Q: After I fax documents to Student Transportation, do I still need to mail the originals?
A: No. The faxed documents are sufficient. However, the original fingerprint card and fee are required.

Q: May bus drivers do behind-the-wheel training?
A: Only a qualified behind-the-wheel instructor may train a new driver.

Q: May I include more than one type of training on the Driver Training Report?
A: Only First Aid and CPR training may be combined on one report. New Driver and Refresher training need to be on separate reports.

Q: Is the Drug and Alcohol Testing form still used for drug and alcohol screening?
A: No. The laboratory printout showing the results is accepted. The chain of custody form is also accepted, but only when the results are indicated along with the medical review officer’s signature (usually at the bottom of the form).

Q: Is it legal for a driver with a CDL class A, B, or C with passenger and school bus endorsements to transport passengers on a regular route?
A: Only when the driver has an active school bus driver certificate.

Q: Is it legal for a mechanic to drive an empty school bus?
A:Only if the driver has a proper CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements.

Q: What are the procedures for transferring a driver from one district to another?
A: If all required documents are current, a certified driver may transfer from one school district to another with a notification letter to DPS Student
Transportation containing the following information:
Driver’s name and certification number (the same number will be retained)
Name of former employer and termination date
Name of new employer and hire date

Q: A driver wants to work for my school as a substitute driver. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Please send a letter on school stationery stating the driver’s name, certification number, and the effective date that the driver will begin driving as a substitute.

Q: What is required to obtain certification as a school bus driver in the state of Arizona? What is the process involved?
A: The applicant must have or obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements from the Motor Vehicle Division of the AZ Department of Transportation. The following must also be completed and submitted to the AZ Department of Public Safety, Student Transportation Unit by the applicant’s employer:

1. Fingerprint card
2. $29 fingerprint-card processing fee (check on school’s revolving account, cashier’s check, or money order)
3. AZ DPS Application for School Bus Driver’s Certificate
4. Physical examination (DOT Medical Examination)
5. Drug screen results
6. Proof of 20 hours of behind-the-wheel training and road test form
7. Proof of first aid and CPR training (Copy of front and back of cards or a Driver Training Report)
8. Driver Training Report showing 14 hours of new driver classroom training

The required documents 3 through 8 are reviewed for accuracy. The driver’s license history and fingerprint card background report are evaluated. If everything is satisfactory, a certification number is issued and the employer is notified that the applicant has been certified as a school bus driver.

Q: I was a school bus driver in another state and I still have my CDL from that state. What must I do to drive a school bus in Arizona?
A:First, you must go to the Motor Vehicle Division of the AZ Department of Transportation to transfer your CDL to the state of Arizona. Then, you must follow the procedures for obtaining certification as a school bus driver in the state of Arizona.

Q:How often does the school do evacuation drills? What are the procedures?
A: At least twice during every school year including every passenger who rides a school bus who is in school on the day of the evacuation drill per AZ Administrative Code R17-9-504(D)(30). Evacuation drills shall include:

a. Practice and instruction in the location, use and operation of the emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid equipment, windows as a means of escape and communication systems;

b. Practice and instruction on when and how to approach, load, unload and move away from the school bus a minimum of 100 feet;

c. Instructions on how weather-related hazards affect emergency procedures; and

d. Instructions on the importance of orderly conduct.

Q: Must I include the State of Issuance on the Violation Notice?
A: Yes. If the information is incomplete, the notice cannot be sent to the individual who did not stop for the school bus.

Q: Can the American flag be placed on the school bus?
A:Yes, as long as the flag does not cover any windows and is not placed in a location that would be a safety concern.

More detailed instructions can be found in the Arizona School Bus Driver Training Guide. You may contact Student Transportation for specific questions at schoolbus@azdps.gov