CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – School Bus (S) Endorsement
- In accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and DOT Regulations 49 CFR Part 605
- Access your learning from any place, at any time, on any device
- Progress at your own pace with a mobile-friendly program
- Once the course is completed, your records will be sent directly to the FMCSA
- Audio playback for hands-free learning
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Bulk Buying
Employee | Per Seat |
---|---|
2-10 | $79.19 |
11-20 | $78.39 |
21-50 | $77.59 |
51-100 | $75.99 |
101-250 | $74.39 |
I was a bit nervous about transitioning to school bus driving, but this course gave me the confidence I needed. Now I feel well-equipped to handle the knowledge exam to receive my endorsement.
I took this course to expand my driving qualifications, and it was well worth it. The online modules were a breeze for me to navigate, where information was clear, engaging, and covered several topics. The cost of the training was more than offset by the positive impact it's had on my career. Highly recommended for anyone looking to earn their S endorsement.
The comprehensive training provided in this course made me feel fully prepared for the S endorsement exam. The in-depth coverage of safety procedures, especially during loading and unloading, was incredibly practical.
As someone who recently transitioned from truck driving to school bus driving, I found this course incredibly helpful. The lessons on managing student behavior were particularly valuable, and I appreciate how the course covered real-world scenarios. It’s a must for anyone pursuing the S Endorsement for their CDL.
Course Facts


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Are you passionate about driving and want to make a positive impact on your community? Our CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) - School Bus (S) Endorsement course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to safely transport students.
Key Features of our Online ELDT School Bus Training:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our ELDT for school bus drivers covers all aspects of school bus driving, including emergency protocols, route planning, and regulatory compliance.
- FMCSA and DOT Compliant: We adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR Part 605.
- Engaging Content: Our ELDT school bus training materials are designed to be informative and engaging, making learning enjoyable and effective.
What You Will Learn:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR): Understand the rules and regulations that govern school bus operations.
- Emergency Procedures: Learn how to handle emergency situations, such as accidents, medical emergencies, or hijackings.
- Route Planning: Develop effective route planning strategies to ensure on-time and safe transportation.
- Student Management: Learn how to interact with students and maintain a safe and positive environment.
- Vehicle Inspection: Understand the importance of pre-trip inspections and how to identify potential safety hazards.
Licensing Requirements:
- FMCSA Mandate: Since February 2022, the FMCSA has mandated that entry-level drivers complete an approved training program before taking the knowledge test for the S Endorsement.
- No Recurrent Training: The school bus ELDT endorsement does not expire. However, you will need to renew it when your CDL expires, typically every five years.
- State Requirements: Some states may have additional requirements, such as more frequent security assessments or shorter cycles for CDL renewals.
The core objective of the ELDT School Bus training course will prepare you to successfully complete your S Endorsement test. This comprehensive ELDT training for school bus drivers is designed to equip you with the expertise you need to transport students according to the regulations set by FMCSA and DOT in 49 CFR Part 605.
Course Objectives – CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – School Bus (S) Endorsement
- Understand the importance of complying with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for school bus drivers.
- Learn the relevant safety regulations, including student safety requirements, to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
- Develop basic competencies for safely transporting students, including conducting proper checks and student management.
- Follow FMCSA regulations and procedures for safe vehicle operation, including pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Understand danger zones and the proper use of mirrors for parking requirements.
- Operate a school bus safely at railroad crossings, following all regulatory requirements and safety precautions.
- Apply proper procedures for loading and unloading students, ensuring student safety during these processes.
- Ensure students follow appropriate procedures when crossing the road after drop-off.
- Identify strategies for avoiding distractions while driving.
- Learn how to address on-bus problems at appropriate times, prioritizing safety and security, and communicating effectively.
- Respond effectively to student-related emergencies, including handling special needs students.
- Prepare for emergencies and know how to contact emergency services.
CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – School Bus (S) Endorsement Course Syllabus
This ELDT School Bus Endorsement training course consists of 11 lessons categorized under 4 modules. Students are required to take each lesson in sequential order as listed below.
CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) – School Bus (S) Endorsement: Introduction
Module 1: Operational Considerations
This module focuses on the foundational aspects of operating a school bus, providing critical knowledge for safe and efficient vehicle management and covering essential skills and procedures that every school bus driver must master to ensure the vehicle's and students' safety. From understanding the vehicle's layout to performing thorough inspections and mastering the use of mirrors, this module lays the groundwork for a successful school bus driver’s career.
- Lesson 1: Vehicle Orientation
- Lesson 2: Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
- Lesson 3: Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
- Lesson 4: Railroad-Highway Garde Crossings
Module 2: Student Management
This module addresses the complexities of managing student behavior on a school bus. Effective student management is essential for maintaining a safe and orderly environment, preventing distractions, and ensuring the bus driver can focus on driving. Drivers will learn the strategies and procedures to handle situations that may arise while transporting students.
- Lesson 5: Loading and Unloading Procedures
- Lesson 6: Student Management
Module 3: Emergency and Safety Procedures
This module prepares drivers for emergencies and unexpected situations on the road, covering essential procedures for responding to crashes, evacuating the bus, and managing emergencies. By learning these procedures, drivers can ensure the safety of students under challenging circumstances.
- Lesson 7: Post-Crash Procedures
- Lesson 8: Emergency Exit and Evacuation
Module 4: Security and Inspections
This module delves into the security aspects of school bus operations and the importance of regular inspections. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and thoroughness in ensuring that both the vehicle and its surroundings are secure. It also covers reviewing routes and stops to identify potential hazards and improve overall safety for the students traveling on the bus.
- Lesson 9: Special Safety Considerations
- Lesson 10: School Bus Security
- Lesson 11: Route and Stop Reviews
Final Examination
Frequently Asked Questions
The online ELDT School Bus training is crucial for commercial drivers who want to transport students because it signifies that they have undergone specialized regulatory training to ensure the safety and well-being of young passengers.
Here are some key reasons why obtaining the school bus endorsement is important:
- Specialized Training: The endorsement requires drivers to complete a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as:
- Safety regulations: Understanding and complying with federal and state laws pertaining to school bus operations.
- Emergency procedures: Knowing how to handle emergency situations like accidents, medical emergencies, and hazardous materials incidents.
- Student management: Learning effective strategies for interacting with students and maintaining a safe and positive environment.
- Vehicle inspection: Understanding the importance of pre-trip and post-trip inspections to identify potential safety hazards.
- Legal Requirement: Many jurisdictions require commercial drivers to have a school bus endorsement in order to legally transport students.
- Increased Responsibility: School bus drivers are responsible for the safety of young passengers. The endorsement demonstrates that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill this important role.
Generally, individuals must be at least 21 years old to obtain a CDL with a school bus endorsement, though minimum age requirements can vary by State. Some States may have different age requirements for various types of CDLs or endorsements. Therefore, always check with your State's licensing agency for specific age requirements and other regulations.
- Aspiring school bus drivers,
- Current CDL holders who need to add the School Bus (S) Endorsement to their license to expand their job opportunities,
- School district employees such as transportation coordinators or substitute drivers must drive a school bus occasionally and require proper certification,
- Employees or prospective employees of private or charter bus companies that provide school transportation services,
- Individuals who have previously driven a school bus but have been out of the field for some time must update their skills and meet current regulatory requirements, or
- State and local government employees who operate school buses as part of their job duties for State or local governments.
Once this is done, you are eligible to take your State's school bus knowledge test. Successfully passing the knowledge test will qualify you to receive the S endorsement.
Additionally, will be required to pass a background check and fingerprinting to verify that you have no criminal history that would disqualify you from driving a commercial vehicle with students.
You must also complete this online CDL ELDT School Bus Endorsement theory course before taking the State School Bus Endorsement Knowledge Exam, which is typically administered at the State motor vehicle office. Upon finishing this ELDT school bus endorsement training course, our system will automatically upload your ELDT records to the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Training Provider Registry (TPR). Once this is done, you are eligible to take your State's school bus knowledge test. Following the knowledge test, you must pass a skills test that includes both a pre-trip inspection and a driving test.
Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or Motor Vehicles Division office for the latest requirements for obtaining the school bus endorsement on your CDL.
Drivers with a CDL and a school bus endorsement may be required to adhere to additional regulations, such as wearing a uniform while on duty and maintaining a professional appearance.
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