School Bus Program

School Bus and Farm Labor Transportation Safety Program

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) partners with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Department of Education (CDE) to assist with the testing school bus driver applicants and farm labor transportation drivers. The CHP takes school bus and farm labor vehicle safety seriously.  As such, the CHP works to promote safe driving practices through a combination of partnership, public education, and enforcement efforts. 

Special Driver Certificates

Generally, to obtain a special certificate from the CHP, applicants must:

  1. Obtain a commercial learner’s permit with a (S) School Bus and/or (P) Passenger endorsement (DMV), or Class B commercial driver’s license with (P) endorsement for General Public Paratransit Vehicle and Farm Labor Vehicle. 
  2. Obtain a Special Driver Certificate from the CHP.  This includes completing:
    1. Application (CHP 295)
    2. Live Scan (background check).
    3. Written Test.
    4. First Aid Examination.
  3. Completion of behind-the-wheel training (CDE/School District).
  4. The CHP checks the Entry Level Driver Training in the DMV’s automated system to verify required training has been completed.  Applicants should confirm with their certified school bus instructor that all required information has been entered into the Training Provider Registry prior to the behind-the-wheel drive test.
  5. To verify your own training has been entered in the TPR, use this link: Training Provider Registry (dot.gov)
  6. Complete the practical examinations, which includes a successful demonstration of a pre-trip inspection and the completion of a behind-the-wheel test. This practical examination satisfies requirements for the CHP Special Driver Certificate and the CLASS B commercial driver license.

NOTE: There are six categories of Special Driver Certificate, including: School Bus Driver, Youth Bus Driver, School Pupil Activity Bus Driver, General Public Paratransit Vehicle, Farm Labor Vehicle and Vehicle for Developmentally Disabled Persons.

Contact your local CHP office for additional information.

CHP 295 Directions

Portions of the CHP 295 may be completed prior to an interview with a CHP school bus officer or coordinator, or the form may be completed with the school bus officer or coordinator during the interview process. 

  • Page 1: ​The applicant may complete the personal and driver license portions only. The rest of the sections are for CHP use only.
  • ​Page 2:​ Must be reviewed with the CHP school bus officer or coordinator prior to the applicant signing the document, and must be signed in the presence of the CHP school bus officer or coordinator.
  • ​Page 3: The applicant may complete the Convictions and Residency History portions. This information must be explained and reviewed by the school bus officer or coordinator.
  • ​Page 4: ​The applicant may complete the Work History portion. This page must be signed and dated in the presence of the CHP school bus officer or coordinator.
Resources

To receive a copy of the Applicant Study Guide (Highway Patrol Handbook 82.7, Passenger Transportation Safety Handbook), please contact your local CHP Office or the Commercial Vehicle Section at 916-843-3400. 

School Bus Driver of the Year

The California Highway Patrol’s 2023 School Bus Drivers of the Year are: 
Northern Region:  Ms. Angela Cuellar of Alum Rock Union School District, San Jose, CA.  
Southern Region:  Mr. Benjamin Glaser of Student Transportation of America, Morongo Basin, CA. 

Congratulations to you both for your outstanding achievement!  

Northern Region Winner

Northern Region Winner: Ms. Angela Cuellar of Alum Rock Union School District

Benjamin

Mr. Benjamin Glaser of Student Transportation of America

Past School Bus Drivers of the Year

​Proposed Regulatory Actions

None
​School Pupil Transportation Committee (SPTAC)

The CHP convenes a panel of specified members to advise the CHP when drafting regulations affecting school pupil transportation buses and school pupil transportation operations.  Meetings are generally held twice a year, in conjunction with the California Association of School Transportation Officials (CASTO) Annual Conference, and the CASTO State Board Meeting. 
Agenda topics may be submitted for consideration to CHP-CVS@chp.ca.gov, or to any of the SPTAC members.

SPTAC Member Roster
​Next SPTAC Meeting

In-Person Meeting, in conjunction with CASTO Manager’s Forum

When: Friday, October 18, 2024

Where: Delta by Marriott Garden Grove/Anaheim

Address: 12021 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: (714) 867-5555

See CASTO website for more information on the 2024 Manager’s Forum:

California Association of School Transportation Officials - Home (castoways.org)
​Current SPTAC Vacancies

None