Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

6630 Driver Training and Responsibility

DRIVER TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITY

Bus operators shall observe all state statutes and administrative rules governing traffic safety and school bus operation. The district shall, at the beginning of each school year, provide each driver with a copy of the School Bus Driver Handbook (SPI), any additional laws and/or rules which have been recently enacted and which apply to school bus drivers, and the district's written rules for student conduct on buses.

Each bus driver must have a type 1 school bus driver's authorization issued by the superintendent of public instruction, a passenger endorsement and either a Class B or C commercial driver's license. The bus driver shall also hold a valid and current first aid card. An air-braked endorsement is required for a driver who is assigned to a bus with air brakes. A bus driver is required to pass a Department of Transportation and a Superintendent of Public Instruction physical examination every two years.

Any district employee, other than a bus driver, who transports students for school activities in a district or private vehicle must have a valid driver's license issued by the state department of licensing, or a state of residence, and proof of insurance. Such drivers may only operate vehicles with seating capacity of ten or less and may not drive students on scheduled routes between home and school.

Prior to driving students or a least once per school year, each driver must submit to his or her principal or supervisor a photocopy of his or her license and proof of insurance, plus written assurance of the physical health necessary to safely transport children, that he or she has not had a driving license privilege suspended or revoked in the preceding three years, that he or she has had three or more speeding tickets in excess of ten miles per hour over the speed limit within any twelve-month period in the preceding three years, and that he or she has not been convicted or undergone a deferred prosecution for any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony that is related to the duty of driving students. Such offenses include but are not limited to those listed in WAC 180-20-101 (1) (j). Employees are responsible for reporting any potentially disqualifying offenses.

In addition, for any employees whose job assignment or supplemental contract requires the regularly scheduled transportation of students in vehicles with seating capacities of ten or fewer, the district shall obtain a certified abstract of the driving record of the employee before the employee transports students. Prior authorization is not necessary for persons transporting students in an emergency affecting health and/or safety.

When a teacher, coach or other certificated staff member is assigned to accompany students on a bus, such person shall be primarily responsible for the behavior of the students in his/her charge. The bus driver shall have final authority and responsibility. 

When the district utilizes charter buses or excursion carriers, the driver shall not have unsupervised access to children and children shall be supervised by a responsible employee of the district.  Every contract between a school district and charter bus or excursion carrier shall contain a carrier profile from the Washington utilities and transportation commission.

 


Legal References:

  • RCW 28A.160.210 School bus drivers, training and qualifi-cations — Rules and regulations for
  • 46.25 Uniform Commercial Drivers Act
  • WAC 180-20 School Transportation
  • 392-145-015 General operating regulations
  • 392-145-020 Rules for school bus drivers; Rules for through 030 students riding school buses

 

Adoption Date:  07.15.03

Stanwood-Camano School District