General Information

The School Bus Driver Certification is a state-mandated program that provides required training and coursework for individuals seeking to become certified or recertified as school bus drivers in Texas.

Region 18 Education Service Center supports this program by offering both in-person and online training opportunities that meet Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) standards. Our Bus Driver Certification Division plays a key role in helping school districts remain in compliance with state regulations related to student transportation.

Region 18 ESC provides the following services:

• Certification and Recertification Courses: Hosting regular 20-hour certification and 8-hour recertification courses throughout the year, including regional offerings tailored to district needs.

• Online Recertification: Coordinating access to the state-approved 8-hour online refresher course in partnership with Region 4 ESC.

• Record Maintenance: Establishing and maintaining a database of certified drivers, including verification of training completion and certificate expiration tracking.

• District Support and Guidance: Assisting school districts with scheduling, eligibility verification, and navigating Texas DPS requirements for driver eligibility and compliance.

• State Reporting: Providing reports and certification records that support local and statewide audits, renewals, and operational compliance.

Our goal is to ensure every certified school bus driver in Region 18 is properly trained, equipped, and compliant with all safety regulations—helping districts safely and efficiently transport students.