Regional Office of Education #3: Bus Drivers

Tuesday April 16th, 2024

Bus Drivers

SCHEDULES, NEWS and DOWNLOADS . . .

View 2023-2024 Initial School Bus Driver Training Course Schedule (PDF)

View 2023-2024 Refresher School Bus Driver Training Course Schedule (PDF)

Download NEW (June 2022) Bus Driver Training Class Registration Form (PDF)

Download Bus Accident Form (PDF)

Bus Driver Checklist

In order to become a state certified bus driver, you will need to complete the following steps:

You must take the 8 hour initial class with the ROE and pass the exam.

You must take the written test at the DMV for the practice driving license.

You must practice driving and pre-trip with the district or company you are employed with.

You must get a physical from the doctor.

You must submit fingerprinting and drug testing.

You must return back to the DMV for pre-trip and driving test

Please note: The 8 hour initial class, fingerprinting and drug testing can be completed in any order but it MUST be completed before taking the final test at the DMV.

Regional Office Responsibilities

The Regional Office of Education is responsible for conducting and keeping records of the initial training that is required for all new school bus drivers prior to getting a bus permit, and the annual refresher workshop that is required in the 12 month period prior to renewing their school bus permit.

Experienced drivers must take a two hour refresher course annually, and all new drivers must take an eight hour course in school bus driver safety and first aid, as prescribed by the Illinois State Board of Education and administered by the ROE.

Each year Regional Offices train over 20,000 bus drivers.

The Regional Office of Education is responsible for the appointment of instructors who conduct the required training.

The Secretary of State's Office is responsible for the issuance of school bus driver permits, and the administration of behind-the-wheel testing.

Each school district is required by law to have its buses inspected twice annually. These inspections take place before school starts and again in December. In addition, there are daily inspections by the driver and monthly inspections by the districts or outside contractors.

Regional Office of Education #3

SCHEDULES, NEWS and DOWNLOADS . . . View 2023-2024 Initial School Bus Driver Training Course Schedule (PDF) View 2023-2024 Refresher School Bus Driver Training Course Schedule (PDF) Download NEW (June 2022) Bus Driver Training Class Registration Form (PDF) Download Bus Accident Form (PDF)
Bus Driver Checklist In order to become a state certified bus driver, you will need to complete the following steps: You must take the 8 hour initial class with the ROE and pass the exam. You must take the written test at the DMV for the practice driving license. You must practice driving and pre-trip with the district or company you are employed with. You must get a physical from the doctor. You must submit fingerprinting and drug testing. You must return back to the DMV for pre-trip and driving test Please note: The 8 hour initial class, fingerprinting and drug testing can be completed in any order but it MUST be completed before taking the final test at the DMV.
Regional Office Responsibilities The Regional Office of Education is responsible for conducting and keeping records of the initial training that is required for all new school bus drivers prior to getting a bus permit, and the annual refresher workshop that is required in the 12 month period prior to renewing their school bus permit. Experienced drivers must take a two hour refresher course annually, and all new drivers must take an eight hour course in school bus driver safety and first aid, as prescribed by the Illinois State Board of Education and administered by the ROE. Each year Regional Offices train over 20,000 bus drivers. The Regional Office of Education is responsible for the appointment of instructors who conduct the required training. The Secretary of State's Office is responsible for the issuance of school bus driver permits, and the administration of behind-the-wheel testing. Each school district is required by law to have its buses inspected twice annually. These inspections take place before school starts and again in December. In addition, there are daily inspections by the driver and monthly inspections by the districts or outside contractors.