Illinois DSD SB 2 Form: School Bus Driver Application

Illinois DSD SB 2 Form: School Bus Driver Application – The Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SB 2, officially titled the School Bus Driver Application/Certification, is the primary document used by individuals seeking a School Bus Driver Permit in the state of Illinois. This form is essential for anyone planning to transport school children in grades 12 or below for public, private, or religious schools, including nursery schools, whether operating a yellow school bus or another approved vehicle on a regularly scheduled route.

Issued and managed by the Illinois Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) Driver Services Department, Form DSD SB 2 ensures that applicants meet strict safety, training, medical, and background requirements under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/6-106.1) and related administrative rules (92 Ill. Adm. Code Part 1035). This guide provides a clear, up-to-date overview for U.S. applicants, employers, and school districts.

What Is Illinois Form DSD SB 2?

Form DSD SB 2 serves as both the application and the employer certification for new school bus driver permits and renewals (reapplications). It is completed in two main parts:

Applicant section: Personal information, driver’s license details, Social Security number, date of birth, and a sworn affirmation under penalty of perjury.
Employer section: Certification that the applicant has completed all required pre-employment conditions (for new applicants) or renewal requirements (for reapplicants).

The form is available as an official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State. You can download it directly here: Illinois Form DSD SB 2 – School Bus Driver Application/Certification (PDF).

Official mailing address for completed reapplications: Secretary of State, Safe Ride Section, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723.

Who Needs a School Bus Driver Permit in Illinois?

A School Bus Driver Permit is required for any individual who transports school children (grade 12 or below) in:

A yellow school bus, or
Any other approved vehicle owned or operated by a school or religious institution on a regularly scheduled route.

This includes substitute drivers. The permit is separate from a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, although drivers of larger vehicles typically need both.

For complete official details, visit the Illinois Secretary of State School Bus Permit page.

Eligibility Requirements for New Applicants

To qualify for an original School Bus Driver Permit using Form DSD SB 2, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Be at least 21 years of age.
Hold a valid and properly classified Illinois driver’s license (or a valid license from another state) that includes the appropriate “S” endorsement when required.
Possess a valid driver’s license that has not been revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified for the three years immediately prior to application (with limited exceptions for miscellaneous suspensions).
Pass a written school bus driver permit examination administered by the Secretary of State (valid for one year).
Pass a behind-the-wheel (skills/road) test in the type of vehicle to be driven (valid for 180 days).
Complete a physical examination (including drug and tuberculosis testing) within 90 days of application. The Medical Examiner’s Certificate must be retained by the employer. Use Form DSD SB 21 for the physical.
Complete an initial classroom training course (including first-aid procedures) approved by the Secretary of State and typically administered through Regional Offices of Education or the Illinois State Board of Education (valid for one year).
Pass Illinois-specific and FBI fingerprint-based criminal background checks (results valid for one year).
Not have been under court supervision or convicted of two or more serious traffic violations in the 12 months prior to application.
Not have been under court supervision or convicted of reckless driving, DUI, or reckless homicide while operating a motor vehicle within three years of application.
Not have caused a fatal accident due to unlawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Not have been afflicted with or suffering from any mental disability or disease within the last five years.
Affirm under penalty of perjury that no false statements or material facts have been concealed.
Consent in writing to the release of reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing results by the employer to the Secretary of State.

Out-of-state applicants must also submit a state-issued driving abstract showing a continuous three-year driving history, issued within 90 days prior to application.

Step-by-Step Application Process Using Form DSD SB 2

The process is employer-driven and follows these steps:

Complete a pre-employment interview with the prospective employer (school district or transportation company).
Obtain Form DSD SB 2 and the medical examination form (DSD SB 21) from the employer.
Complete the physical examination (including drug and TB testing) and obtain the Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Submit fingerprints for Illinois State Police and FBI background checks through an approved vendor.
Complete the required initial classroom training course.
The employer completes and certifies the “New Applicant” section of Form DSD SB 2, confirming all pre-employment conditions.
The applicant submits the completed Form DSD SB 2, employer certification, and a $4.00 fee to the Secretary of State.
Pass the written examination and road test at a Secretary of State facility (or authorized third-party entity).
The Secretary of State reviews the driving record and issues a provisional permit. The permit becomes fully valid after the FBI background check clears.

The fee for an original School Bus Driver Permit is $4.00 (check or money order payable to the Secretary of State).

Renewal (Reapplication) Process

A School Bus Driver Permit is valid for one year. Renewals (reapplications) must be submitted no earlier than 60 days before expiration. Requirements include:

Completion of the annual refresher classroom training course.
A favorable physical examination (including drug testing) within 90 days of the application date. A tuberculosis test is generally not required for reapplicants unless the medical examiner determines otherwise.
Completion of the “Reapplicant” section of Form DSD SB 2 by the employer.
Mailing the completed form and a $4.00 renewal fee directly to the Safe Ride Section at the address listed on the form.

If the permit has been expired for more than 30 days, the individual must reapply as a new applicant and meet all original requirements.

Key Supporting Forms and Resources

Important Notes for Employers

Employers are responsible for conducting the pre-employment interview, distributing forms, submitting fingerprints, retaining medical certificates, and certifying completion of all requirements on Form DSD SB 2. Records must be maintained for two years and be available for inspection by the Secretary of State.

Permitting an unqualified person to operate a school bus can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 under Illinois law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get Form DSD SB 2?
Download the official PDF from the Illinois Secretary of State website or obtain it from your prospective employer.

How much does the School Bus Driver Permit cost?
The fee is $4.00 for original applications, renewals, and duplicates or corrections.

Can out-of-state drivers apply?
Yes, provided they meet all eligibility requirements and submit a recent three-year driving abstract from their home state.

What happens if my permit expires?
If expired more than 30 days, you must start the process over as a new applicant.

For the most current information, always refer to the official Illinois Secretary of State resources linked above. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to Illinois law and administrative rules. Contact the Safe Ride Section at 217-782-7674 or 1-800-252-8980 for specific questions related to your application.