Who Needs a School Bus Permit?
A school bus permit is required for any individual planning to transport school children grades 12 or below for a public, private or religious school, including nursery schools, if you will drive:
- a yellow school bus or
- any other approved vehicle, owned or operated by a school or religious institution used for this purpose over a regularly scheduled route.
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Substitute Drivers
Any individual transporting children in the place of the regular school bus driver must have a permit and a properly classified driver's license.
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Requirements for New Applicants
New applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Twenty-one years of age or older;
- Possess a valid and properly classified driver's license issued by the Illinois Secretary of State or a valid license issued by the State of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri or Kentucky. The valid license must contain an "S" endorsement;
- Possess a valid driver's license for three years immediately prior to the date of your application, which has not been revoked, suspended, cancelled or disqualified;
- Successfully pass an Illinois written school bus driver permit test. The written test is valid for one year;
- Successfully pass a behind-the-wheel examination in the type of vehicle you will be driving. The skills test is valid for ninety days;
- Successfully pass a Secretary of State physical examination, including drug and tuberculosis testing. The physical examination is valid for ninety days;
- Affirm under penalty of perjury that you have not made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact in any application for a permit;
- Successfully complete an initial classroom training course administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Initial training courses are valid for one year, but a refresher course must be taken prior to renewal. For your nearest regional office, check the directory under ISBE Administrative Resource, Regional Offices of Education Services;
- You have not been convicted of two or more serious traffic violations within the previous twelve-month period of the date of your application;
- You have not been convicted of reckless driving, DUI or reckless homicide resulting while operating a motor vehicle within three years of the date of your application;
- Submit to and successfully pass both an Illinois specific and FBI criminal background check. Fingerprint results are valid for one year. Finger Print Vendors For School Bus Drivers;
- You have not been repeatedly involved as a driver in motor vehicle accidents or repeatedly convicted of offenses, which indicates disrespect for traffic laws;
- You have not caused a fatal accident as the result of the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle; and
- Within the last five years, you have not been found to be afflicted with or suffering from any mental disability or disease.
If you are new to Illinois, you must also provide a state-issued copy of the previous state's driving abstract, showing a three-year continuous driving history. The driving abstract must be issued within ninety days prior to your application for a permit.
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Begin the Process to Become a School Bus Driver
You must seek employment with a School Bus Company or school district. They will have all applicable forms and information to guide you through the process.
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Drivers Holding a Bordering State's License
Persons residing in a state other than Illinois who wish to apply for an Illinois school bus driver permit must possess a properly classified license from their "home state" and follow the procedures outlined for new Illinois resident applicants.
"Home state" is defined as the States of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, or Kentucky.
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Renewal of School Bus Permit
A school bus driver's permit is valid for one year. Any individual who allows their school bus driver's permit to expire for more than thirty days shall be required to submit to all the requirements for a new applicant. In order to renew your School Bus Drivers Permit, you must:
- Successfully complete an annual refresher classroom-training course administered by the Illinois State Board of Education;
- Successfully pass an annual physical examination, including drug testing. Physical examinations are valid for ninety days; and
- Submit by mail to the Springfield Office of the Secretary of State an official application form completed by your employer and the appropriate fees paid by personal check or money order made payable to the Secretary of State.
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Company or School District Participation
If you are a school district or transportation company and want to learn more about participating in the School Bus Driver Permit program, please contact the Secretary of State's Safe Ride Unit at (217) 782-7674.
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Forms
School Bus Driver Application/Certification
School Bus Driver Active Duty Form
School Bus Driver Return From Active Duty Form
School Bus Employer Notification Report/Certification of Employee Removal
Waiver Request Form
Charter Bus Endorsement Forms
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