Bus driver shortages that started during the COVID-19 pandemic are still affecting parts of the country, but in Illinois, hiring changes and policy adjustments are starting to stabilize the workforce. For bus drivers, that means more accessible entry paths, higher pay in some areas, and fewer barriers to getting behind the wheel.

A 2025 survey found that 80 percent of school administrators reported driver shortages, with many districts regularly pulling staff away from their main roles to cover routes.

What caused the shortage

The shortage intensified in 2020 when a large portion of the workforce, especially older drivers, left the job during the pandemic. At the same time, demand for transportation remained high and, in some areas, increased as more students qualified for services.

That imbalance created ongoing pressure on districts and transportation providers to keep routes covered.

What changed in Illinois

Illinois addressed the issue by coordinating efforts between school districts, private transportation providers, and the secretary of state’s office. The focus was on making it easier to hire drivers while maintaining safety standards.

Companies like First Student worked directly with state officials to adjust hiring and training requirements. Those changes have helped stabilize the market in Illinois, even as shortages continue in other regions.

Hiring barriers were reduced

Several updates made it easier for drivers to enter the field without lowering safety expectations.

Key changes included

• adjusting training requirements to match the type of vehicle drivers operate
• removing the under-the-hood portion of testing that did not reflect actual job duties
• expanding CDL testing access, including Spanish language options
• allowing certain license holders to transition into school bus roles

These changes reduced delays in the hiring process and opened the door to more applicants.

Safety standards stayed the same

Even with these updates, safety requirements were not reduced. Drivers are still required to meet all necessary testing and qualification standards to transport students.

The goal was to remove unnecessary steps, not lower expectations.

What drivers are seeing now

For current and prospective bus drivers, these changes are showing up in real ways

• higher wages in some districts
• sign-on incentives
• more flexible schedules
• improved training and onboarding

Transportation providers are also focusing more on retention, not just hiring.

Demand is still uneven

While conditions have improved in Illinois, demand has not disappeared.

In districts like Chicago, transportation needs are still growing, particularly for students with disabilities and those in temporary living situations. That keeps pressure on staffing even as hiring improves.

At the same time, eligibility rules limit how many students qualify for bus service, which can vary by district.

What this means for bus drivers

The market is more stable than it was at its peak, but demand for drivers is still there.

For drivers, that means

• more opportunities to enter the field
• a hiring process that is easier to navigate
• continued demand in many districts

It also means the job is still essential to keeping transportation running, especially in areas where staffing remains tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there still a bus driver shortage
Yes, in many areas. Illinois has improved, but demand for drivers remains.

What caused the shortage
Many drivers left during the pandemic, especially older workers, while demand for transportation stayed high.

Have hiring requirements changed?
Yes. Some training and testing requirements have been adjusted to better match the job while maintaining safety standards.

Are bus driver jobs easier to get now?
In some areas, yes. Hiring processes have been streamlined, and incentives have been added.

Are pay and benefits improving
Many providers have increased wages and added incentives to attract and retain drivers.

Efforts in Illinois show that targeted hiring changes and better coordination can stabilize a workforce under pressure. For bus drivers, that translates into more accessible entry points and steady demand, even as the industry continues to adjust.

The ProDriverPoint editorial team creates practical, industry-focused content for professional drivers across passenger transport sectors, including bus, motorcoach, chauffeur, and NEMT operations. Content reflects real working conditions, operational decisions, and industry changes that impact drivers and companies.

Last updated: April 27, 2026

Source: News Gazette