Who is responsible for fingerprinting all applicants for an original certificate to drive a school bus?

The responsibility of fingerprinting all applicants for an original certificate to drive a school bus falls to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). This is part of the background check process designed to ensure the safety and security of students, as school bus drivers are in a position of trust and authority. The CHP conducts these fingerprint checks to screen for any criminal history that could disqualify an applicant from holding a school bus driver certificate.

The other organizations have different roles in the certification process. For instance, the Department of Education may set guidelines and regulations for school bus operations, while local school districts may be responsible for hiring and training drivers. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles the licensing aspect but does not conduct the fingerprint checks for school bus drivers specifically. Thus, CHP's role in background checks is critical for maintaining safety standards in student transportation.