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Driver Training

State & Federal Requirements

Driver Requirements – Quick Reference Guides

State of Nebraska Level I Certification Requirements

Level I Certification

Drivers are required to complete a Level I Certification to transport students in Nebraska; Level I Certification is valid for five (5) years.

  • 3 Hour Course for Small Vehicle Drivers, Route (10 Passenger or Less)
  • 11 Hour Course for Minibus Drivers, Route & Activity (14 Passenger or Less)
  • 11 Hour Course for Large Vehicle Drivers, Route & Activity (15 Passenger or More)
    • 6 hour online Class B and Passenger Endorsement (self-paced)
    • 5 hour School Bus Endorsement (in-person or zoom class)

***Activity Drivers who only drive for activities and only drive a vehicle rated as 10 passenger or less may take the 2-hour in-service training course

Level II Certification

All Level I drivers must complete the Level II refresher course every five (5) years to be in compliance with continuing education requirements.

***Any lapse in continuing education deadlines will require you to re-take the Level I course.

In-Service Training

All Nebraska Drivers regardless of licensing or certification are required to complete a 2-hour In-Service Training each year before school starts.

  • Required topics:
    • Emergency Evacuations
    • Loading/Unloading
    • Student management
    • Vehicle inspections
    • School’s Safe Pupil Transportation Plan

The Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney coordinates all Level I and Level II courses.  Classes are offered throughout the year and at various locations including online in Nebraska. For detailed course information or to access the database:

Click here: https://www.unk.edu/offices/safety_center/pupil-transportation.php [External Link] or Email: bus@unk.edu  Call: 308-865-1550.

***The Nebraska Safety Center has an in-service presentation available to purchase, but the class can also be developed and completed by the individual district as long as the district ensures all required topics are covered, the class time is a full two hours, class details, and attendee information is documented.  Some insurance carriers also have an in-service training course available; however, the district must ensure all required topics are covered, the class time is a full two hours, class details, and attendee information is documented.

Driver Qualifications

  • Driver must possess an appropriate valid operator’s license (Class O or CDL)
  • Driver must be able to read, comprehend & communicate driving regulations and written test questions in English
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age & have held a license for two years
  • Shall be of good moral character
  • Pass a DOT Physical Exam
  • Complete all requirements of the Level I Instruction course.
  • Complete the Pre-Service Evaluation/Behind the Wheel training
  • Those seeking a CDL license must hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) for 14 days before taking the CDL Skills Test

Prior to Employment – The school district must obtain the following:

  • Satisfactory DMV driving record as determined by the local board of education policy
  • Obtain a Criminal Background Check through the Nebraska State Patrol.
  • Complete drug & alcohol testing requirements as determined by the local board of education policy and Federal Motor Carrier requirements

***Please see the full list of requirements listed in Rule 91 and the Pupil Transportation Guide.

CDL Requirements

 

Program Contacts

  • Stephanie DeGroot: (402) 540-0649 or stephanie.degroot@nebraska.gov
  • Bryce Wilson: (402) 471-4320 or bryce.wilson@nebraska.gov
Updated May 29, 2026 9:05am