Welcome to First Student
Our CDL Class is designed to help you obtain your Class B license with the proper endorsements to drive a school bus. Illinois exam consists of 4 tests. General knowledge, Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Permit and Air Brakes.
The tests are administered by the Secretary of State. Each test consists of multiple choice and/or True False questions. You have 3 times to attempt each test. If you fail any of them the 3rd try, the State requires you to wait 30 days before attempting it again. For locations that pay for your exam fees, the candidate will be responsible to pay fees to re-test.
We aren't going to say any of the tests are easy. It is a lot of responsibility driving a School Bus and the State wants to ensure you have the knowledge and know how to do so, and First Student wants you to become a professional, safe bus driver.
First Student will give you the tools you need to accomplish success. Ultimately, it is up to you to study and to understand the material given to you. We have some information we would like to provide to you in addition to classroom material. The links below are practice exams. We suggest you attempt the exams and practice as much as you can!
The written exams are given at the Secretary of State in sections. General Knowledge must be passed before you can attempt any others. The exam is 30 questions. The State pulls 30 random questions from a pool of over 700 for each test. It's our job to try to cover as much of that material as possible since there's no way of knowing which questions you will have. The Passenger Endorsement test is 20 questions. This endorsement allows you to operate a passenger carrying vehicle. The School Bus Permit allows you to operate a School Bus. That is also a 20 question test. And finally, the Air Brake exam- 25 questions. You need to pass all exams in order to continue into behind the wheel training. First Student is a third party tester for the State of Illinois. This means that written exams are done at the state and First Student performs all behind the wheel and final exam tests.(Varies per location) Generally, skills and behind the wheel take between 2 weeks to complete, depending on the candidates success at maneuvering the School Bus. Once you pass our final exam, you obtain your CDL and begin your career as a School Bus Driver!
Don't wait for class to start studying! Successful candidates get as much information as possible in order to pass.
If you have a smartphone, we suggest downloading DMV Genie. It is state specific and gives actual test questions. It also explains why the answer is correct.
Other material you will need to study is the CDL book given to you after your interview. Study only the sections required. Remember, the School Bus tests have a lot of questions about semi truck information. Cargo, braking, pre trips, etc. It's important to understand the information given to you in those sections.
Another online practice test we recommend is : https://driving-tests.org/illinois/il-cdl-practice-test/
It is Illinois specific as well. You can also search online for other practice CDL exams. If at anytime you have any questions, feel free to call us or use the Contact Us link and we will be happy to assist you!