Do you need cdl to drive a bus

NOCAC Bus Drivers will have an understanding of the role of child transportation and meet all physical, mental and moral requirements established by federal rule and state laws.

PROCEDURES:

Each Bus Driver must:

1. Be at least 21 years of age with a minimum of two years driving experience. (OAC 3301-83-06)
2. Have passed a satisfactory criminal background check
   1. A new report is required every 6 years with driver re-certification.
   2. NOCAC will maintain these records for a minimum of six years.
3. Have a negative pre-employment drug test
4. Be physically qualified by passing the Physicians T8 Form.
5. Pass semi-annual driver record checks through the Ohio Department of Education
   1. Records are maintained by NOCAC for a minimum of six years.
6. Obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with at least a Class C classification with a School Bus and Passenger Endorsement.
7. Observe a route with an experienced driver and students onboard; and drive a route with an experienced driver and students onboard.  Successfully complete pre-service and in-service trainings
8. Participate in drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) pursuant to 49 C.F.R. 382 (January 2007).
9. Bus Drivers with any of the following will be disqualified from operating a school bus:
   1. More than six points during the past two years.
   2. A conviction of driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance during the past six years.
   3. Two (or more) serious traffic violations during the past two years.
   4. Any railroad crossing violation during the past year as evidenced by a conviction, video, or a report by a law enforcement agency or railroad official; or
   5. Refusal to participate in drug and alcohol testing.
10. New staff that require a CDL per job description will have 30 days to obtain a CDL Permit and 90 days to obtain a CDL.
    1. Staff who fail to obtain a CDL in 90 days will have their probation extended for an additional 30 days.
    2. Disciplinary action will be taken for staff who do not obtain a CDL during the probation extension.
11. The Transportation/Safety Specialist or Center Manager will perform an annual driving evaluation of each bus driver.
    1. This observation includes an on-board observation of road performance.
12. The Transportation/Safety Specialist will keep record of the bus driver’s CDL permit and the last performance evaluation.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

This policy complies with the following

Head Start Program Performance Standard:  1303.72(b)ODJFS Child Care Manual:  5101:2-12-14(c)CACFP Regulation:  Caring for Our Children:  Other Sources:  OAPT 3301.83-06

 

Effective Date: 8/7/17Reviewed Date: 7/31/20, 6/14/22Approved By Policy Council: 8/7/17Revision Approved By Policy Council:  

One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the shuttle bus market is whether or not their bus will require a CDL permit to drive?

Many businesses, churches, and other organizations use shuttle buses and must be aware of the federal requirements. It is very important to understand what those requirements are for driving shuttle buses and also to understand the why these regulations were established.

Listed below are the Federal Requirements and Missouri Requirements for Commercial Drivers Licenses.

In 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Act was designed to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers of heavy trucks and buses from the nation's highways. The Act required the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations establishing guidelines and standards for the testing and licensing of CMV drivers. These guidelines and standards were established in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Chapter 49, Part 383. All states adopted these licensing guidelines and standards in April 1992. The commercial driver's license requirements are applicable to drivers transporting persons or property in either interstate or intrastate commerce.

There are three types of Federal CDL licenses and are listed as follows:
Class A -- Required for a combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Required for a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GVWR.
Class C -- Any vehicle, regardless of weight rating, transporting hazardous material in any amount requiring the display of placards by 49 CFR, part 172, subpart F, or designed to transport 16 passengers or more, including the driver.

In addition to the proper classes, there are several endorsements which can be added. To be licensed these certain types of commercial vehicles, extra testing is required. If you pass, you will receive the endorsement on your CDL. There are the five endorsements that you can apply for in the state of Missouri. Each requires between one and five knowledge (written) tests, and two require driving (skills) tests.

* Double/Triple Trailers (knowledge test only)
* Passenger (knowledge and skills tests)
* Tank Vehicle (knowledge test only)
* Hazardous Materials (knowledge test only)
* School Buses (knowledge and skills tests)

A bus will require a CDL permit if the bus weighs more than 26,000 lbs. GVWR. A bus will also require a CDL if it has more than 15 passengers (including the driver) regardless of the weight. A bus will require a (P) passenger endorsement along with the CDL if there are more than 15 passengers (including the driver). These are federal regulations.

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