This commercial driver study guide covers relevant Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) concepts and Illinois commercial driver knowledge topics. Review the regulations, procedures, and safety checklists below as part of your CDL and commercial learner permit (CLP) preparation.
Separate credentials
The federal S endorsement is not the Illinois School Bus Permit. A yellow school bus carrying students generally requires P, S, the proper CDL class, and the Illinois SBP.
SBP entry
A new SBP applicant must be at least 21, have three years of qualifying license history, pass the school-bus written and behind-the-wheel tests, complete physical/drug/TB requirements, training, and background checks.
Renewal
The SBP is valid one year and requires annual refresher training and a new physical examination for renewal.
Charter bus
Illinois C applies when a non-school bus is chartered by a school solely to carry grade-12-and-below students to or from school-sponsored activity.
Exam focus
Apply the rule to the vehicle, credential, trip, or testing situation described. Do not substitute another state’s procedure for the Illinois rule.
Commercial Driver License Exam Readiness: Achieving a passing grade of 80% or higher on state DMV commercial driver knowledge exams requires mastery of federal vehicle inspection procedures, gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR / GCWR), braking mechanics, and road safety regulations.