Reducing Financial Burden for Aspiring School Bus Drivers

$55,000 in State Fiscal Recovery Funds is available from the Minnesota Department of Education to reduce the financial burden for aspiring school bus drivers.  The cost of the certification exam associated with obtaining the Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) w/School Bus/Passenger endorsement certification will be reimbursed. The cost of this license is approximately $55.

Program Requirements: The individual seeking reimbursement must have received their Class B CDL w/ School Bus/Passenger endorsement and been hired by a school or school bus company. Below is a link to request reimbursement of the above-mentioned certification costs.  

Bus Driver Certification Reimbursement Form

60% of the funds will initially be available to companies in the seven-county metro area and 40% will be available to companies in the non-metro area. All funds will be available on a first come first served basis.

Funding availability: These funds will be available retroactive to February 2, 2022, and available through June 30, 2023.

Funding Information: These funds are available through the U.S. Department of Education (CFDA 21.027, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds).