Do you need to have your learners permit in order to take drivers ed?

I'm 15 years old, freshman going into sophomore year, I just turned 15 a couple weeks ago, and I wanted to know do you need to have your learners permit in order to take drivers ed? Drivers ed is offered at my school, so I'm just worried about getting my permit. I live in Illinois, so do you need to be 15 and 6 months old or something to get your permit, or just 15 years old?