Keeping Alberta Affordable: Eligible seniors and families with children under 18 can apply for $600 affordability payments. Learn more and apply now
Overview
Drivers must obtain the S endorsement if they will be driving a vehicle that meets the definition of a school bus, unless exempt under the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation.
You must have a valid Alberta driver’s licence to get the S endorsement. You are not eligible if you have a suspended driver's licence. For more information, see the Licensed Driver Training School Policies and Procedures Manual.
School bus drivers
Drivers need the correct class of driver’s licence for the type of school bus that they will drive. The required class of licence for a school bus is decided by its designed seating capacity.
Class 1 and Class 2 drivers can drive any size of school bus. Class 1 or Class 2 school bus drivers must:
- complete Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) and pass all required testing to obtain their Class 1 or Class 2 licence, and
- have an S endorsement on their driver’s licence, unless exempt under the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation
Alternatively, the Class 2-S MELT could be completed if the driver is not exempt under the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation. The Class 2-S MELT course combines the Class 2 MELT with the requirements of the School Bus Driver Improvement Program.
Class 4 drivers are restricted to school buses that have designed seating capacities up to 24 passengers. For these smaller vehicles, Class 4 school bus drivers must:
- complete and pass the required Class 4 testing, and
- have an S endorsement on their driver’s licence, unless exempt under the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation
Regardless of designed seating capacity, if a school bus has air brakes, the driver requires the Q endorsement.
Existing school bus drivers
If you drive a vehicle that meets the new definition of a school bus, you must have an S endorsement on your driver's licence by July 31, 2020.
How it works
Resources
Contact
Connect with MELT and Licensing Standards:
Was this page helpful?
You will NOT receive a reply on your feedback. Do NOT include personal information. To get answers to questions, use Alberta Connects.
Your submissions are monitored by our web team and are used to help improve the experience on Alberta.ca.