Administrative rule (ARSD 24:06:08:01) requires all school districts to provide an annual State-approved training program for a minimum of four hours. The approved pre-service training program (for new hires) must include a minimum of two hours of classroom training – to include knowledge of basic first aid procedures – and two hours of behind-the-wheel training to enable safe and efficient vehicle operations.

To help meet these training requirements, “Train the Trainer” sessions were held during the last week of July in Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City. A total of 25 trainees were in attendance at the three sites. Two sets of training videos are available for those now doing training back in their districts. Call Deedra Gesinger at the Department of Education, (605) 773-6934, or School Bus Inc., (605) 334-6644, to reserve a set of tapes.

School bus drivers who will not be trained via “Train the Trainer” will need to attend one of 22 training sites across the state. Contact Harlow’s Bus Sales at 1-888-419-4023 for more information on training sites.

All drivers in attendance at one of these trainings must provide their name, school district they drive for, and social security number. This information will be submitted to the Department of Education for tracking purposes.

All annual training of bus drivers and sub-drivers – either employed by the district or contracted – must be recorded on the PRF system. School districts will not be able to sign off on their assurance statement by Oct. 15 if all drivers have not attended an in-service training. Extensions may be allowed by the Department of Education for new drivers hired after available training dates.

Pre-service or new drivers hired during the year also are required to have a minimum of four hours of training before transporting students. Training will need to be done at the district level, and it must be documented.

Finally, please remember that all South Dakota bus drivers are required to have a criminal background check, pre-employment drug test and a TB test.