Every day, thousands of Utah children board the big yellow buses that transport them to school. When parents allow their child to ride the school bus, they do so with the belief that the person behind the wheel is properly trained and capable of getting to and from the school safely. As such, it is extremely important that all school bus drivers have the proper accreditation.
Typically, anyone wishing to get a job as a school bus driver must hold a Commercial Driver's License. In order to legally drive a school bus capable of carrying 16 or more occupants, including the driver, a CDL holder applies for what is called a School Bus Endorsement. The School Bus Endorsement will allow a CDL holder to drive secondary, primary and pre-primary students.
In order to obtain a School Bus Endorsement, a driver must:
- Be in possession of a properly classified and valid driver's license which has been issued by the Secretary of State.
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Achieve a passing grade on the written school bus endorsement test, which is given by the Secretary of State.
- When required, be in possession of a current medical card.
- If applicable, achieve a passing grade on a driving test using a vehicle appropriate to the endorsement being sought.
- Not have a record of repeated motor vehicle accidents or traffic offense convictions.
Given the importance of the job, school bus drivers must be thoroughly vetted before being hired to transport children. An unqualified or otherwise incapable driver could all too easily have an accident. A child involved in a school bus accident may suffer life-altering injuries.
If your child has been harmed in a school bus accident, then it is important that the cause of that accident be determined. A Utah personal injury attorney could investigate the accident to help determine who bears liability. The attorney could also represent your family's interests by working toward getting you appropriate compensation.
No Comments
Leave a comment