Guidelines for New Bus Operator and Annual Refresher Training
The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Florida Operations Network and Florida Transit Safety Network have jointly developed “Minimum Fixed Route Bus Operator Training Guidelines” for new bus operators. These guidelines provide for 80 hours of classroom training, 40 hours of behind the wheel training, and up to 80 hours of route training.
The minimum training standards are for new bus operators. Training for experienced bus operators relocating to the agency can be adjusted at the discretion of the bus operator trainer/instructor. Hours are expressed in time per trainee. At the discretion of the instructor, times can be adjusted to accommodate class size.
Refresher Training should be provided annually to all existing bus operators. Usually there are two components of annual refresher training: four (4) to eight (8) hours of classroom training plus behind the wheel observations and instructions.