What Are School Bus Company DOT Requirements?
School bus company DOT requirements are the FMCSA and state-mandated medical certification standards that apply to drivers transporting students in commercial vehicles [1]. School bus drivers operating vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) must hold a valid DOT medical certificate under 49 CFR 391.41, regardless of whether the vehicle crosses state lines [2]. Charlotte DOT Exam Center serves school bus contractors, transportation companies, and school districts throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area with reliable DOT physical examinations.
School Bus Driver Medical Standards
| Physical Standard | FMCSA Requirement | School Bus Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | 20/40 acuity each eye, 70° peripheral | Critical for student safety at stops |
| Hearing | Perceive forced whisper at 5 feet | Must hear students and traffic |
| Blood Pressure | Below 140/90 for 2-year certificate | Standard FMCSA requirements apply |
| Diabetes | No insulin use OR ITDM exemption | Hypoglycemia risk evaluated carefully |
| Seizure History | No seizures in past 10 years (off medication) | Critical for passenger vehicle operators |
| Mental/Emotional | No condition likely to interfere with safe driving | Working with children requires stability |
CDL Requirements for School Bus Drivers
| Bus Type | Passenger Capacity | CDL Required? | Endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size School Bus | 72+ passengers | Yes — Class B or A | P (Passenger) + S (School Bus) |
| Mid-Size School Bus | 24-48 passengers | Yes — Class B or C | P (Passenger) + S (School Bus) |
| Small School Bus | 16-24 passengers | Yes — Class C | P (Passenger) + S (School Bus) |
| Activity Bus | Varies by size | Based on GVWR and capacity | P + S if transporting students |
All school bus drivers with CDLs require DOT medical certification, and North Carolina requires the school bus (S) endorsement for anyone transporting students to or from school [3].
School Bus Operations We Serve
- School Bus Contractors — Companies contracted with school districts
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) — District transportation employees and contractors
- Surrounding County Districts — Union, Gaston, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln counties
- Private Schools — Independent school transportation departments
- Charter Schools — Charter school bus operations
- Activity and Athletics Transportation — Sports and field trip drivers
- Daycare and Childcare Centers — Childcare transportation services
Fleet Services for School Bus Companies
- Summer Hiring Support — High-volume examinations before school year
- Volume Pricing — Competitive rates for fleets with 5+ drivers
- Flexible Scheduling — Early morning and Saturday appointments
- Fast Turnaround — Same-day certification for qualified drivers
- Recertification Tracking — Reminders before medical cards expire
- DOT Drug Testing — Pre-employment and random testing per 49 CFR Part 382 [4]
- DQ File Documentation — Records formatted for compliance files
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do school bus drivers need DOT physicals?
Most school bus drivers require DOT physical examinations every 24 months. Drivers with certain medical conditions (like Stage 1 hypertension or well-controlled diabetes) may receive 12-month certificates. Drivers with Stage 2 hypertension may receive shorter certificates until their condition is controlled [5].
Can school bus drivers have diabetes?
Yes, with proper management. Drivers with Type 2 diabetes controlled by diet or oral medication can qualify for standard certification. Insulin-treated drivers can qualify through the FMCSA diabetes exemption program with annual recertification and endocrinologist monitoring.
What if a driver wears glasses or hearing aids?
Drivers can qualify with corrective lenses or hearing aids. The Medical Examiner’s Certificate will note “qualified only when wearing corrective lenses” or “qualified only when wearing hearing aid.” Vision and hearing must meet FMCSA standards with the corrective devices in use.
Do you offer pre-employment physicals for new school bus drivers?
Yes. We provide same-day appointments for new hire examinations. School bus companies with seasonal hiring needs (typically July-August) can schedule multiple drivers per day. Contact us early to reserve appointment blocks during peak hiring season.
Schedule Your School Bus Drivers
Charlotte DOT Exam Center
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Phone: 704-544-3494
Email: appt@tebbyclinic.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-12:00pm
References
- [1] 49 CFR § 390.5 – Definitions (Commercial Motor Vehicle). eCFR.gov
- [2] 49 CFR § 391.41 – Physical qualifications for drivers. eCFR.gov
- [3] NC Division of Motor Vehicles – School Bus Driver Requirements. NCDOT.gov
- [4] 49 CFR Part 382 – Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing. eCFR.gov
- [5] FMCSA. Medical Certification. FMCSA.dot.gov
