As the end of the 2023-2024 school year quickly approaches, the KSDE School Bus Safety Unit is providing the following information about events and workshops:

CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event
May 29-30, 2024
Hiawatha USD 415 
Note: Entry-Level Driver Training Theory will be administered on May 29 with the exception of Haz Mat, which will be done on May 28 if there is enough interest.
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTesting.aspx

Note: There are three CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory events scheduled this summer. All are designed for individuals who do not have a CLP (CDL learners permit – have not yet taken and passed the CDL written test).  Kansas Department of Revenue staff will administer the written test to all participants just as if they had gone to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The CDL trainers/staff/representatives Will work with everyone, and everyone leaves with their CLP. Participants also will receive entry-level driver training, which is required for all new drivers. The CDL trainers/staff/representatives will enter the ELDT theory training into their Training Provider Registry, or TPR. If your individual has not yet taken the written test, attendance at one of these events is highly recommended. Your new non-CDL person needs to study the appropriate sections of the CDL manual before attending. The CDL manual is online at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/pdf/cdlhandbook.pdf.  See page 28 of the manual for the appropriate sections.

Train the Trainer
June 17-22, 2024
Topeka
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/TraintheTrainer.aspx
Note: This class is limited to 24 individuals and as of this week, 11 positions remain available. This course is highly recommended for anyone who trains new bus drivers in your district.
 
CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event
June 25-26, 2024
Maize USD 266
ELDT will be administered on June 25
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTesting2.aspx

Transportation Directors Workshops
July 9, 2024, Dodge City
July 10, 2024, Maize
July 11, 2024, Kansas City
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/TransportationBasics.aspx
Note: This course is highly recommended for any new transportation director or existing director who would like a refresher.
 
Reasonable Suspicion Training for CDL Supervisors
July 17, 2024
Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB)
Topeka
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/AlcoholandDrugTraining.aspx
Note: This is mandated training for anyone who supervises CDL holders. This is free training and the KSDE School Bus Safety Unit offers it once a year.
Districts’ CDL drug and alcohol consortium/third party administrator typically also can provide this mandated training.

CDL Proxy Testing and ELDT Theory Event
July 23-24, 2024
Southeast of Saline USD 306
Register here: https://events.ksde.org/sf/CDLTESTING3.aspx
Note: ELDT Theory will be administered on July 23

School bus, activity bus and school vehicle inspections

Between June 1 and September 30 each year, all Kansas school buses, activity buses and school passenger vehicles shall be inspected. The inspection process is two parts with the first part being conducted by a mechanic knowledgeable about the mechanical systems of school buses and has a letter certifying his or her qualifications. After the mechanic inspection is completed and documented on the appropriate form provided by KSDE, each bus and school passenger vehicle shall be inspected by the Kansas Highway Patrol to confirm the mechanical inspection was completed, and the school vehicle is equipped with the appropriate safety devices and those devices are in proper working order.

Forms have changed; however, KSDE will accept the older forms with a revision date of January 2019. Mandated use of the new forms (revised May 2024) will begin Oct. 1, 2024. Click here for the bus/school vehicle forms and information.

Please note: Make sure you are prepared for inspection upon the troopers’ arrival. Do not waste their valuable time. Make sure your vehicles are clean and inspection ready upon their arrival.

CDL status and medical self-certification

The KSDE School Bus Safety Unit is strongly recommending district transportation directors, or someone on the transportation staff, take time this summer to check the CDL status and medical self-certification category for all district bus drivers. Time spent now may save an inordinate amount of time and frustration later. This is an easy process as opposed to spending considerable time dealing with the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Driver Solutions after a driver’s CDL status is downgraded. If the school bus driver works and drives only for the school district, KSDE recommends he or she be a category #2 on their medical self-certification. Category #2 drivers: DO NOT send a copy of your medical examiners certificate to the state. Only the school district is required to have a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate. Category #2 is an interstate classification, which means the driver can legally drive a school bus out of state. Drivers can change their medical self-certification category at any time if they were to get a job where a category #1 was required.

Note: As an employer, employees’ CDL records are considered an open record under K.S.A. 74-2012.

Click here for Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) free CDL status and medical self-certification category check website.

Click here for KDOR’s online medical self-certification change website.

Click here for more information from KSDE regarding CDL categories and recommendations.