Background

The safety and welfare of student riders is of utmost importance and therefore, mature, responsible and fully licensed school bus drivers shall be hired.

Procedures

1.      Applicants for both spare and regular bus drivers shall:

1.1              Complete a School Bus Driver Employment Application Form.

1.2              Be in possession of a valid Class 2 or Class 1 Government of Alberta Operator's License. The Director of Transportation shall verify the validity of the license.

1.3              Provide the Director of Transportation with a recent Criminal Record Check.

1.4              Provide the Director of Transportation with a completed Child Welfare Record Check.

1.5              Have no more than three demerit points on his/her driver's abstract upon submission of application.

1.6              Participate in an orientation drive with the Safety Officer and/or Director of Transportation.

2.      All drivers newly appointed to regular routes shall be placed on probation for a period of three driving months.

3.      At the conclusion of the probationary period, the Director of Transportation shall make a decision to either:

3.1              Appoint the driver as a permanent regular driver;

3.2              Extend the probationary period for another specified period of time;

3.3              Discontinue the driver's services with the Division.

4.      Each driver hired must complete the “S” Endorsement Course within 18 months of employment.

5.      While not compulsory, the Board encourages all bus drivers to present themselves for school bus driving duties with First Aid training.

Reference:    Section 60, 61, 113, 117, School Act