School bus driver improvement courses
Learn about the course required to become a school bus driver and where you can take it.
Overview
To get a school bus driver's licence (class B or E) in Ontario, you must complete a government-approved school bus driver improvement course (SBDIC). The course is offered online or in-person.
What you learn
Virtual or in-person classroom instruction
Minimum time commitment: 6.25 hours
Your course will cover topics such as:
- legislative requirements
- driver licensing requirements
- daily vehicle inspection
- hours of work
- legal responsibilities
- driver safety (including impaired driving, the effects of aging on driving, in-vehicle distractions)
- defensive and strategic driving and road safety
- passenger management (including communication, reporting issues)
- safety equipment/emergencies (including first aid and evacuation)
Once you pass the course, you get a certificate that is valid for 5 years.
Find an approved course
When deciding where to take your course:
- check the list of government-approved course providers
- ask someone in the school bus industry to recommend a course provider
- contact the provider to talk about their courses
Government-approved school bus course providers
- D.E.A.T Inc.
613-967-7770
info@drivereducationandtraining.ca - First Student Canada
1-800-563-6072 extension 538 - Infrastructure Health & Safety Association
1-800-263-5024
info@ihsa.ca - Iron Range Bus Lines Inc.
1-866-345-7388
contactus@ironrangebus.com - Ontario Safety League
905-625-0556
sbdic@osl.org - Transportation Safety Programs
safetyprograms@outlook.com - Student Transportation of Canada
705-721-2626
File a complaint
To file a complaint with the Ministry of Transportation about a course or a provider, contact ETOTraining@ontario.ca. Please include your phone number with your contact information.
Updated: September 26, 2024
Published: March 22, 2022