SBDIC Course Providers

On August 10, 2007 the Ministry of Transportation introduced updated course content, delivery standards and a new course provider approval process for the School Bus Driver Improvement Course. These are the most significant improvements to this program since its inception in 1975.

The new requirements are effective immediately, however, all existing course providers have been granted a six-month transition period ending February 11, 2008. This transition period will allow for uninterrupted course delivery while course providers revise their curricula and seek ministry approval. After March 31, 2008, only courses delivered by ministry-approved course providers will be recognized. Certificates issued by the course provider continue to be valid for five years from the date of course completion.

1. Why has the ministry introduced new standards and a formal approval process for the School Bus Driver Improvement Course?
2. What are the new standards?
3. How will the new SBDIC program impact drivers?
4. How will the new SBDIC program impact existing course providers?
5. I'm an existing SBDIC course provider. What do I need to do?
6. I'm a Recognized Authority under the ministry's Driver Certification Program and our company has been providing this training. What do I need to do?
7. What will happen if an existing course provider does not gain MTO approved course provider status by February 11, 2008?
8. Where can course developers/providers find more information?

1. Why has the ministry introduced new standards and a formal approval process for the School Bus Driver Improvement Course?

   MTO has an obligation to update course content and delivery standards in response to changes in industry practices, driver licensing requirements, vehicle standards, road safety research, and Coroner recommendations. The new standards and approval process will provide consistency in the development and training of new school bus drivers while improving overall program integrity and road safety.

2. What are the new standards?

   Working in consultation with school bus licensing stakeholders, MTO has developed a formal SBDIC course provider approval process, new minimum course content, and delivery standards. Details can be found in the School Bus Driver Improvement Course, Program Standards - Course Provider Manual.

3. How will the new SBDIC program impact drivers?

   This initiative only impacts new school bus licence applicants for licence classes B and E as of August 10, 2007. This is not a new licensing requirement; it is a modernization and enhancement to an existing licensing requirement. The new SBDIC program benefits drivers by ensuring they receive comprehensive and consistent advanced driver?s education, as it relates to school purposes buses, by a ministry-approved course provider.Drivers who already hold a school bus driver?s licence are not affected by this initiative, though the ministry encourages them, or their employers to consider refresher training.

4. How will the new SBDIC program impact existing course providers?

   There are two types of existing course providers, third party service providers (typically industry safety associations) and Recognized Authorities (under the Ontario Driver Certification Program). Both types of course providers will need to re-apply with the ministry under the revised program. After February 11, 2008, only courses delivered by ministry-approved course providers will be recognized.

5. I'm an existing SBDIC course provider. What do I need to do?

   To allow for uninterrupted course delivery, there is a six-month transitional period for existing course providers.
   During this transitional period you may continue to offer your current SBDIC while you seek ministry approval under the new requirements. During this time, prospective course providers will need to revise their curricula and, as required, develop training materials, train course instructors, establish suitable certificate issuance and record keeping processes.

   You should start this process as early as possible by obtaining a copy of the School Bus Driver Improvement Course, Program Standards - Course Provider Manual.

6. I'm a Recognized Authority under the ministry?s Driver Certification Program and our company has been providing this training. What do I need to do?

   If you choose to continue providing this course, your Signing Authority will need to acquire SBDIC instructor standing with a ministry-approved course provider. There are two options you can follow:

   Option 1
   Where possible, seek SBDIC instructor standing for your Signing Authority with an existing ministry-approved course provider as their delivery agent. Drivers who attend course offerings will be registered students with that course provider and that organization will be accountable to the ministry for maintaining all course provider requirements.

   Option 2
   Seek your own approved course provider status. Once approved, this will allow your Signing Authority with SBDIC instructor standing to deliver the SBDIC to registered students. Your organization will be accountable to the ministry for maintaining all course provider requirements.

   Regardless of which option you follow, your Signing Authority can only complete the SBDIC section of the Application for School Bus Driver Licence (form SR-LD-006) for students who are your employees and hold a valid SBDIC certificate. Students who are not your employees will be required to visit a DriveTest office and show their course completion certificate.

7. What will happen if an existing course provider does not gain MTO approved course provider status by Feburary 11, 2008?

   Only SBDICs delivered after Feburary 11, 2008 by an MTO approved-course provider will be recognized at DriveTest offices. Certificates issued under the old program will still be valid for five years from their date of course completion.

   In order to conduct uninterrupted SBDIC course delivery, existing course providers are strongly encouraged to apply for approved course provider status as early as possible.

8. Where can course developers/providers find more information?

   Details on the revised SBDIC program can be found in the School Bus Driver Improvement Course, Program Standards - Course Provider Manual.

   If after reading the SBDIC Course Provider Manual you have questions, please contact:

   Program Development and Evaluation Branch
   Ministry of Transportation
   1201 Wilson Avenue, Room B-051
   Lower Level, East Building
   Downsview, Ontario
   M3M 1J8
   Telephone: (416) 235-4612

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• SBDIC Course Provider Manual
• Requisition for SBDIC Certificates (for SBDIC ministry-approved course providers only)