based on publicly available information from the Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Administrative Code as of the most recent updates. For personalized advice or the latest forms, contact the Commercial Driver Training School Section directly at 630-520-9310.