IL HB1688

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to remove "motor vehicles of the First Division used and registered as school buses" from the definition of Second Division vehicles, effectively reclassifying smaller school buses (designed for 10 or fewer passengers) as First Division vehicles

Creates two types of school bus driver permits: one for operating first or second division vehicles as school buses, and a separate permit valid only for operating first division vehicles as school buses

Requires the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Illinois State Board of Education, to develop a separate classroom course and refresher course specifically for drivers operating first division vehicles as school buses by January 1, 2024

Regional superintendents of schools, working with the Illinois State Board of Education, are directed to offer the new first division school bus driver training course

Effective date of July 1, 2023