Bill > LD1714

This bill creates a new type of driver's license specifically endorsed for operating school buses in Maine. The bill allows the Secretary of State to issue a school bus-specific license that meets federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements without requiring a full commercial driver's license. To obtain this special license, applicants must meet several key requirements: they must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid Maine driver's license, pass a school bus endorsement knowledge test, and complete a specialized school bus driver's license skills course. School bus learner's permit holders must be accompanied by an experienced school bus license holder (with at least 3 years of driving experience) while learning, and they are prohibited from carrying passengers during training except for test examiners. The course instructor must also have at least 3 years of school bus driving experience and have completed a specific instructor certification course. The learner's permit is valid for one year and is a prerequisite for obtaining the final school bus-specific license. Importantly, the bill does not prevent current commercial license holders with a school bus endorsement from operating school buses in the state.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1714&snum=132