Texas

School bus in-service

REQUIRED 8 hours per 3-year certification cycle

Citation: 37 Tex. Admin. Code § 14.35

Texas DPS regulates the state school bus driver safety certification program, delivered through the 20 regional Education Service Centers. Initial certification is a 20-hour course; certification is valid 3 years and renewal requires an 8-hour recertification (refresher) course, preferably completed in the 180 days before expiration (a 12-month late-completion window renews from the actual completion date). Every driver must hold a valid certificate or be enrolled in the course.

Official source ›

CDL & endorsements

CDL renewal cycle: every 5 years.

No general CDL continuing-education requirement; CDLs renew every 5 years (every 2 years at age 85+).

Hazmat: Standard federal cycle: TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprint-based) renewal every 5 years for the hazmat endorsement, coordinated with the 5-year Texas CDL term.

School bus driver instructor certification/refresher courses (TEEX/ESC-delivered) for those who train drivers

researched reference, second review pending Confidence: high

Sources

Courses that fit Texas in-service topics

All CDL1 hr

Defensive Driving for CMVs

Practical crash-prevention habits for CMV drivers: following distance math, 12 to 15 second eye lead, the No-Zone, work zones, and night driving.

$19Open ›

All CDL1 hr

Distracted Driving & Fatigue Management

The federal texting and phone bans, the fines and disqualifications behind them, and fatigue science that actually keeps you awake and employed.

$19Open ›

All CDL1 hr

Drug & Alcohol Rules + the Clearinghouse

The 0.04 rule, 50/10 random rates, post-accident triggers, refusals, SAP return-to-duty, and Clearinghouse queries, explained in plain driver terms.

$19Open ›

School Bus1 hr

Passenger Endorsement Refresher

Sharpen the skills behind your P endorsement: standee lines, fueling and towing rules, ADA securement, unruly riders, and safe unloading.

$19Open ›

This page is a researched reference, not legal advice, and listing a course here is not a claim of state approval. Confirm requirements with Texas's licensing or education agency.