How it works

Failing to stop for a school bus can have serious consequences, both in terms of penalties and the safety of children and other drivers. In Alberta, the penalty for failing to stop and pass a school bus that has its red lights and stop signs engaged is $567 and six driving demerits.

As of September 2022, school buses are permitted to travel at the posted speed limit, unless road conditions require slower travel.

A School Bus Stop Ahead sign may be required if it is determined that a particular pickup location has a sight distance restriction and other means of remedying the problem have been considered. A sight distance restriction may require a School Bus Stop Ahead sign if the following criteria are met:

• The location is actively in use as a site for the pick-up and drop-off of students.
• The required stopping sight distance (Section B-2.3 of Highway Geometric Design Guide) is greater than the actual stopping sight distance at the location. If a sight distance restriction does exist at a school bus stop, the following three options must first be considered prior to installing a School Bus Stop Ahead sign:
• Eliminate the sight obstruction through realignment, crest curve flattening, or trimming vegetation.
• Relocate the bus stop further from the sight obstruction, or on the other side of the highway. If relocating the bus stop to the other side of the highway is considered, the trade offs between the limited sight distance and having the student cross the highway must be compared.
• If there is only one property from which children are picked up, encourage the driver to enter the driveway (with permission). In this case, a school bus entrance sign (WC-12) could be considered in advance of the driveway. A School Bus Stop Ahead sign is usually not required in urban or semi-urban areas where posted speeds are 60 km/h or lower, or where a school bus stop can be seen for more than 300 meters.

Obtain the Appropriate Driver’s Licence Your eligibility depends on the type of school bus you intend to drive:

• Class 1 or Class 2 Licence: Required for school buses with a seating capacity of 25 or more passengers. These licences allow you to drive larger school buses and are suitable for most school bus driving positions.
• Class 4 Licence: Required for school buses with a seating capacity of up to 24 passengers. Class 4 licences are typically needed for smaller school buses. Obtain the “S” Endorsement Regardless of the bus size, you must complete the School Bus Driver Improvement Program to obtain the “S” endorsement on your driver’s licence. The program consists of classroom, knowledge assessments, and practical training components. Undergo a Medical Examination You must pass a medical examination to ensure you are physically fit to drive a school bus. This includes:
• Vision and Hearing Tests: To meet the required standards for safe driving.
• Physical and Mental Health Assessment: To confirm your ability to perform the duties of a school bus driver safely. The medical examination must be conducted by a licensed medical professional.