1509 - Qualifications for school bus driver endorsement.

     § 1509.  Qualifications for school bus driver endorsement.        (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 an annual 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 annual 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 12 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)        Cross References.  Section 1509 is referred to in section     1550 of this title.