A School Bus Endorsement for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is on the horizon. Implementation of the School Bus Endorsement will be handled similar to the implementation of the Commercial Driver's License in 1992. Most drivers will be "grandfathered" into the School Bus Endorsement simply by taking the school bus "written" test and certifying that they have a safe driving record and applicable experience. If you are a new driver or a driver that has not driven for at least two years you will be required to take the school bus "skills" test to qualify for the School Bus Endorsement, which will cost approximately $100.

The applicable Indiana laws will become effective July 1, 2005 with full implementation mandatory by September 30, 2005. The intentions are to complete many of the tasks prior to July 1, 2005 to reduce impact on you and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. An anticipated timeline of implementation steps is attached.

As with any change, a certain amount of stress and apprehension is a normal reaction. The Indiana Department of Education, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Service working together to make transition to the new endorsement as seamless and convenient as possible.

This information was provided to us by Claudia Mellott, CDL Program Administrator Indiana Department of Revenue Motor Carrier Services, and Bruce Lasley, Transportation Director of Nineveh Hensley Jackson United School Corporation.