The DCMO Health & Safety Department provide a variety of driver training and testing services to ensure that school bus drivers in our region are well trained and compliant with NYS and USDOT rules and regulations.

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

This service is designed to train new drivers who do not possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and prepare them for their CDL exams and road test, including the “S” (school bus) endorsement.  The training covers the new ELDT mandated by the USDOT and includes 30 hours of classroom instruction, provided online, and one-on-one on-the-road training on both a closed course as well as the open road.  On-the-road training time is determined by the skills and knowledge of the student.

New Driver/Monitor Pre-Service Requirements

This is an NYSED-required one-time 4-hour pre-service training provided by a qualified School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI) for new bus drivers and monitors.  All new bus drivers, whether they have an existing CDL or not are required to complete this training.  The SBDI will provide the necessary documentation for compliance.

Bus Driver Training

Our Bus Driver Training program is offered to provide the NYSED-required 30-hour bus driver and 10-hour bus monitor training for new transportation staff.  This service also include the two annual 2-hour refresher courses required for each year for returning drivers.

Physical Performance Testing Service

This service is designed to ensure compliance with NYSED Regulation 156.3.  A qualified School Bus Driver Instructor (SBDI) will administer the required tests and training to satisfy the regulations related to physical performance tests.  The SBDI will provide necessary documentation for compliance. 

DMV 19-A Service

This service is designed to ensure compliance with NYS DMV Regulation 19-A.  A qualified and certified 19-A examiner will administer the annual Defensive Driving Review, the bi-annual oral/written test, and the Behind-the-Wheel driving test.  Included will be the proper documentation for compliance.

Bus Radio Towers and Repeaters

DCMO provides two options for school districts for coordinated radio systems in the region.  With both DCMO-owned repeaters on towers, we are able to provide coverage for most of the region for school bus radios.  Alternately, DCMO is working with a third-party vendor for access to a newer and improved web-based systems that integrates their repeaters throughout the region and beyond DCMO.

Jason Lawrence
Health & Safety Coordinator

Allyson Hallick
Transportation Supervisor
(607) 335-1324