Jerome Joint School District No. 261

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8180

Driver Training and Responsibility

The District and its drivers who transport students shall meet all operations and performance requirements in conformity with law and with the rules and regulations of the Department of Law Enforcement and the State Board of Education.

Drivers shall observe all State statutes and administrative rules governing traffic safety and the operation of their vehicle. The District shall, at the beginning of each school year, provide each driver with a copy of the District’s written rules for drivers and for student conduct on District vehicles.

Drivers shall establish an appropriate rapport with students. Drivers should be aware that they represent the District and should present a positive image in dress, language, and manner.

Each driver of a District vehicle used to transport students shall meet the qualifications established by the state Department of Education, including, but not limited to the following:

1. Over the age of 18 years of age;

2. Be of good moral character;

3. Not be addicted to the use of intoxicants or narcotics;

4. Possess a valid and appropriate commercial driver’s license and other endorsements required by law, and, if applicable, a waiver for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus issued by the State Department of Education; and

5. Be medically qualified under the physical examination standards of the federal motor carrier safety regulations; provided, however, that individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, who are otherwise medically qualified under the physical examination standards of the federal motor carrier safety regulations, may request a waiver for this condition from the state department of education as provided in Idaho Code § 33-1509.

When a teacher, coach or other certified staff member is assigned to accompany students on a  vehicle, such person shall be primarily responsible for the behavior of the students in his/her charge.  The  driver shall have final authority and responsibility for the vehicle.  The Superintendent or designee shall establish written procedures for bus drivers who transport students in District vehicles.

Training

New School Bus Drivers: All new school bus drivers shall complete a school bus training program previously approved by the transportation director. They must also pass all knowledge tests contained in the State Department of Education school bus driver classroom curriculum. New bus drivers shall also complete ten hours of practical training in a school bus, including at least six hours of behind the wheel training. 

Each new driver shall perform an emergency evacuation practical and receive a driver evaluation before being allowed to drive a school bus loaded with students.

The District may choose to make use of the classroom and behind-the-wheel training methods and resources developed by the State Department of Education.

Experienced School Bus Drivers: All experienced school bus drivers shall complete at least ten hours refresher school bus driver training each fiscal year; at least three hours of pre-service training shall be completed before school begins in the fall. Experienced bus drivers must also attend at least three in-service training sessions during the school year. These sessions must include topic specific training blocks of at least 30 minutes. The District shall document that each experienced bus driver has attended these sessions.

School Bus Drivers with Experience with a Previous Employer: Upon hiring a bus driver with previous experience, the District or the transportation provider it contracts with shall request documentation of all of their previous school bus driver training and driving experience, in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver’s License licensing requirements.

Documented previous training that is similar to the requirements for new bus drivers described above may be substituted for new school bus driver training hours. Regardless of any previous training, all newly hired school bus drivers shall have sufficient training provided by the District or contractor, along with accompanying documentation, to illustrate they are proficient in school bus driving skills.

If a newly-hired driver has a gap of more than four years in their ongoing school bus driving experience, the individual shall complete the training requirements for new school bus drivers. If the District or contractor is unable to obtain documentation of previous school bus driver training, the driver shall complete the training requirements for new school bus drivers. 

Drivers of District Vehicles Other than School Buses: The Superintendent or their designee may set driver training requirements for drivers who transport students in District vehicles other than school buses.

Legal Reference

FMCSA 382.105 Testing Procedures

IC § 33-1501 Transportation Authorized

IC § 33-1506 Inspection of School Authorized Vehicles

I.C. § 33-1508 Operation of School Buses

I.C. § 33-1509 School Bus Drivers – Definition – Qualification – Duties

IC § 49-105 Definition - Drivers Licenses

IC § 49-648 Obedience to Signal Indicating Approach of Train or Other On-Track Equipment

IC § 49-649 Compliance with Stopping Requirement at All Railroad Grade Crossings

IC 33-1006 Transportation Support Program

IC 33-1504 Authorized Vehicles

IC 33-1515 School Bus Drivers and Vehicle Operation

IDAPA 08.02.02.170 School Bus Drivers and Vehicle Operation

Other References:

Idaho Department of Education Standards for Idaho School Buses and Operations

Idaho Department of Education Idaho’s School Bus Driver Training-Classroom Curriculum

Idaho Department of Education Idaho’s School Bus Driver Training-Behind the Wheel Curriculum

Policy History:

Adopted on: 12/19/2006

Revised on: 04/28/2026