Beginning School Bus Driver Program

** NOTE: Classes updated regularly. Dates and safety regulations are subject to weather and current Michigan COVID-19 guidelines.** 

Entry-level school bus drivers must complete at least 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a certified trainer before enrolling in the Beginning School Bus Driver Safety Class by a Transportation Supervisor (or appointed representative). 

Before transporting students, bus drivers must:

• Pass a DOT physical
• Pass a DOT pre-employment drug test
• Pass a criminal history check
• Pass a driving record check
• Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
• Possess a Commercial Driver's License with Group A, B, or C which includes the PS endorsements
• Hold a current white Course Enrollment Card, and/or a yellow or green Course Completion Card

A Beginning Bus Driver Registration Form must be completed for each driver attending a training program and must be received by RTSI no later than three working days before the requested class date. The registration fee is $135 and is billed to the district/entity after the class is completed. 

If a driver will not be attending the class dates for which s/he is registered, a notice of cancelation must be given via email at least three working days before the class date or the district/entity will be billed the full registration fee. Supervisors will be notified by email if a driver does not attend all or part of the training program. 

Class dates may be canceled due to low registration rates, Michigan COVID-19 guidelines, and/or other extreme circumstances. Districts with enrolled drivers will be notified as soon as possible before the canceled class and drivers will be re-scheduled for the next available training session. Please note that even if a school district is closed due to weather conditions, the training location may still remain open so the class will continue as scheduled unless the district is otherwise notified directly by RTSI staff.

Program materials are distributed upon arrival at the class. These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.

Transportation Supervisors (or designated representatives) can request a digital and/or hard copy of a white Course Enrollment Card (CEC) via the Beginning Bus Driver Registration Form on behalf of drivers who meet all necessary requirements (see above). This CEC acts as a temporary driving certificate and is valid for up to 10 days following completion of the Beginning Bus Driver Safety Class.

Hard copies are sent through the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) mail to participating districts and USPS mail to all others.  

Please note that CECs cannot be issued until 90 days prior to the requested class date and only ONE white card will be issued. If a driver cancels and/or does not attend the class dates for which s/he is registered, for any reason, they are not eligible for another card and will not be able to transport students after the expiration date on the original card.