HB 5163 Illinois House · 104th Regular Session

VEH CD-SCH BUS DRIVER PERMIT

Summary

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that, by January 1, 2027, the course for operation of vehicles of the first division being operated as school buses shall be available virtually. Requires, by January 1, 2027, the Secretary of State to make the written test for the operation of vehicles of the first division being operated as school buses available for completion online. Effective immediately.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 5, 2026 Last action Apr 17, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Engrossed · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill updates the requirements for obtaining a school bus driver's permit in Illinois, primarily by clarifying the rules for applicants holding commercial licenses and refining the medical examination standards. The changes ensure that drivers with out-of-state commercial licenses are properly evaluated and adjust the medical testing requirements to explicitly include drug use tests for eligible applicants.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on school bus driver licensing, but the specific eligibility criteria for applicants with commercial licenses and the medical examination process have been refined.

ELIGIBILITY

The requirement for applicants to possess a valid driver's license was clarified to ensure it has not been revoked, suspended, or canceled for the three years immediately prior to application.

The criteria for applicants holding commercial licenses were adjusted to specify that they must hold a valid commercial license or one that expired within the preceding 30 days, issued by another state with the necessary school bus and passenger endorsements.

REQUIREMENT

The medical examination requirement was updated to explicitly state that drug use tests must be conducted for each applicant not already subject to such testing under federal law.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 17, 2026

Committee

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

lower

Apr 17, 2026

Committee

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Introduced

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety

lower

Apr 7, 2026

Committee

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee

lower

Apr 7, 2026

Introduced

House Floor Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. William "Will" Davis

lower

Mar 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

Do Pass / Short Debate Transportation: Vehicles & Safety; 007-004-000

lower

Feb 24, 2026

Committee

Assigned to Transportation: Vehicles & Safety

lower

Feb 10, 2026

Committee

Referred to Rules Committee

lower

1 primary · 1 co-sponsor