New federal guidelines for the physical examination and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) renewal process for bus drivers adopted by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in January 2012 may be creating confusion for some school districts.

Transportation directors and driver trainers have been aware of the changes for some months now. Since it is critically important that bus drivers are fully certified to drive, superintendents are being alerted so that steps can be taken, if needed, prior to the start of the school year to ensure qualified bus drivers are in place.

Adhering to the physical examination and CDL renewal policy will ensure that the district is protected from liability and that students are transported safely.

In April 2012, Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff was advised by KYTC of the new federally-required process and timelines click here to view the memo sent to KDE.

There is additional information for school districts about the new requirements on the KDE Pupil Transportation Web site here.

For more information, contact the KDE Pupil Transportation Unit at (502) 564-5279.