Sc​​hool bus driver training 

​Anyone looking to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time or looking to upgrade a CDL will be required to meet the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements found in 49 CFR 380 subparts F and G. You can learn more on the training guide document. 

Manual 

​​​​​​Download a copy of the School bus driver training manual.​​ 

Study materials 

The following documents prepare you for the test. 

• Class B CDL — Final 

• Class B CDL — Answer key​ 

• Passenger endorsement  — Final 

• Passenger endorsement — Answer key 

• School bus endorsement — Final 

• School bus endorsement — Answer key 

School bus driver certification (CDL)

The following documents are required to be maintained in driver training files for each individual driver of Type A, B, C or D school buses. The PDF forms may be completed and saved electronically, or printed and handwritten. 

• Driver evaluation — Appendix A​ 

• Driver pre-trip Evaluation — Appendix B 

• Evaluator's certification — Appendix D 

• Eight-hour training option — Appendix F​  

App​endix E surveys 

The following documents are used annually to ensure understanding of student behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities.  These forms are used on a three-year cycle (i.e., year one is cycle three, year two is cycle two, and so on). 

• Student survey: Cycle one — Quiz 

• Student survey: Cycle one — Answer key

• Student survey: Cycle two — Quiz 

• Student survey: Cycle two — Answer key 

• Student survey: Cycle three — Quiz 

• Student survey: cycle three — Answer key​ 

Type III school bus training information 

The following documents are recommended resources to aid in the annual training and certification of the operator as outlined in Minnesota Statute 171.02, sub 2b. 

• Type III school bus driver and pre-trip planning (Requires Microsoft PowerPoint to view) 

• Type III knowledge quiz — Test 

• Type III knowledge quiz — Answer key 

The following forms are recommended when completing evaluations of drivers who operate only Type III vehicles. They may be printed and handwritten or completed and saved electronically.​ 

• Type III school bus driver evaluation — Appendix A1 

• Type III school bus driver pre-trip evaluation — Appendix B1 

• Type III school bus driver evaluator certification — Appendix D1​​ 

School transportation providers 

The following documents give information on the process for hiring a school bus driver and the process for becoming a Type III school transportation provider. 

• Hiring a school bus driver 

• Becoming a Type III carrier 

Pre-trip inspection forms​ 

Carriers can use the following example forms fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Rule 7470.1300. 

School bus pre-trip inspection forms 

• Pre-trip inspection form — Daily 

• Pre-trip inspection form — Weekly 

• Pre-trip inspection form — Monthly 

• Trailer pre-trip inspection form​ 

Type III school bus pre-trip inspection forms  

• Type III pre-trip inspection form — Daily 

• Type III pre-trip inspection form — Weekly 

• Type III pre-trip inspection form — Monthly 

• Trailer pre-trip inspection form​ 

Post-crash reporting and testing 

Buses require inspections after certain incidents. The following flowcharts show information about when your bus will require an inspection and or driver testing after a vehicle accident. 

• Post-crash drug and alcohol testing requirements — CDL holder flowchart 

• Post-crash inspection requirements flowchart  

Driver training file documents 

Drivers can print and complete the following documents to fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Stat. 171.321. 

• Driver training file requirements​ 

• Notification to employer of driving violation — CDL holder 

• Notification to employer of suspension, revocation, cancelation or disqualification — CDL holder 

• Notification to employer of driving violation — Type III school bus driver​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ applicant affidavit 

• Driver criminal records check authorization