Section 761.911.6. Driver standards.

The following standards apply to regional transit system drivers assigned to provide school transportation service:

       911.6(1) FTA drug and alcohol testing. Each driver is subject to the following testing for drug and alcohol usage as required by the Federal Transit Administration in 49 CFR Part 655, including:

        a.           Preemployment testing.

        b.           Reasonable suspicion testing.

        c.           Postaccident testing.

        d.           Random testing.

        e.           Return to duty testing.

        f.            Follow-up testing.

      911.6(2) Training. Each new driver must, within the first six months of assignment and at least every 12 months thereafter, complete a course of instruction approved by the department of education, in accordance with Iowa Code section 321.376.

       911.6(3) Driving record check. The regional transit system must review the driving record of each driver prior to employment and on an annual basis.

       911.6(4) Criminal record check. The regional transit system must conduct a criminal records review of each driver prior to employment and on an annual basis. This review verifies that the driver has no history of child abuse or other criminal activity.

       911.6(5) Driver licensing. Each driver must be licensed appropriately for the size and type of vehicle used as provided in Iowa Code section 321.189. A Class A, B or C commercial driver’s license with passenger endorsement may be required. If a commercial driver’s license is not required, a Class D (chauffeur) license with passenger endorsement is required.

       911.6(6) Authorization to operate a school bus. Each driver who transports students must have an authorization to operate a school bus issued by the department of education in accordance with Iowa Code section 321.376.