Who is responsible for issuing the School bus driver's permanent Special Driver's Certificate?

The responsibility for issuing the School bus driver's permanent Special Driver's Certificate lies with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV is the state agency that handles driver's licensing and regulation in California, including specialized certifications required for operating school buses.

To obtain this certificate, prospective school bus drivers must meet specific training and testing requirements set by the DMV. This ensures that drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely transport children. The DMV plays a crucial role in maintaining standards for public safety on the roads, especially when it involves transporting minors.

While the Department of Education may oversee school transportation policies and the local school district might manage day-to-day operations of school buses, it is ultimately the DMV that has the authority to issue and regulate the special licenses required for school bus drivers. The Department of Transportation focuses on broader infrastructure and transportation regulations but does not issue individual driver certifications.