Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Pupil Transportation Certificate

A pupil transportation vehicle (PTV) is defined as a motor vehicle designed to carry no more than 10 passengers plus the driver. These vehicles are used by school committees to transport students along established school routes, as required by law or regulation.

 

For more information contact 401-462-5772 or email DMV.SchoolBus@dmv.ri.gov

Licensing Requirements

To be employed as a PTV driver in the State of Rhode Island, you must have: 

  • A valid driver’s license with a chauffeur endorsement or a CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement
  • Current DOT medical certification
  • A Rhode Island Pupil Transportation Certificate 

Minimum Requirements

  • 21 years of age
  • 3 years of driving experience
  • Must be sponsored by a Rhode Island school bus company or school district
  • If applying from out of state, applicants must hold a valid chauffeur endorsement form the state or country of licensure
  • Applicants must pass a written exam administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles

Documents Required 

  • A completed Application for Chauffeur and Pupil Transportation Application
  • An original BCI report issued by the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office
    • The BCI report must be issued within 60 days of submission
  • Valid DOT medical card issued within 90 days of submission
  • If you live outside Rhode Island or have lived in Rhode Island for less than 5 years:
    • Submit a BCI check from each state or country where you lived in the past 5 years
    • Submit a certified driving record from those locations as well

Process for Certification

Step 1: Apply

A sponsoring bus company or school district submits your documents to the DMV School Bus Safety Coordinator via email at DMV.SchoolBus@dmv.ri.gov. 

Step 2: Get Approved

The DMV reviews your application to ensure it meets eligibility requirements found in the RI Rules and Regulations Regarding Eligibility for Pupil Transportation .

Step 3: Complete Testing

The DMV will contact your employer to schedule the written exam based on the Pupil Transportation Manual. 

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

After passing the exam, the chauffeur endorsement and Pupil Transportation Certificate will be issued.

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