Trussville City Board of Education

Support Services Department

 

Bus Driver Certification Process

 

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming certified to drive a public school bus for Trussville City Schools.  It is our desire to provide you with the necessary information for bus driver certification in the state of Alabama.  If you have any questions or need clarification on any of this information, please call us at 228-3031.

 

o  Get a copy of the Alabama Commercial Driver’s License Manual from any local driver’s license office or any CDL office (see list of CDL offices on reverse).  This manual is also available on-line at www.dps.state.al.us/public/driverlicense/manual/cdlmanual.pdf   or go to   www.alsde.edu and click on Sections, then choose Pupil Transportation, and then Publications.

 

o  Go to any CDL office and take written tests on Sections 1 - 5 and 10.  These tests include general knowledge, air brakes, transporting passengers, and school buses.          (Be sure to take your driver’s license and official social security card with you.)  There is a fee for these tests.  You will need to tell them that you are planning to drive a school bus for Trussville City Schools and you want a Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.  After passing these tests, drivers who:  do not have a CDL, need to upgrade their CDL, or need to add Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsements will receive a Third Party Tester form.  (See Information Box on Reverse Side)

 

o After receiving your third party form, come back to our office so that we can get a copy of it.  You will need to receive a minimum of four (4) hours of training from us before continuing to the next step. 

 

o Attend a twelve (12) hour Alabama State Department of Education New Driver Certification Class and score at least 80 % on a written test given at the end of the class.  (We will provide you with the dates, times, and location of the class.)  All new drivers must be assigned to the ALSDE New Driver Class by a local school Transportation Supervisor and have a third party tester form.

 

o Pass a three-part performance test including:

       (A) Pre-trip inspection of a school bus with at least 80% mastery.

       (B) Basic control skills test.

       (C) On-the-road driving skills test with at least 80% mastery. 

                (All performance testing is done by the ALSDE.)

 

o Proper paperwork needs to be completed before employment can go into effect.  An interview by Support Services/Transportation personnel will be required.  You will need to come to the Central Office to complete all pre-employment forms.  In addition to completing tax paperwork, you will receive forms to go to the Trussville Police Department and be fingerprinted.  You will need to turn in a $49.00 money order payable to the Alabama State Department of Education with your completed fingerprint forms.  You will also neeed to take a TB test form to your physician for a TB test.   Prior to employment, you will also be sent to have a drug test. 

 

The Alabama State Department of Public Safety has the following information listed on-line:

 

CDL or CDL Learner License Applicants

.     Current driver license.

.     Social Security verification.*

.     If transferring from out of state, applicant must present one document from the “primary” list (in addition to the SS #  document).

.     Current Department of Transportation long medical form (unless medically exempt).

.     $25 testing fee (no checks).

.     Transportation Security Administration background check if transferring or obtaining a hazardous materials endorsement.

.     If not a U.S. citizen, applicant must legally be in permanent status in the United States and domiciled in Alabama.

.     Skills test if upgrading a license or first-time applicant (test by appointment only; $20 skills test fee).

.     Proof of insurance.

.     $53 to purchase class “A” license.

.     $43 to purchase class “B” license.

.     $23 to purchase class “C” license.

.     $23 to purchase commercial learner license.

.     $23 to purchase “school bus only” license.

  

 

Directions to CDL Testing Facilities:

 

TUSCALOOSA:

Take I-459 to I-20/I-59 West to Tuscaloosa.  Take the McFarland exit.  Turn left and go under the interstate.  Go through about two intersections to the traffic light at Skyland Boulevard and turn left.  The CDL/State Troopers office is about 1 ½ miles on the right. 

Telephone:  205.553.1262

 

SUMITON:

Take I-59 South to Arkadelphia Road and bear right which will put you on Highway 78 West towards Jasper.  Go approximately 24 miles until you see Bevil State Community College on the right.  Turn right at the big American flag.  Turn left and you will be at the State Troopers office.

Telephone:  205.648.2991

  

Following completed:

 

        _________TCBOE Application

 

        _________ CDL Test

 

        _________ 4 hours training—TCBOE

 

        _________ 12 hours ALSDE New School Bus

                               Driver Certification Class

 

        _________ Bus Driver Class

 

        _________ Background Check (Fingerprinting)

 

        _________ TB Test

 

        _________ Drug Test

 

        _________ Tax Forms, Etc.

 

 

We will need a copy of your temporary license as well as the permanent license as soon as you receive them in the mail.  Additionally, in order to maintain your certification you are required to participate in a 4-hour recertification class.  These classes are scheduled here within our school system. 

 

If you have questions as you go through this process, please call our office at 228-3031 and we will be happy to help you. 

   

                                                  

We hope you will have rewarding experiences in positively influencing the lives of students and that your association with Trussville City Schools will be a pleasant one.