Paid driver's training is provided for all eligible driver applicants. Training at Illinois Central School Bus is a top priority.  Our trainers come with years of experience in the bus industry. We have an excellent training program not only for new drivers, but for experienced drivers as well.  An applicant must be at least 21 years old, with a valid driver's license held for at least three years with no breaks or suspensions in the the past three years, to be eligible to apply.

When a driver applies for a position, the following takes place:

• In-person interview
• A check of the applicant's motor vehicle record
• School bus driving eligibility is checked
• Applicant is sent for physical, drug screen and TB test
• A background/sex offender search is conducted on applicant
• Applicant is sent for fingerprint check  

                                                                                    
If all of the steps above are successfully completed, and the applicant is determined eligible for training, they are given a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) study guide, as well as information needed to learn state regulations regarding passenger and school bus procedures.  The applicant is then involved in a CDL training classe, and when we feel they are ready, they then take the written test at the State driver's facility.  Once they obtain a training permit, we place them with a trainer, who provides instruction on a variety of topics such as defensive driving, proper pre-trip inspection, student management, mirror training, checking for sleeping children, emergency evacuations and procedures, and much more. Thereafter a behind the wheel evaluation is conducted to insure their readiness to safely and effectively transport passengers. We also conduct evaluations on all of our on-going drivers twice yearly. Please contact your nearest site for further details.