School Transportation Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum qualifications to become a State Certified Bus Driver Instructor?

• Possession of a Commercial Driver License, Class A or B, with appropriate endorsements valid for driving vehicles for which the instructor rating is sought, and a current medical examiner's certificate.
• Possession of a Special Driver Certificate of the appropriate type, valid for driving vehicles for which the instructor rating is sought, and current first aid certification.
• Five years of driving experience as a bus driver in the type of operation the instructor will be employed; or
• Two years of driving experience as a bus driver in the type of operation the instructor will be employed and three years of experience operating vehicles requiring a Class A or B commercial driver license; or
• Two years of driving experience as a bus driver of the appropriate class in the type of operation the instructor will be employed and one year as an authorized delegated behind-the-wheel trainer of the appropriate class.
• Possession of a high school diploma or general education development (GED) equivalent.
• A driving record with no chargeable accidents in any vehicle within three years preceding the application date for an instructor certificate.

What are the minimum qualifications to become a Delegated Behind-the-Wheel Trainer?

• Possession of a Commercial Driver License, Class A or B, with appropriate endorsements valid for driving and training in a particular type and size vehicle.
• Possession of a Special Driver Certificate of the appropriate type, valid for driving and training in a particular type and size vehicle.
• One year of experience as a driver of the appropriate type and size vehicle immediately preceding the date of selection as a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer.
• Possession of a high school diploma or general education development (GED) equivalent.
• A driving record with no chargeable accidents in any vehicle within three years immediately preceding the date of selection as a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer.
• Successful completion of all training in the latest edition of the Instructor's Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide for California's Bus Driver's Training Course given by, and in the presence of, a state certified instructor of the appropriate class.
• Successful completion of a written assessment test on current laws, regulations, and policies given by, and in the presence of, a state certified instructor of the appropriate class.
• Successful completion of a driving test and a behind-the-wheel training performance test on all phases of behind-the-wheel and vehicle training. The test shall be given by, and in the presence of, a state certified instructor of the appropriate class.
• Approval of candidates selected by their employer as a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer by the California Department of Education prior to conducting any behind-the-wheel training.