IA HF395

School bus drivers must hold a commercial driver's license with passenger and school bus endorsements issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation

Completion of an approved school bus driver instruction course is now optional at the discretion of individual school districts rather than mandatory statewide

Approved instruction courses include: Department of Education-approved courses, entry-level driver training meeting federal requirements (49 C.F.R. pt. 380), or other training described in a school district resolution

Department of Education must adopt rules by July 1, 2026 establishing training requirements including minimum content, contact hours, proficiency standards, and course duration

If a school district requires training, drivers must complete it before or within six months of employment and every 24 months thereafter; failure to provide a completion certificate results in revocation of school bus authorization