Student Transportation - Bus Drivers
Bus Drivers
School bus drivers wishing to drive for an accredited school in Oklahoma must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for the appropriate class of the vehicle to be driven. School bus drivers are required to have the following endorsements: Passenger “P”, School Bus “S” and air brakes if buses are equipped. Additionally, drivers must be registered in the Oklahoma School Bus Driving online system. The district for which you drive will ensure you are registered in the online system prior to driving.
Prior to driving a school bus, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a current CDL with P & S endorsements (A CDL permit is not allowed)
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Pass the following:
- Drug & alcohol testing
- Current health certificate and medical waiver if needed
- Background check
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
New Bus Drivers
Must meet the qualifications above as well as the following:
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Complete an approved school bus driving training to include the following:
- Classwork (can be completed in person either at your district, through an Oklahoma Technology Center or online through www.oaptonline.org )
- Minimum of 5 hours behind the wheel (BTW) training (Note: the online course does not include the 5 hours BTW training, you will be required to locate and work with an SDE certified trainer)
Expired SDE Certification
If your SDE certification has been expired for more than one year, you must complete the following:
- Complete an approved refresher course to include training over the following:
(The refresher course can be completed by a certified school bus driver trainer either at your district, through an Oklahoma Technology Center or online through www.oaptonline.org )
- Railroad crossing;
- Mirror placement;
- Pick-up & Drop-off procedures;
- Sound driving practices; and
- Accident procedures
Below you will find the necessary forms and information to assist you in meeting the requirements to drive a school bus in Oklahoma.
- Annual Health Certificate/Physical Form
- Commercial Driver License Manual
- Training Manual for Oklahoma School Bus Drivers Certification
- Application for Oklahoma State Department of Education (SDE) School Bus Driver Certificate
Outside links
