Bus Driver Qualifications
Interested in joining the Transportation Department? Apply now.
Motor Vehicles Record Check
A bus driver’s driving record must be acceptable according to the standards developed by the Department of Public Safety and Frisco ISD. A pre-employment driver's license check is required for school bus drivers in Texas. This check covers the driver’s motor vehicle record (accidents, tickets, etc) for the past three years.
Those with 10 or more penalty points during the three-year period prior to the current driving year are not permitted to drive a bus.
Transportation employees are subject to a semi-annual vehicle records check to monitor assessed points.
Criminal History Record Check
All potential employees are subject to a criminal history record check. Criminal history must be acceptable according to standards developed by Frisco ISD and state law.
Annual Physical Examination
All school bus drivers must complete a Texas Department of Public Safety physical examination before driving students in an FISD vehicle or be subject to suspension, without pay.
Drug Testing
Job applicants are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing before they are hired.
Random drug testing of drivers, coaches, mechanics and office staff is conducted every month. The Transportation Department also drug tests drivers after accidents and when they return to duty from medical leave.
Training
Transportation employees receive initial and continuous training to enhance their skills.
All new applicants spend a minimum of 12 hours driving time to prepare for their Commercial Driver's License test.
New hires are required to complete safety training, which includes video, classroom and on-the-road training.
School Bus Driver Certification
Successful completion of the Texas School Bus Driver Safety Training Certification course is mandatory. School bus drivers shall have in their possession a certificate indicating enrollment in or completion of the 20-hour course. Drivers are responsible for renewing their certification every three years by completing an eight-hour refresher course. Additionally, FISD Requires all school bus drivers to maintain a current American Heart Association certification for CPR and First Aid. Recertification occurs every two years.
Special Education Transportation
Drivers of students who receive special education services receive additional training to better serve them. Drivers take a basic course in student management, Crisis Prevention Intervention, route driving, student loading and unloading and wheelchair securement. Additional specialized training for individual students is offered as needed.
Evaluation and Retraining
The Transportation Department routinely evaluates driver performance and incorporates training into the process. Drivers are observed and given feedback and direction to enhance operational skills. Drivers performing below expected levels are retrained. A driver trainer is assigned to the individual and provides one-to-one interaction to ensure improved performance. Drivers are retrained after being involved in any type of accident.