When are school bus drivers generally required to start in-service training?

School bus drivers are generally required to start in-service training annually before the school year. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that drivers are up-to-date on safety procedures, traffic laws, and changes in regulations that may impact their responsibilities and the well-being of the students they transport.

Annual training helps reinforce important safety practices and procedures that mitigate risks associated with transporting children. It allows drivers to refresh their skills and knowledge, addresses any new developments in school bus operations, and ensures compliance with state regulations concerning student transportation. As a result, this training contributes significantly to the overall safety and effectiveness of school bus operations.

Starting training at their first job or only in response to incidents does not provide the proactive approach necessary to maintain high safety standards. Moreover, training every five years would not be frequent enough to adapt to evolving educational and transportation safety requirements, making annual training the most effective and practical choice.