Steps are outlined below.  For full details and answers to your specific questions, please contact Matt Parsel [email protected]   or Steven Szymanski [email protected] .  

1. Contact Matt Parsel [email protected], Steven Szymanski [email protected], or Brian Warwick [email protected] to initiate the process.
   • Training and licensing fees are paid for all eligible applicants.
     
     
2. Obtain your CDL
   • Review sections 1-5 and 10-13 of the OK CDL manual.
   • Take the written examination at the public safety examiner’s office located at 701 E 12th Ave  (Walk-ins are accepted or make an appointment at Inline Online)
     • Must pass Class B, P, S, and airbrake tests
       
       
3. Complete the 19 hour course for the Oklahoma School Bus Driver Certificate (courses are offered at Meridian Technology Center or online) and 5 hours behind the wheel training.
   
   
4. Take the CDL drive test to obtain a class B CDL

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Able to pass the bus driver physical.
• Have an acceptable 3 year driving record with no alcohol or drug related offenses.
• Submit to pre-employment and random drug testing as required by DOT regulations.

That sounds like a lot... but in the end, you will be paid $450 for your time spent completing the process!

Essential Job Functions - (Majority of duties performed, but not meant to be all inclusive nor prevent other duties from being assigned as necessary):

• Safely transport school age students to and from school
• Safely transport school age students to and from school sponsored events as required
• Follow the established disciplinary procedures for students not following bus rules
• Conducts and documents established safety inspection of assigned vehicle daily
• Keep route sheet and student information up to date.
• Attends meetings, programs, and in service training as assigned
• Maintains current required licenses and certificates
• Notifies appropriate individuals of any delays in scheduled route.  Assists with other routes when breakdown or other unusual circumstances occur as assigned

Internal:  Students, teachers, principal

External:  Parents

Minimum Qualifications/Job Requirements:  

• Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Specialized Knowledge, Licenses, etc.  Be able to obtain a Class B CDL with P and S endorsements and Oklahoma State School Bus certificate required.Be able to drive a school bus  equipped with air brakes.  Drivers may be hired on a probationary basis with an appropriate CDL permit.  Probationary drivers will be expected to obtain a CDL within 45 days of hire.
• Other:  Must pass DOT physical and drug test

The Board of Education and Superintendent may approve alternatives to some of the listed qualifications.

Regulations

School bus drivers wishing to drive for an accredited school in Oklahoma must possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) for the appropriate class of the vehicle to be driven. School bus drivers are required to have the following endorsements: Passenger “P”, School Bus “S” and air brakes if buses are equipped. Additionally, drivers must be registered in the Oklahoma School Bus Driving online system. The district for which you drive will ensure you are registered in the online system prior to driving.

Prior to driving a school bus, you must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a current CDL with P & S endorsements (A CDL permit is not allowed)

• Pass the following:

  • Drug & alcohol testing

  • Current health certificate and medical waiver if needed

  • Background check

  • Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

Working Conditions – Typical working conditions are consistent with driving a school bus.  Exposure to loud noises, fumes, and automotive fluids is possible.

Physical Demands – Work normally requires sitting and driving for up to two and one half hours at a time two times per day.  Drivers are required to open the hood, fuel the bus, and sweep the aisle daily.

For more detailed information, view the full Bus Driver Job Description.  

School districts locally, statewide, and even nationwide are facing shortages related to certified bus drivers, and SPS is facing those same challenges. While our transportation department has managed well through these shortages, we are at a point where additional support is needed. The priority of Transportation is to provide safe and reliable transportation on a daily basis for our students who are in need of transportation services. We are currently at a point where we are recruiting current SPS teachers and staff to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and School Bus Certification to assist with transporting students.

Below you will find information related to obtaining a CDL and OSDE School Bus Driver Certificate.  Our administrative staff in the transportation department and with operations are available to answer any questions and assist you in working through this process; please contact any of the following when you need assistance:

• Matt Parsel, Director of Transportation [email protected]

• Steven Szymanski, Assistant Director of Transportation [email protected]

• Bo Gamble, Assistant Superintendent of Operations [email protected]

Thank you for all you do for our students and our district!

SPS Transportation will coordinate the scheduling of training for those interested in obtaining certification.

Must meet the qualifications above as well as the following:

• Complete an approved school bus driving training to include the following:

• Classwork 19 hours online or in person.
• Minimum of 5 hours behind the wheel (BTW) training (Note: the online course does not include the 5 hours BTW training, you will be required to locate and work with an SDE certified trainer)
• New CDL drivers will be required to complete an entry level driver training course.

If your SDE certification has been expired for more than one year, you must complete the following:

• Complete an approved refresher course to include training over the following:

(The refresher course can be completed by a certified school bus driver trainer either at your district, through an Oklahoma Technology Center or online through www.oaptonline.org )

• Railroad crossing;
• Mirror placement;
• Pick-up & Drop-off procedures;
• Sound driving practices; and
• Accident procedures

Below you will find the necessary information to assist you in meeting the requirements to drive a school bus in Oklahoma.

• Commercial Driver License Manual

• Training Manual for Oklahoma School Bus Drivers Certification

• OSDE School Bus Driver Certificate Application