Search Virginia.gov:

Virginia Department of Education

Information on this page is provided by the Office of Support Services.

Staff Contacts

Pupil Transportation

Training

Training for School Bus Driver Training Instructors

VDOE provides training programs that revolve around pupil transportation operations. The department provides training and certification of school bus driver training instructors through programs developed by the Board of Education as required by §22.1-181 of the Code of Virginia.

The department is also responsible for the development and implementation of the Virginia School Bus Driver Training Curriculum Guide. This guide provides minimized training requirements (8VAC20-70-350). Persons participating in the various pupil transportation services programs provided by the department of Education should meet the requirements for persons employed to drive school buses as required by §22.1-178 of the Code of Virginia.

Requirements for School Bus Driver Applicants Who Fail Driver Examinations 3 Times

No school bus driver applicant who fails the knowledge examination or the behind-the-wheel examination administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles for a commercial drivers license three times, shall be permitted to take such examinations a fourth time, until he successfully completes a school bus driver training course, subsequent to the third examination failure. A School Bus Driver Education Certification Letter dated after the third examination must be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles Customer Service centers on the school's board original letterhead to be eligible for retesting a fourth or subsequent time. Photo copies will not be accepted.

• Legislation § 46.2-325.
• Certification Letter (PDF) (Word)