New York

School bus in-service

REQUIRED 2 hours twice per school year (minimum 2 hours each session, ~4 hours/year)

Citation: N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 8, § 156.3

State Education Department regulation: all school bus drivers receive a minimum of 2 hours of refresher instruction in school bus safety at least two times a year (sessions July 1-Oct 31 and Dec 1-May 1), including at least 1 hour on transporting pupils with disabilities; training must be given/supervised by a certified school bus driver instructor. New drivers must complete a 30-hour basic course in the first year. Separately, DMV's Article 19-A program requires an annual defensive driving observation and driving-record review, plus biennial physical, written/oral, and behind-the-wheel examinations.

Official source ›

CDL & endorsements

CDL renewal cycle: every 8 years.

No general CDL continuing-education requirement beyond renewal; NY commercial licenses are valid 8 years. Note that Article 19-A recurring requirements apply to ALL bus drivers (school, charter, transit), not just school bus drivers.

Hazmat: Standard federal TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprint-based, 5-year cycle) applies for the H endorsement; NY applicants apply through TSA enrollment centers. No state-specific shorter cycle found.

• School bus monitors and attendants: 10-hour basic course in first year plus 2-hour refresher twice per year (8 NYCRR 156.3)
• Article 19-A applies to all bus drivers: annual defensive driving observation, annual license abstract review, biennial physical/written/road exams, annual carrier affidavit of compliance
• 2-hour child abuse identification/reporting coursework required for school bus drivers