Defensive Driving Program
Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA), in cooperation with Eaton Corporation Proving Grounds in Marshall, Michigan, has sponsored Defensive Driving training programs for school bus drivers since 1978. Drivers with 1 or more years of driving experience are eligible to participate and can only participate once to meet the Continuing Education requirement.
Training sessions vary each year depending on the facility's availability. Classes are offered from May to August with classes beginning at 7:45 am on select Saturdays.
Bus drivers receive an abbreviated version of the current Continuing Education curriculum in a classroom setting and participate in behind-the-wheel training exercises in small groups.
The exercises include:
Drivers who successfully complete this course will receive their 6-hour Certificate of Continuing Education card if they have not previously obtained a certificate from this program.
Register for Defensive Driving
| Status | Spaces Remaining | Dates | Location | Address | Time | Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completed | - | 5/31 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 6/14 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 6/28 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 7/12 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 7/19 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 8/2 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Completed | - | 8/16 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
| Not Available | - | 9/20 | Eaton Proving Grounds | 19218 B Drive South Marshall | 7:45 am - 2 pm | $85/each |
Dates are subject to change
**Please note: This is a very popular program and registrations are processed in the order they are received.**
Email Kelly Edra at kelly.edra@kresa.org if an alternative registration form is needed
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Training Program Registration Requirements and Information
A Defensive Driving Registration Form must be fully completed for each class date requested and must be received by RTSI no later than 3 working days before the requested class date. The registration fee is $85 per driver and is billed to the district/entity after the class is completed.
Drivers with 1 or more years of driving experience are eligible to participate and can only participate once for a Continuing Education Certificate. Class capacity is 35 and districts can enroll up to 12 employees per class date. Private party registrations are not accepted.
If a driver will not be attending the class date for which s/he is registered, a notice of cancellation or driver replacement must be given via email at least 3 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 class.
*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 training location is closed due to weather conditions, the class will continue as scheduled unless the district is otherwise notified.
Program materials are distributed upon arrival in the class. These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.
Eaton Proving Grounds is a secure facility, thus drivers will remain on the property during the training session. Drivers must provide picture identification and their own boxed lunch.
Receipt of Green Course Completion Cards
Drivers who successfully complete the Continuing Education Class (including their first Defensive Driving Course) between 7/1/2025 and 9/30/2026 will receive a green Course Completion Card with an expiration date of 9/30/2029. Drivers who have already completed the class are welcome to register, but will not be eligible to use the training towards their Continuing Education requirement.
All Course Completion Cards from summer 2025 classes have been sent through the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC) mail to participating districts and USPS mail.
To request a copy of your card, please complete this form - Certificate of Course Completion Card Request
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News/Articles
Training for the Unexpected: Michigan’s Defensive Driving Certification
School bus drivers in Michigan have the unique opportunity to become certified defensive drivers, thanks to Kalamazoo RESA's innovative hands-on training that teaches strategic bus maneuvering and how to handle unexpected surprises on the road. Plus, a call for the program to be copied in other areas of the country to best equip drivers and keep passengers safe.
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