Page 141 - School Bus Operators and Attendants Handbook

SAFE DRIVER PLAN

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

School Bus Driver applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive screening, training, and testing
process as required by Federal, State and Local regulations prior to achieving certification to transport
students. The School Board shall assure that each applicant for school bus operator meets the following
requirements:

a. Applicants must possess a valid Florida driver’s license with a minimum of five (5) years
licensed driving experience.

b. Candidates must obtain their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicle prior
to the job interview for review by the Transportation Department Safety and Training
staff.

c. Applicants must be able to clearly communicate in English, both oral and written form.

d. Applicants selected will need to submit three (3) Employment References.

e. Applicants must be able to pass: A Level II Background Screening, DOE Dexterity Test,
DOT Physical, Physical Demand Test (PDT) and Pre-employment Drug Screening.

f. Be physically and mentally capable of operating the vehicle as determined by physical
examination, in accordance with 49 C.F.R. s. 391.41(b), as evidenced by the Medical
Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) and given by a certified medical examiner,
registered with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, pursuant to 49
C.F.R. s. 391.43 and as determined by a dexterity test (ESE-480) administered by the
school district. This examination will be rendered as the Medical Examiner dictates.

g. Successfully complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of pre-service training consisting of
at least twenty (20) hours of classroom instruction and eight (8) hours of behind-the-
wheel training based upon the FL Department of Education’s Basic School Bus Operator
Curriculum, Revised 2006. The District will issue a “Certificate of Training” to each
operator who successfully completes the forty (40) hours of pre-service training.

h. All applicants must submit to Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse testing prior to
becoming an employee with The School District of Palm Beach County Transportation
Department.

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APPENDIX