NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Bill R. Nelson

(573) 751-2341



Q0594



September 19, 2005

EMPHASIS: “S” Endorsement For School Bus Drivers



The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds school bus drivers they are required to obtain an “S” endorsement on their commercial driver’s license by September 30, 2005. This requirement applies to drivers operating a school bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Missouri licensed drivers and out-of-state license holders driving a school bus in Missouri are affected. The “S” endorsement is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act and Senate Bill 1233, and replaces the separate school bus permit issued in the past.



The requirement covers drivers who transport preprimary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events, which does not include a bus used as a common carrier. The “S” endorsement is required for bus drivers of both public and private schools.



From March 2005 through May 2005, Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examiners conducted group testing for school districts and school bus contractors, in order to test drivers before the September 30, 2005 deadline. During that special project, 3,385 drivers tested for the “S” endorsement on their license.



Effective January 3, 2005, applicants for a school bus endorsement were required to take a revised written school bus test. In addition, federal legislation requires all current school bus permit holders take the new school bus written test. There is a grandfather clause effective until September 30, 2005, for the skills test for current school bus permit holders, however they must qualify based on their license and driving history.



Any new or current commercial class school bus driver operating without the proper “S” (school bus) and “P” (passenger) endorsements on their license after September 30, 2005, may be subject to a violation for driving without the correct endorsements.



Those drivers operating a school bus not requiring the driver to have a commercial driver’s license will also have to obtain an “S” endorsement on their license upon renewal or new application. Other than changing from a separate permit to an endorsement, there are no changes for this group of drivers.