Illinois DSD SB 8 Waiver Request Form Guide – The Illinois Secretary of State Form DSD SB 8, officially titled the Waiver Request Form, is an essential document for individuals applying for a school bus driver permit in Illinois who have experienced a break in their continuous three-year valid driver’s license record. This form allows eligible applicants to request a waiver of the continuous driving history requirement under specific conditions outlined by Illinois regulations.
Maintained by the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Department, Form DSD SB 8 helps ensure that qualified candidates can still pursue school bus driving roles while upholding strict safety standards for transporting students. This guide provides current, accurate information based on official Illinois government sources for U.S. residents, particularly those in Illinois seeking school bus employment.
What Is Illinois Form DSD SB 8?
Form DSD SB 8 is the official Waiver Request Form issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. It is used exclusively in connection with school bus driver permit applications when an applicant’s driving record shows a break in the required three-year continuous valid driver’s license history.
According to Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1035 (School Bus Driver Permit), applicants must generally possess a valid driver’s license for three years immediately prior to application without revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification. Form DSD SB 8 provides a formal mechanism to request an exception for documented breaks in that continuous period.
The form is a fillable PDF available directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website. The current version is dated March 2026 and is designated as DSD SB 8.1 ADA for accessibility compliance.
Who Needs to Submit Form DSD SB 8?
You may need Form DSD SB 8 if you are applying for a new Illinois school bus driver permit and your driving history includes a gap. Key eligibility points include:
- Applicants who must demonstrate a three-year continuous driving history (which can combine Illinois and out-of-state records).
- Individuals with a break of 30 days or less (which the Secretary of State may waive).
- Those with a break of more than 30 days but less than six months, provided the driving record is otherwise clear or any listed convictions do not affect driving ability.
- New residents to Illinois who need to document prior out-of-state driving history and any associated gaps.
This form is not for general driver’s license reinstatement or unrelated fee waivers. It is specific to the school bus driver permit process administered by the School Bus Safety Section.
Key Requirements for a School Bus Driver Permit in Illinois
Before using Form DSD SB 8, understand the broader eligibility criteria for an Illinois school bus driver permit. Applicants must:
- 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 “S” endorsement.
- Possess a valid driver’s license for the three years immediately preceding the application date without revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification.
- Pass a written school bus driver permit test and a behind-the-wheel exam in the appropriate vehicle type.
- Complete a physical examination (including drug and tuberculosis testing) valid for 90 days.
- Successfully complete initial classroom training administered through the Illinois State Board of Education / Regional Offices of Education.
- Pass Illinois State Police and FBI criminal background checks via fingerprinting.
- Meet additional restrictions related to serious traffic violations, DUI, reckless driving, and other safety-related offenses.
A continuous three-year driving history is a core requirement. Form DSD SB 8 addresses limited exceptions to this rule. Full details are available on the official Illinois Secretary of State School Bus Permit page.
How to Complete Form DSD SB 8?
The form is straightforward and requires the following information from the applicant:
- Date of request
- Full name of applicant
- Complete mailing address (including city, state, and ZIP code)
- Driver’s license number
- Telephone number
- Detailed reason for the break in the driver’s license record (attach extra paper if needed)
- Supporting documentation (such as medical records, hospital records, or other verification of the circumstances causing the break)
- Applicant’s signature and date
An official-use-only section at the bottom is completed by authorized Secretary of State personnel, who determine whether the circumstances are acceptable and whether the waiver is granted.
Important note from the form: When completed, forward the form to the attention of the School Bus Safety Section at the address listed: 2701 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, Illinois 62723.
Download the Official Form DSD SB 8
Always download the current official version directly from the Illinois Secretary of State to ensure you have the most up-to-date fillable PDF:
Download Illinois Form DSD SB 8 — Waiver Request Form (PDF)
Forms on the Illinois Secretary of State website are PDFs with fillable fields. For best results, download the file to your computer and open it with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Additional guidance on completing fillable forms is available on the official Help with Publications and Forms page.
Submission Instructions and Processing
After completing Form DSD SB 8 and gathering any supporting documentation:
- Mail the signed form and attachments to the School Bus Safety Section at the Driver Services Department address in Springfield, Illinois (listed on the form).
- Submit the form as part of or in conjunction with your school bus driver permit application materials.
- Ensure your overall application package meets all other requirements, including employer certification, physical exam results, training certificates, and fees.
The Secretary of State reviews the reason for the break and any supporting evidence. A break of 30 days or less may be waived. Longer breaks (up to less than six months) may be approved if the record is clear or convictions do not impact driving. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by authorized personnel.
For questions about the school bus driver permit program or Form DSD SB 8, contact the Illinois Secretary of State at 1-800-252-8980 and follow prompts to the School Bus Unit. School districts and transportation companies can also use this number for program participation information.
Additional Resources from Official Sources
Refer to these trusted Illinois government resources for the most current information:
- Illinois Secretary of State – School Bus Permit Requirements
- Driver’s License and ID Card Publications and Forms
- Complete Publications and Forms List
- Illinois Administrative Code Title 92, Part 1035 – School Bus Driver Permit (available via the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules / Illinois General Assembly resources)
Always verify details on official .gov websites, as requirements and form versions can be updated. The information in this article is based on current official publications from the Illinois Secretary of State and related administrative code as of the latest available data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form DSD SB 8
Is Form DSD SB 8 only for school bus drivers?
Yes. It is specifically for applicants seeking a school bus driver permit who need a waiver related to a break in their continuous three-year driving history.
Can any break in the driving record be waived?
No. Waivers are limited. Short breaks (30 days or less) may be waived, and slightly longer breaks (under six months) may be considered if the overall record supports it. Longer or more serious interruptions generally do not qualify.
Do I need supporting documents?
Yes. The form instructs applicants to attach documentation verifying the reason for the break (for example, medical or hospital records).
Where do I send the completed form?
Forward it to the School Bus Safety Section at the Driver Services Department address printed on the form (2701 South Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723).
By following official guidelines and using the current Form DSD SB 8, eligible applicants can properly request consideration for a waiver while pursuing a school bus driver permit in Illinois. Always rely on primary sources from the Illinois Secretary of State for the latest instructions and requirements.