Bus Drivers

The Regional Office of Education is responsible for conducting the Initial Permit Training that is required for all new school bus drivers prior to getting a bus permit, and the Annual Refresher Course is required in the 12 month (364 days) period prior to renewing their school bus permit.

ISBE - Transporting Students: Vehicle Requirements (PDF)

Refresher Courses

In accordance with Public Act 88-612, all school bus drivers are required to complete an annual refresher safety course before their school bus driver permit can be renewed. This course runs 2 hours.

• Download School Bus Driver Refresher Training Schedule for 2018-2019  (PDF) 
  • Registration is not needed to attend our Refresher courses. Please make sure you have your drivers license with you the day of the course. 
  • All fees are $10.00 - Personal or district check, cash, or money orders are accepted forms of payment (no credit/debit cards). 
  • Driver data will not be entered into the state system until course is completed and payment has been received by ROE26.

Initial Training Courses

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 Regional Office of Education.

• Download Initial Bus Driver Training Schedule for 2018-2019 (PDF)
  • To register for one of our Initial Bus Courses or if you have any questions, please contact Lori Warden at (309) 518-4017.                      
  • Cost is $10.00 - Personal or district check, cash, or money orders are accepted forms of payment (no credit/debit cards).
  • Driver data will not be entered into the state system until course is completed and payment has been received by ROE26.
  • Must be employed by bus company or school district.

At the Training

When attending these trainings, please remember the following:

1. Bring your Driver's License with you.
2. At the INITIAL TRAINING ~ Please bring a lunch.
3. Please be on time (late arrivals, will not be permitted).
4. You may not leave the class early, until the instructor dismisses class.
5. CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED (under any circumstances) in the State Initial or Refresher Courses.
6. If the driver cannot attend the class that he/she is scheduled for, the course fee is forfeited.