BECOME A STATE CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) offers a certification program for experienced school bus drivers who are interested in becoming Oklahoma State Certified School Bus Driving Instructors. These instructors serve an essential role in the development of Oklahoma's school bus drivers by providing classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, coaching, and evaluation throughout the Commercial Driver License (CDL) certification process.
Certified driving instructors help ensure that new drivers not only meet state and federal licensing requirements but also develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to safely transport students each day. Through their leadership and mentorship, instructors promote consistent training standards, reinforce safe driving practices, and contribute to the overall professionalism of Oklahoma's student transportation industry.
Individuals interested in becoming a certified driving instructor can review the required qualifications, complete the official application, and learn more about certification requirements and training opportunities through the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Whether you're looking to expand your professional responsibilities or help develop the next generation of school bus drivers, becoming a certified instructor is an excellent opportunity to make a lasting impact on student transportation across Oklahoma.
Please Note: Oklahoma State School Bus Driving Instructor certifications are issued, maintained, and administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). While OKAPT proudly supports and promotes the instructor certification program and provides approved training opportunities, all certification approvals, renewals, and official instructor records are managed exclusively by OSDE.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Individuals interested in becoming an Oklahoma State Certified School Bus Driving Instructor must meet the minimum qualifications established by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). These requirements help ensure instructors possess the experience, knowledge, and practical skills necessary to effectively train future school bus drivers and uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
1. VALID CLASS B COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE (CDL)
Applicants must hold a valid Oklahoma Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with both the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements. Maintaining a valid CDL demonstrates that the applicant has met the licensing requirements necessary to safely operate a school bus and is qualified to instruct others in commercial vehicle operation.
2. SCHOOL BUS DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience operating a school bus in Oklahoma. This experience provides instructors with valuable real-world knowledge of student transportation, state regulations, vehicle operation, and the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional school bus driver, allowing them to effectively mentor and prepare new drivers.
3. COMPLETE AN APPROVED INSTRUCTOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
To ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across Oklahoma, applicants must complete one of the following approved instructor preparation pathways:
- Successfully complete an Instructor Internship by assisting with two Oklahoma State Department of Education School Bus Driver Certification Courses under the supervision of a certified SDE instructor; or
- Successfully complete a School Bus Driver Instructor Course approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
These training options are designed to prepare instructors to effectively teach classroom instruction, evaluate driver performance, administer required assessments, and deliver training in accordance with Oklahoma and federal requirements.
Individuals who choose the approved online instructor course may register here. OKAPT members should register through the Member Portal to receive discounted member pricing.
READY TO BECOME A STATE CERTIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR?
If you're ready to take the next step in your transportation career, becoming an Oklahoma State Certified School Bus Driving Instructor is a great way to help train the next generation of professional school bus drivers. Review the official certification requirements, complete the application, and learn more about the certification process through the Oklahoma State Department of Education.