School Bus Drivers
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School Bus - Frequently Asked Questions
Employer Repsonsibilities
Who needs to be part of a drug testing program?
Employers of drivers holding CDL's must have a drug testing program. Drivers holding CDL's are subject to random testing. These requirements do not impact individuals holding a Type II endorsement.
How can I find a drug testing program for my company?
Contact Vermont League of Cities and Towns, Vermont Student Transportation Association, Vermont Truck and Bus Association or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
What paperwork needs to be maintained by school transportation coordinators?
- Copies of physicals (to include vision and hearing screening),
- Initial 3-year driving record,
- Documentation indicating all students are participating in emergency evacuations twice a year, and
- Records of vehicle pre-trip inspections.
Contractors also need to be in compliance with all CDL driver qualification requirements and regulations (FMCSR 391).
Who needs to comply with CDL driver requirements and regulations?
School contractors need to be in compliance with all CDL driver qualification requirements and regulations (FMCSR 391). It should be noted while there is an exemption for "to and from school" operation, there is no such exemption for trips performed by contractors. School transportation performed by a state or political subdivision of a state (i.e., municipalities) are exempt from some CDL requirements. For more information see FMCSR 390.3 (a), applicability, (f)(1)(2) exceptions (see interpretations for this section).
Endorsement Testing
What is the period of validity for written tests (both CDL and school bus)?
Two years.
Can drivers with the appropriate class CDL and "P" endorsement (but no "S" endorsement) drive a Type I School Bus to the exam location?
Yes. They don't need to be accompanied by a licensed CDL operator with an "S" endorsement.
Can applicants seeking a Type II endorsement drive a Type II School Bus (unaccompanied) to the exam location? Do school bus lights and signs need to be covered?
Yes, the applicant can drive the Type II School Bus to the exam location. School bus signs and lights do not need to be covered.
Identification & Equipment
If a school bus is equipped with seat belts are the occupants required to wear them?
- Type I School Bus - No
- Type II School Bus - Yes
Multi-Function School Activity Buses (MFSAB)
What is a Multifunction School Activity Bus (MFSAB)?
An MFSAB is a vehicle which meets the construction and safety standards for a "multifunction school activity bus" adopted by rule by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Vehicles meeting these standards will be labeled by the manufacturer with a sticker which clearly identifies the vehicle type as an MFSAB. Vehicles which do not have this identifying sticker are not Multifunction School Activity Buses and cannot be used as such. Multifunction School Activity Buses can be used to transport students on trips. They cannot be used to transport students to and/or from home and school.
Do drivers of MFSAB's need to have school bus endorsements?
Yes ....
- If the school bus is owned or operated by a school or in connection with school activities.
- If transporting Head Start children in a situation where a school bus or MFSAB is required.
Do Multifunction School Activity Buses need to be inspected as a school bus?
No, they are not school buses and require a regular yearly inspection only.
Can a Multifunction School Activity Bus be used for a DMV road test to obtain a school bus endorsement?
No, a MFSAB cannot be used for a road test to obtain a school bus endorsement.
Physicals
How long is a DOT (Department of Transportation) physical good for?
A DOT physical is good for 2 years and will be accepted by DMV (including for testing purposes) as long as valid.
Can I use a Universal Medical Form for the physical required to get a school bus endorsement?
A Universal Medical Form will be accepted for Type II School Bus endorsements only. While they are good for the duration of the license (4 years mandatory) they must be submitted to DMV (when adding or renewing the school bus endorsement) within 6 months of date of physical.
Do school bus drivers need to have a physical done each year?
Physicals are required to be submitted to the driver's school annually.
Registration
Does a school bus "garaged" in Vermont need to be registered in Vermont, or is it acceptable to have out-of-state plates?
If the bus is garaged in Vermont it must be registered in Vermont. Vehicles incidentally in Vermont are not required to be registered in Vermont if they are here temporarily and will soon be returning to their home garage.
Do buses transporting Vermont students to and from school (or in connection to school activities) need to be registered in this state?
There is no requirement that a school bus registered and garaged out-of-state, used for transportation of Vermont students, be registered in Vermont.
What is the appropriate use of school buses that are registered as municipal vehicles?
In order for a school bus to obtain a municipal registration it must be owned by a municipality and used entirely by that municipality or any other municipality. A municipality may allow one of its buses to be used by another municipality. Compensation is not relevant.
Does the name of the municipality need to be on a bus?
The name of the municipality is not required to be painted on the bus.
School Bus Clinic Cards
How long is a school bus clinic card good for?
School bus clinic cards issued prior to January 1, 2007 are good for four years. Cards issued after January 1, 2007 must be surrendered to DMV within 6 months and a school bus endorsement obtained. Otherwise, the driver will need to attend another clinic.
When can a duplicate school bus clinic card be issued?
A duplicate card can be issued if the original card has not been surrendered to DMV as part of the process to obtain or retain an endorsement.
School Bus Endorsements
Can a driver holding an out-of-state CDL drive a school bus for a Vermont school?
Yes, if their license has both an "S" (school bus) and "P" (passenger) endorsement. There are no additional requirements.
Can an "S" (school bus) endorsement be added to an out-of-state CDL?
No, the "S" (school bus) endorsement must be added by the state of issue.
How does an out-of-state driver convert their CDL with "S" (school bus) and "P" (passenger) endorsement to a Vermont license?
The driver must obtain a Vermont CDL license, attend a Vermont school bus clinic, and provide a complete DOT (Department of Transportation) medical.
Can a driver holding a valid out-of-state license (either CDL or non-CDL) drive a Type II School Bus in the State of Vermont?
If the driver meets all qualifications for a Vermont Type II School Bus endorsement a card will be issued to the individual allowing them to drive a Type II School Bus in this state. These requirements include attending a Vermont school bus clinic, passing all required tests (knowledge, vision, and skill tests), and submitting a medical form.
Does a mechanic who inspects school buses need to have a school bus endorsement?
No. DMV policy states "School bus mechanics will be required to possess, at a minimum, a Class B CDL with a "P" (passenger) endorsement to operate an empty school bus." This applies only to inspection of Type I School Buses. For Type II School Buses the inspection mechanic does not need a CDL or a Type II School Bus endorsement.
School Bus Routes & Stops
Who is responsible for establishing school bus routes and stops?
The School Board has the authority and responsibility to establish bus routes and stops. The school bussing coordinator should also be consulted. When the stop is on a state highway, the Vermont Agency of Transportation can be consulted and may send someone out to look at the stop and put up a sign if warranted.
Type I & Type II School Buses
What is a Type I School Bus?
A Type I School Bus is a school bus with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity of more than 15 passengers, including the operator.
What kind of license do I need to drive a Type I School Bus?
A CDL with school bus and "P" (passenger) endorsement is required.
What is a Type II School Bus?
A Type II School Bus is a school bus with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity of more than 10 and fewer than 16 passengers, including the operator.
What kind of license to I need to drive a Type II School Bus?
A driver's license with a Type II School Bus endorsement is required.
Do all school buses have to be yellow?
Type I School Buses must be National School Bus Glossy Yellow. It is legal for the hood and fenders to be lusterless black. Type II School Buses, manufactured after January 1, 2000, must be painted school bus yellow.
