Authorization
Before driving for Hopewell Services all drivers must obtain a school bus permit from the Illinois Secretary of State.
A school bus permit is required for any individual planning to transport school children grade 12 or below for a public, private or religious school.
Duties and Responsibilities of Drivers and Aides
There are many very important duties and responsibilities that you have as a driver and aide. Students and their parents/guardians, as well as school personnel count on you to be polite, courteous, and on time. They expect that you will get the students to and from school safely and supervise them well.
You are also expected to follow the established rules, guidelines, policies, procedures, and practices of the state of Illinois and our transportation office. It is expected that you will be courteous and respectful to your supervisors, facility employees, coworkers, students, school staff and community members.
Applicants for the school bus permit must:Other Qualifications:Hiring Process:Probationary Status:
- Be age 21 or older.
- Possess a valid and properly classified Illinois driver’s license or a valid license issued by Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri or Kentucky. The valid license must contain an “S” endorsement.
- Possess a valid driver’s license for three years immediately prior to the date of your application, which has not been revoked, suspended, cancelled or disqualified.
- Pass an Illinois written school bus driver permit test (valid for one year).
- Pass a behind-the-wheel exam (valid for 90 days) in the type of vehicle you will be driving.
- Pass a physical examination (valid for 90 days), including drug and tuberculosis testing.
- Affirm under penalty of perjury that you have not made a false statement or knowingly concealed a material fact in any application for a permit.
- Complete an initial classroom training course (valid for one year) administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. A refresher course must be taken prior to renewal.
- Not have been under an order of court supervision or convicted of two or more serious traffic violations in the 12-month period prior to the date of your application.
- Not have been under an order of court supervision or convicted of reckless driving, DUI or reckless homicide resulting while operating a motor vehicle within three years of the date of your application.
- Pass an Illinois specific and FBI criminal background check. Fingerprint results are valid for one year.
- Consent in writing to the release of results of reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing by the employer of the applicant to the Secretary of State;
- Not have caused a fatal accident as the result of the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle.
- Not have been afflicted with or suffering from any mental disability or disease within the last five years
- Be of good moral character to work with children
- Be able to work a split shift
- Be able to start work very early in the morning
- Have been licensed a minimum of five years
- Have a clean driving record
- Be able to read, write and communicate in English
- Be willing to spend time in training, and updated training activities to lean proficiency in job performance.
The following must be in place prior to your employment by Hopewell Services
- Completed job application
- An interview with a member of the administrative transportation team
- A “satisfactory” Criminal Background Check
- An acceptable driving background based on a review of your motor vehicle records
- A Pass on the pre-employment drug test and physical
All new employees are probationary for ninety (90) working days. After this period, and after demonstrating adequate job competencies, you will become a regular driver or aide if a permanent position is available.
Annual Physical Exams (Drivers):Drug and Alcohol Testing:Blood Borne Pathogen Training:Accidents:
You must pass an annual physical exam as required by the state.
You will be placed in random selection pools for drug and alcohol testing.
All employees of Hopewell Services must take the Initial Blood Borne Pathogen Training. You will also be required to take the refresher course annually.
If you are involved in a vehicular accident, you must report it immediately to dispatch. If you are found to be at fault, you must participate in classroom retraining.
