(a) School bus driver requirements.--No person shall be issued an endorsement to operate a school bus unless the person:

(1) has successfully completed a course of instruction as provided in subsection (c);

(2) has satisfactorily passed a physical examination to be given in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the department;

(3) is 18 years of age or older; and

(4) is qualified to operate school buses in accordance with this title and the rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the department.

(b) Proof of physical and vision examination.--Every school bus driver shall carry a certificate issued by an examining physician or practitioner recognized by the department pursuant to section 1508.1 (relating to physical examinations), indicating that the person has passed the prescribed physical examination, including an examination of the eyes, within the preceding 13 months. The vision examination may be made by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

(c) School bus driver training program.--The department shall establish standards for a basic course and a refresher course for school bus drivers. The courses shall be conducted by school districts or groups of school districts or any State or Federal transportation association of school bus operators designated by the school district on a continuing basis, with the costs and responsibility for completion of the training to be borne by the school district or private or parochial school for which the drivers operate.

(May 30, 1990, P.L.173, No.42, eff. Nov. 1, 1990; Dec. 10, 1996, P.L.925, No.149, eff. 60 days; Oct. 22, 2015, P.L.199, No.49, eff. 60 days)

2015 Amendment. Act 49 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).

Cross References. Section 1509 is referred to in section 1550 of this title.