EDUCATION

The Contractor members of M.S.B.C.A. employ Professional School Bus Drivers across the state.  All School Bus Drivers in Maryland are governed by the regulations of the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), Maryland COMAR, and the individual county they drive in.  There are many qualifications to be met before a person can become a certified school bus driver.  

A school bus trainee shall:

• Meet all MVA licensing requirements, including a CDL class B (or A) driver’s license with appropriate endorsements, P (passenger) & S (school bus).  Some counties require certification for driving Air Brake vehicles.
• Have not more than two current points on their driving record and a satisfactory past driving record.
• Have no evidence of a criminal history.
• Be 21 years old or older.
• Satisfactorily pass a DOT physical from a certified medical doctor. 
• Receive a negative controlled substances test result.
• Complete preservice instruction which includes classroom and on the road training.

School bus drivers must continue to meet the licensing requirements, maintain a good driving record, attend training classes and pass a DOT physical yearly.  All school bus drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, criminal history monitoring and driving evaluations.

School bus drivers are dedicated to their jobs.  Drivers safely transport 45 – 60 students at one time to and from school daily.  While driving they must also monitor student behavior, handle traffic situations and the motoring public in all types of weather.    School bus drivers know that the school bus is the beginning to an education for students.    Many drivers transport the same students year after year and watch the students achieve their goals.  

Interested in driving a school bus?  Send us a message.

Helpful Links:

• National School Transportation Association (NSTA):    www.yellowbuses.org
• National Safety Council (NSC):    www.nsc.org
• Operation Lifesaver:    www.oli.org
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):    www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Department of Transportation:  www.dot.gov
• Federal Highway Administration:  (FHWA)  www.fhwa.dot.gov
• Maryland General Assembly:    www.mlis.state.md.us
• Find your Lawmakers:  http://mdelect.net/
• Voter Registration Application: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/application.html