Bus Driver Training

1. Meet Basic Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Hold a valid Illinois driver’s license (or one from a bordering state)
• Maintain a clean driving record for the past 3 years — no suspensions, revocations, DUIs, or major traffic violations
  
  

2. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Endorsements

To drive a school bus, you must earn a CDL and add two specific endorsements:

• Class B CDL (or appropriate class for the vehicle)
• Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements

You’ll need to:

• Pass written knowledge tests for the P and S endorsements
• Complete a skills/road test in a yellow school bus to earn the S endorsement
  
  

3. Apply for a School Bus Driver Permit

Before transporting students, drivers must:

• Pass the School Bus Driver written permit exam
• Complete a behind-the-wheel driving exam (valid for 180 days)
• Pass a medical examination (including TB and drug screening) from a licensed provider (e.g., physician, APRN, PA, or chiropractor)
• Complete a fingerprint-based background check
  
  

4. Complete Required Training

All new drivers must:

• Attend an 8-hour Initial School Bus Driver Training Course approved by the Regional Office of Education (ROE)
  • This training includes safety procedures, emergency protocols, and first aid
• Submit completed paperwork and proof of training to the Illinois Secretary of State
• Pay a small fee to obtain your official School Bus Driver Permit
  
  

Becoming a licensed school bus driver is just the beginning. To ensure the highest standards of student safety and professional accountability, Illinois requires all licensed school bus drivers to meet ongoing certification requirements each year.

Annual Refresher Training

Every school year, bus drivers must complete a 2-hour refresher training course.

This training, facilitated by your Regional Office of Education (ROE), reinforces essential knowledge in areas such as:

• Safe driving practices
• Student management
• Emergency procedures
• Updates to state or federal transportation laws
  
  

Yearly Physical & Drug Screening

Each year, you must pass a physical examination to confirm you're medically fit to safely operate a school bus. This includes:

• General physical health assessment
• Drug and alcohol screening
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing

A valid and current medical certificate is required to maintain your School Bus Permit.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Your driving record must remain free from:

• Serious traffic violations
• DUI convictions
• Reckless driving charges
• License suspensions or revocations

Your commitment to safe driving on and off the job directly impacts your eligibility to continue serving as a school bus driver.

In Illinois, a First Division vehicle is defined as a vehicle designed to carry no more than 10 people, including the driver — such as cars, minivans, and SUVs. These vehicles are commonly used by school districts and organizations to transport small groups of students.

To operate a First Division vehicle for student transportation, drivers must meet specific requirements to ensure student safety and legal compliance. 

Eligibility Requirements

To drive a First Division vehicle transporting students, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Hold a valid Illinois driver’s license
• Have a clean driving record for the past three years (no suspensions, revocations, or serious violations)

Health & Safety Clearances

• Complete a physical examination (similar to school bus drivers)
• Undergo drug and TB testing
• Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check

Required Training

All First Division vehicle drivers must complete:

• An Initial 8-hour First Division School bus Permit Holder Training course approved by the Regional Office of Education (ROE)

Ongoing Requirements

To continue transporting students legally and safely, First Division drivers must:

• Complete a 2-hour annual refresher training
• Maintain a valid medical certification
• Continue to have a clean driving record

If you or your school district has staff who need a First Division Permit, please reach out to Mary Wilson at mwilson@roe4.org. ROE4 does not hold regular sessions for this training, but we’re happy to coordinate one based on need.