Transportation

Education Service Center Region 11 provides a variety of services to school transportation departments. 

ESC Region 11 establishes and maintains a database of school bus driver certification records, files reports, and assists school districts in maintaining strict compliance with the provisions described in all applicable statutes, rules, and requirements pertaining to the operation of the student transportation system.

The transportation of pupils to and from school is an integral part of a sound educational program. Competent school bus drivers are needed to provide safe and effective transportation for students.

Becoming a School Bus Driver

School bus drivers are held to a higher standard of conduct than average citizens, and there are specific laws that govern the conduct of school bus drivers. For the protection of the driver and all passengers applicable laws must be known and obeyed.

To become a Texas school bus driver, applicants must meet certain qualifications.

Applicants must obtain a commercial learner permit (CLP) and a DOT physical, complete an approved entry-level driver training (ELDT) program, schedule and pass a road/skills test and enroll in a 20-hour school bus driver safety training class.

School bus drivers must also be at least 18 years old and be free of a felony or misdemeanor convictions for a crime involving moral turpitude.

Bus Driver Training

ESC Region 11 offers hands-on training to help school bus drivers earn their CDL and safely transport students. As a registered mobile ELDT training provider, we come to your location and provide both required coursework and behind-the-wheel training using your equipment. 

Training Overview

• Required Theory Course: CDL General Knowledge, Passenger, and School Bus
• Entry-Level Driver Training: Range, skills, and road instruction (up to 26 hours)
• On-Site Training: ESC Region 11 trainers come to your facility and use your equipment

The complete training program is available for $1,500 per driver, with additional training available at $55 per hour as needed.

A valid CDL permit is required before training can be scheduled. New drivers must complete both coursework and behind-the-wheel training through a registered provider. A 20-hour certification course is also required to transport students.

Third-Party Testing

Testing is offered Monday through Saturday.

• Skills Testing – Cost: $150 (Retake: $100)
• Permit Testing – Cost: $25

Retest Information: After a failed attempt, there is a required 48-hour waiting period before a retest can take place. You may schedule the retest immediately, but the appointment must be at least 48 hours after the failed test.

Request CDL Permit Testing    Request CDL Skills Testing

Training Courses and Handbooks

Our training courses are designed to promote the competency of school bus drivers throughout the state. School Bus Driver Safety Education Certification Training is a state-mandated program providing twenty (20) hours of certification training to all school bus drivers and an eight (8) hour re-certification training to drivers every three years.

We provide training for new and experienced bus drivers and we offer specialized training to assist transportation staff in student behavior management and other related areas.

• Bus Driver Training Courses - View the current list of bus driver certification courses offered by ESC Region 11.
  • Participant Handbook (Texas School Bus Driver 20-Hour Certification)
     
• Online Bus Driver Recertification (Module 1) - ESC Region 11, in cooperation with ESC Region 4, is offering School Bus Driver Recertification as an online course. This course consists of eight modules which must be completed in order beginning with module 1.
  • Participant Handbook (Texas School Bus Driver 8-Hour Recertification)