SoWashCo Schools: Type III Driver Information

Statute regulates how students are transported in a traditional passenger vehicle for curricular and extracurricular activities. When used for student transport, these vehicles are referred to as Type III School Buses. South Washington County Schools developed our Type III training program to align with these state requirements.

The Type III program specifies that

1. ALL vehicles used MUST be inspected annually by the MN state patrol, outfitted with the proper safety equipment, and have a 10 passenger rating or less. For these reasons, South Washington County Schools must provide the vehicle for Type III use. A personal vehicle or rented vehicle is not allowed.

2. ALL Type III drivers MUST be trained (online) and evaluated (in-person) annually.

3. The driver of the Type III vehicle must not have been hired to have the primary job responsibility to drive the vehicle.

To be a Type III driver for SWCS, you must

1. Complete an online training course found within the link below.

2. Complete an annual driving evaluation ride-along with a transportation trainer after completing the online training. -These evaluations will take place at Transportation M-F between 10 am and 1 pm. A trainer will email you to schedule after successfully completing the online training. The driving evaluation takes approximately 45 minutes.

3. Be a district staff member/coach and have completed a district background check before training.

4. Drivers must submit their Driver's License number when registering for online training for a review of their driving record. If you hold a license outside of MN or WI, you will be required to obtain a driving record from your state before training.

5. Attend additional training if you choose to tow a trailer with a Type III vehicle.

6. Immediately report all moving violations (including your personal vehicle outside of work). Complete the form: Type III violation and submit to asmith2@sowashco.org within 10 days of conviction.

Vehicles Available

SoWashCo has two 10-passenger Type III vans at ERHS, PHS, & WHS; one at AHS. Several other 8-passenger vans may be available through the High Schools or available as needed through the Transportation department.

For van availability, please contact the specific High School Activities Department. If the High School vans are not available, a district van may be requested from the Transportation Dispatcher at 651-425-5303 for availability and then by submitting a field trip request as a "van lease" with the applicable budget code. 

Vehicles from outside of the district, such as personal or rental vehicles, are prohibited, as all vehicles MUST be inspected annually by the MN State Patrol under the district's DOT #.

SoWashCo trailers are available for lease with a Type III van. Please contact Andy Smith (see below) for requirements.  

Questions?

Type III program administrator: Andy Smith 651-425-5309 asmith2@sowashco.org
 

To access online training, complete the form below or click here 

IMPORTANT: The time required to complete the form entries is 60 minutes

Additional Information on Fueling at Transportation:

Should your van require fuel, you can purchase it at a gas station using a district card provided by your site. Or you may fuel at the Transportation Dept. fuel island. Detailed instructions are posted in the fuel island Pedestal Shelter. 8587 West Point Douglas Rd. S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016. The fuel island is accessible by entering the Bus Lot entrance and is located just behind the office building.