EOG-P0 - School Bus Driver Training Examination

The safety of students is of critical importance to the Board.  In recognition of this fact, the Board deems it essential to establish procedures and practices designed to ensure students’ safety while on their way to and from school, while at school, and while on field trips.

To ensure safety, proper Bus Driver training is imperative.  A School Bus Driver must undertake the training and examinations as provided by the Province of Manitoba to obtain the privilege of operating a school bus.  The requirements for a School Bus Driver licence are outlined in the Professional Driver's Handbook - Province of Manitoba.

In addition, each School Bus Driver shall read, understand and comply with the content of the publication School Bus Driver’s Handbook, published by the Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Division, Province of Manitoba.

Because of safety considerations, it is also imperative that the School Bus Driver maintain excellent physical and mental health.  

School Bus Driver Training

Training and supervision of School Bus Drivers are vital components in the safe operation of the Division transportation system.  Basic training must be designed to meet the needs of new Drivers who require complete courses covering both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.  The operation of a school bus involves the application of such a high level of judgment, knowledge and skill that specific training and supervision for new Bus Drivers must be conducted.

The Transportation Supervisor shall be responsible for developing, reviewing and revising training programs and the delivery of them.  He/she must be well versed in the province’s basic training and certification requirements for new Drivers and ensure that same are applied.  New Bus Drivers shall receive a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of pre-service training.  Each School Bus Driver shall receive a minimum of eight (8) hours of training annually.  The Transportation Supervisor shall utilize the resources of the Pupil Transportation of Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning, the most recent version of the Driver Instructor’s Handbook, the School Bus Driver's Handbook, and the Guidebook for School Bus Transportation Supervisors in planning training programs and arranging for testing, instructors, films, etc. [M.R. 465/88 (18)]

In order to fulfil the responsibilities for training new School Bus Drivers, the Transportation Supervisor  and/or designate shall become a certified School Bus Driver Instructor (Phase 3), the cost to be assumed by the Division.

Medical Examination

Before an application for the position of Bus Driver is considered, the applicant must obtain a medical certificate from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner declaring the candidate to be medically fit to drive a school bus.  The doctor or nurse practitioner may be appointed by the Board. The Manitoba Public Insurance's Medical Records office must approve the medical examination report before the written knowledge test can be taken. Drivers must also meet specific hearing standards. If a hearing impairment exists, an audiogram report may be required. The use of hearing aids may be used to achieve hearing standards. 

The Board will pay for the first medical and Driver’s test for successful applicants for the position of Bus Driver.    

Further medical examination

Bus driver medical examinations will be required in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Branch regulations or directives.  The Board requires the appropriate provincial medical examination report be completed by a qualified licensed physician or nurse practitioner.  The school division will reimburse drivers the cost of the medical examination/report form required in accordance with Manitoba Vehicle Branch regulations once the full report is received by the Transportation Supervisor.  The report will be filed appropriately.

Furthermore, the Board reserves the right to request a medical report at any time, where a particular concern arises.  The Board will be responsible for the cost of these medical examinations.

This completed medical report will determine the School Bus Driver’s medical suitability for continuation in that role.