The Kentucky Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Branch, School Bus Driver Training Instructor Program currently has 695 state certified School Bus Driver Training Instructors who are responsible for training approximately 8,379 certified School Bus Drivers statewide. All certified School Bus Driver Training Instructors are required to complete an initial 5-day certification course and a 6-hour annual recertification training class.
Kentucky’s school bus driver training program has gained national recognition, with several other states adopting similar approaches. Notably, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) does not charge any fees for training.
2025 School Bus Driver Training Instructor Workshop Schedule
Date
| Location
| Registration Link
|
| Monday, April 7, 2025 – Friday, April 11, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
| Kentucky Department of Education4th Floor - Room 416
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601
| Link will be sent to the Transportation Directors
|
| Monday, June 2, 2025 – Friday, June 6, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
| Kentucky Department of Education 4th Floor - Room 416
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601
| Link will be sent to the Transportation Directors |
Monday, July 14, 2025 – Friday, July 18, 20258:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
| Kentucky Department of Education 4th Floor - Room 416
300 Sower Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601
| Link will be sent to the Transportation Directors |
School Bus Driver Training Instructor Workshop Requirements
Note: Space is limited! Each school district may only nominate 4 trainees for the training program each year.
What to Bring:
- Laptop or Tablet: All participants will need a laptop or tablet to access course materials and create content. If you don't have one, contact Joe Shepherd for additional information.
Workshop Assessments:
- Your skills will be evaluated in several areas, including loading/unloading procedures, railroad safety, and overall driving, attitude and presentation abilities.
Skill & Knowledge Requirements:
- Safe Driving Habits: You should demonstrate safe and excellent driving skills and techniques.
- Effective Communication: You should be comfortable speaking and presenting information to others.
- School Bus Knowledge: You should have a strong understanding of basic school bus driver procedures.
- Open to Learning: A willingness to learn and be coached is essential.
- Computer Proficiency: You must be able to submit bus driver records electronically to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).
Pre-Registration Requirements:
- CMV Instructor Qualifications: You must meet all state and federal requirements to be a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) instructor.
- Valid CDL with Endorsements: You need a valid Class A or B CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements.
- Medical Examiner's Certificate: A valid Medical Examiner's Certificate signed by an individual listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners is required.
- Driving Experience: You must have at least 2 years of experience driving a commercial motor vehicle requiring a CDL of the same or higher class and/or the same endorsement.
- Director Recommendation: Your school district's Director of Transportation must recommend you for the program.
- School District Email Address: You must provide a valid school district email address when registering. Make sure to check your inbox regularly for updates.
- KDE School Bus Driver Database Registration:
- You will receive instructions before the workshop to register as a District User for KDE's School Bus Driver Database.
- After registering for District User access, you must contact your local school district's WAAPOC for district level account approval. Locate your school district's WAAPOC's contact information.
Joe Shepherd
Office of Finance and Operations
Division of District Support
300 Sower Blvd., 4th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-5279 Ext. 4411