The Kentucky Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Branch, School Bus Driver Training Instructor Program currently has 704 state certified School Bus Driver Training Instructors who are responsible for training approximately 8,506 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.
2026 School Bus Driver Training Instructor Workshop Schedule
Date
|
Location
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Registration Link
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| Monday, April 6, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
| Elkhorn Elementary
928 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
|
Link will be sent to the Transportation Directors
|
|
Monday, June 15, 2026 – Friday, June 19, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
|
John Hardin High School
384 West A Jenkins Rd.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
|
Link will be sent to the Transportation Directors |
Monday, July 6, 2026 – Friday, July 10, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
|
Oldham County
1150 KY-393
Crestwood, KY 40014
|
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:
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Safe Driving Habits: You should demonstrate safe and excellent driving skills and techniques.
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Effective Communication: You should be comfortable speaking and presenting information to others.
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School Bus Knowledge: You should have a strong understanding of basic school bus driver procedures.
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Open to Learning: A willingness to learn and be coached is essential.
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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:
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CMV Instructor Qualifications: You must meet all state and federal requirements to be a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) instructor.
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Valid CDL with Endorsements: You need a valid Class A or B CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements.
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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.
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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.
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Director Recommendation: Your school district's Director of Transportation must recommend you for the program.
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School District Email Address: You must provide a valid school district email address when registering. Make sure to check your inbox regularly for updates.
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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