6.2 Bus Chauffeur Requirements

In order to apply for the position of Bus Chauffeur, an applicant must:

A. Be at least 21 years of age.

B. Have a high-school diploma or GED certificate. 

C. Possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

D. Fill out an employment application which can be obtained from the Human Resources Office of Transportation Services.

E. Submit a "Request for Criminal Record Check" form (SP-4) to the Pennsylvania State Police.

F. Submit a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance form (CY113) to Childline & Abuse Registry, Department of Public Welfare

G. Must Register for FBI Finger Printing which can be done @ http://www.pa.cogentid.com/.

H. Conform to School District policies and procedures regarding non-drug and alcohol use.

 
When these requirements have been fulfilled and the processing of information completed, the applicant must then obtain the necessary credentials to drive a school bus. After the applicant has acquired the credentials (listed below), he/she will be given a road test and an evaluation by School District trainers and subsequently placed on an eligibility list for employment.

 

Credential Requirements

In order to be employed as a Bus Chauffeur, the driver must possess:

A. Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Operator's License (or a license from a surrounding state: NJ, DE, or NY).

B. Physician's Certificate

1. A School District approved physician issues a certificate, valid for the ensuing year, to every school bus operator who successfully passes the required physical examination in accordance with the provisions of Vehicle Code regulations.

2. Such certificate becomes invalid if any condition should occur that would disqualify the driver from operating a school bus. It is the legal responsibility of the driver to report any physical disability which would disqualify him/her.

3. All applicants must comply with the Department of Health and Philadelphia School District regulations and policies regarding communicable diseases.

4. All drivers must be re-examined annually in order to maintain driver certification.

 

C. Certificate of Completion

In order to obtain a Certificate of Completion, an applicant must successfully complete a 20 hour course of instruction consisting of classroom training, vehicle familiarity and driving instruction.

D. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
 
An applicant must successfully complete a 25 hour course of instruction consisting of classroom instruction regarding CDL regulations, in-bus operational training and on-the-road testing, before taking a knowledge test and a skills test (driving) required by the State Police in order to obtain his/her CDL.

E. School Bus Certificate

A School Bus Certificate will be issued when the applicant successfully completes the requirements to obtain a Certificate of Completion and a Commercial Driver's License.

 

F. Re-certification

In order to maintain credentials as a School District driver, every four years each driver must complete a 10 hour course of instruction consisting of seven hours of classroom review and 3 hours of vehicle familiarity and driving instruction.