In Missouri all school bus drivers must be a minimum age of twenty-one.These guidelines vary depending on the type of vehicle used to transport students. Under most circumstances, a bus driver, teacher, coach or school staff member who transports students as part of their employment responsibilities must meet minimum specified state guidelines. (reclining seats, restroom, air conditioning, etc) This means that a school district cannot purchase, contract, or rent any vehicle with a rated occupancy of more than 10 to transport students unless it is a motor coach and meets the Missouri definition for motor coach. Under federal and state guidelines, any vehicle used to transport students with a rated occupancy of more than 10 passengers, including the driver, must be a yellow school bus and meet all Missouri Minimum Standards for School Buses and all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for School Buses The following guidelines should be followed when considering alternative transportation methods. In the climate of reduced budgets and a shortage of bus drivers, districts are looking for innovative methods to transport students. Alan Schmitt, ARM-P – Area Vice President Loss Control
