Illinois School Bus Endorsement (S) and SBP - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to obtaining and maintaining the Illinois School Bus Permit (SBP), School Bus Endorsement (S), and essential safety practices for school buses.

School Bus Endorsement (S)

Endorsement required to drive a yellow school bus designed to transport 16+ people for school-related activities; requires core knowledge, Passenger endorsement, and, if applicable, an air brakes test, plus pre-trip, skills, and driving tests.

Illinois School Bus Permit (SBP)

Permit required when transporting children to and from school or for curriculum-based activities; also required when transporting the same activities in any vehicle other than a yellow school bus; requires tests and ongoing requirements.

SBP Eligibility – Age

Applicant must be 21 years or older.

SBP Eligibility – Driver’s License

Must possess a valid and properly classified driver’s license issued by the Secretary of State.

Medical Card Requirement

Must possess a current medical card when required.

Written Exam

Must successfully pass a written School Bus endorsement/School Bus Permit exam administered by the Secretary of State.

Practical Tests

Must successfully pass a pre-trip, skills and driving tests, if applicable, in a representative vehicle of the license class for the passenger and S endorsement/SBP.

Conduct Standards

Must not have been repeatedly involved as a driver in motor vehicle accidents or repeatedly convicted of traffic offenses.

Physical Requirements (92 Ill. Admin Code 1035.20)

In Illinois, prior to issuance of the first permit and annually thereafter, a driver must meet physical requirements defined in 92 Ill. Admin. Code, Section 1035.20.

Initiating SBP Process

Start by working directly with the school district or school bus company; require a “letter of intent” for written testing and a fully completed SB2 form for testing portions.

SBP Training Course

Prior to initial SBP, complete a school bus driver training/safety course outlined by the Illinois State Board of Education, and pass a background check and physical.

Annual Maintenance

After initially obtaining the SBP, there are annual requirements to maintain the permit.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Daily inspection of the bus’s mechanical and safety equipment; a person other than the driver may perform it; defects must be recorded.

Pre-Trip Inspection Form

Driver must complete a School Bus Driver’s Pre-Trip Inspection form each time; any defects must be recorded on the form.

Amber Lights (Eight-Lamp System)

Amber flashing signal lights must be activated when approaching a stop; 100 feet in urban areas, 200 feet outside urban areas.

Stop Procedure During Loading/Unloading

When loading/unloading, come to a complete stop, put the transmission in neutral park, and set the parking brake.

No Crossing of Multi-Lane Highway

No child may cross a highway with four or more lanes of traffic where opposing directions may be present.

Right-Side Bus Stop Placement

The bus stop should be situated so the student’s residence and/or school is on the right side of the highway.

Assigned Stops

Students must be let off only at assigned stops; additional stops are discouraged to save fuel.

Route Changes Authorization

Do not change routes or pickups without authorization from the proper school official.

Service Door and Emergency Door Rules

Service door must be closed at all times when the bus is in motion; emergency door must be unlocked (if lock-equipped) but latched when in operation.

Manufacturer’s Capacity

The bus capacity must not be exceeded.

Backing Restrictions

The driver may not back a bus at the school while students are in the vicinity unless a responsible person is present to guide the driver.

Discharge Crossing Rule (10 feet)

At discharge points where students must cross, direct them to walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus on the shoulder until signaled to cross.

Railroad Crossing Stop Distance

Stop between 15 and 50 feet of the first rail; open service door and driver’s window; listen/look for trains; cross in low gear.

Safety Belt Requirement

The driver’s safety belt must be properly fastened before putting the bus in motion.

Post-Parking Walk-Through

After parking for the day, the driver/monitor must walk through the bus to ensure no child is left behind.

Expressway Entry/Exit Guidance

Enter and merge with traffic as quickly and safely as possible; do not stop completely before entering a high-speed expressway unless absolutely necessary.

First Division Vehicle SBP Indicator

If transporting students in a first division vehicle, the proper class of Illinois SBP must be indicated on the driver’s license.