761—911.6(321) 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 detailed 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, before or within the first six months of assignment and at least every 24 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. A driver may operate the vehicle for purposes of training if the driver has the appropriate commercial learner’s permit as defined in 761—Chapter 607, and the restrictions in rule 761—607.20(321) shall apply. 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.
	911.6(7) Physical fitness.
	a. 	Each driver who transports students must undergo a physical examination by a certified medical examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners in accordance with Iowa Code section 321.375(1)“d” and with department of education rule 281—43.15(285) or 281—43.17(285). Annually, the driver must submit the signed medical examiner’s certificate to the driver’s employer.
	b. 	Upon a commercial driver’s license issuance or renewal, the driver shall self-certify as to the type of driving the driver does and, if required, provide a current medical examiner’s certificate to the department unless the driver’s medical examiner’s certification is provided to the department electronically by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to 761—paragraph 607.37(1)“a” and 761—subrule 607.50(2).
[ARC 3691C, IAB 3/14/18, effective 4/18/18; ARC 6708C, IAB 11/30/22, effective 1/4/23]