Illinois School Bus Driver Form DSD SB 4 Guide

Illinois School Bus Driver Form DSD SB 4 Guide – The Illinois Secretary of State requires every school bus driver to pass a thorough medical examination before receiving or renewing a School Bus Driver Permit. The official document used for this purpose is the Physical Examination and Certificate for Illinois School Bus Driver, commonly referenced as Form DSD SB 4 (current version identified as DSD SB 21 on the official PDF). This form confirms that the driver meets the physical, mental, and substance-related standards needed to safely transport students.

This guide explains who needs the form, what the examination covers, how to complete it, and where to download the current version. All information is drawn from the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Administrative Code.

What Is Form DSD SB 4?

Form DSD SB 4 is the official Physical Examination and Certificate for Illinois School Bus Driver issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. Medical examiners use it to document a driver’s health history, perform the required physical exam, record drug and tuberculosis (TB) test results, and certify whether the applicant is qualified to operate a school bus.

The form is required under 92 Illinois Administrative Code Section 1035.20. It must be completed within 90 days before the date of application or renewal for a School Bus Driver Permit. The current printable version is available from the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Download the official form here: Physical Examination and Certificate for Illinois School Bus Driver (PDF)

Note: Older references to “DSD SB 4” or “DSD SB 4.7” point to earlier versions. The publications list on the Secretary of State site still labels the form as DSD SB 4 while linking to the current DSD SB 21 PDF (printed January 2026).

Who Needs to Complete the Form?

Any individual applying for or renewing an Illinois School Bus Driver Permit must submit a completed Form DSD SB 4. This includes:

New applicants seeking their first permit
Drivers renewing an existing permit (required annually)
Drivers whose permit has been expired more than 30 days (treated as new applicants)

The examination must be performed by a qualified medical examiner: a licensed physician, an advanced practice nurse with a collaborative agreement authorizing medical examinations, or a physician assistant delegated the authority by a supervising physician. Illinois-licensed chiropractic physicians may also perform the exam under state rules.

Key Requirements of the Physical Examination

According to 92 Ill. Adm. Code 1035.20, an applicant is considered physically qualified only if the medical examiner finds the driver meets specific standards. These include (but are not limited to):

No loss or impairment of a hand, finger, arm, foot, or leg that interferes with safe operation (or satisfactory compensation for such loss)
No diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin that is likely to interfere with safe driving
No current clinical diagnosis of certain cardiovascular conditions (myocardial infarction, angina, coronary insufficiency, etc.)
No respiratory, high blood pressure, rheumatic, orthopedic, neuromuscular, or vascular conditions likely to interfere with safe operation
No epilepsy or other condition likely to cause loss of consciousness
No mental, nervous, organic, or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with safe driving
Distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye (with or without corrective lenses), field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and ability to recognize red, amber, and green traffic signals
Ability to perceive a forced whispered voice at not less than 5 feet in the better ear, or average hearing loss no greater than 40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz
No use of amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, phencyclidine, or other mind-altering substances, or prescribed drugs that may impair safe operation
No current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism
Negative TB test result, or positive result with either prophylactic treatment or inactive tuberculosis confirmed by X-ray

Full details appear in Section 1035.20 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

Drug Testing and Tuberculosis Testing

Every applicant must undergo drug testing as part of the medical examination. The test screens for marijuana metabolites, cocaine metabolites, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine using standards in 49 CFR 40.85. Testing must occur no more than 90 days before the permit application. A copy of the drug testing and control form is maintained with the physical examination certificate.

New applicants and those whose permits have lapsed more than 30 days must also complete a tuberculosis test. Reapplicants generally do not need a new TB test unless the medical examiner determines it is necessary.

The driver must consent in writing to provide a urine sample and authorize release of results to the medical examiner and employer.

How to Complete Form DSD SB 4?

The form has several sections:

Driver Information — The applicant completes personal details (name as on driver’s license, address, date of birth, age, driver’s license number) and answers a detailed health-history questionnaire (32 items covering head injuries, seizures, heart disease, diabetes, mental health, sleep disorders, substance use, and more). Any “Yes” answers require explanation. Current medications and past surgeries must also be listed.
Medical Examination — Completed by the medical examiner. Includes pulse, blood pressure, height, weight, urinalysis, vision and hearing tests, and a systematic check of body systems.
Required Testing — Records drug test date and results. For new applicants or those with a lapse over 30 days, TB test information is also recorded.
Driver Consent and Declaration — The applicant signs, consenting to testing and certifying that the information is accurate.
Medical Examiner’s Certificate — The examiner completes Part A (preliminary findings) and Part B (final certification after reviewing drug and TB results). The examiner indicates whether the applicant is qualified, qualified only with corrective lenses or a hearing aid, or not qualified.

Three copies are typically distributed: one to the applicant, one retained by the medical examiner, and one forwarded to the employer.

Validity Period and Renewal

The physical examination is valid for 90 days from the date of completion for use with a School Bus Driver Permit application or renewal. School Bus Driver Permits themselves are valid for one year. Annual renewal requires a new physical examination (including drug testing) and completion of a refresher training course administered through the Illinois State Board of Education / Regional Offices of Education.

Drivers whose permits expire by more than 30 days must meet all new-applicant requirements, including a new TB test.

Official Sources and Additional Resources

Always use the most current form and instructions from the Illinois Secretary of State:

For questions about the School Bus Driver Permit program, contact the Illinois Secretary of State School Bus Unit at 1-800-252-8980.

Tips for a Successful Examination

Bring a complete list of all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplements) with dosages.
Arrive prepared to discuss any past surgeries, hospitalizations, or chronic conditions honestly.
Schedule drug and TB testing so results are available for the medical examiner to review before final certification.
Keep a personal copy of the completed certificate; employers must retain the original or a copy.
Confirm with your prospective or current employer which medical facilities they accept or recommend.

Completing Form DSD SB 4 accurately and on time is an essential step for anyone seeking to drive a school bus in Illinois. Following the official requirements protects both drivers and the students they transport.