DL 260 Form – The DL 260 Form, officially known as the Transit Driver Training Record, is a required California DMV document that transit bus drivers must complete to obtain or renew their Verification of Transit Training (VTT) certificate. This free PDF form tracks classroom, in-service, and behind-the-wheel training hours to ensure drivers meet state safety standards for operating public transit vehicles.
If you’re a transit driver, fleet manager, or employer in California, downloading and using the latest DL 260 PDF is essential for compliance with Vehicle Code requirements and DMV regulations.
What Is the DL 260 Form?
The DL 260 is a two-page form issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) specifically for recording training hours needed for the Verification of Transit Training (VTT). It applies to drivers of transit buses that provide regularly scheduled public transportation for a fare (excluding school buses or paratransit vehicles).
Key details include:
- Form title: Transit Driver Training Record (DL 260)
- Revision: 5/2016 (current official version uploaded March 2025)
- Purpose: Documents minimum training hours for original VTT issuance or renewal
- Official download: Directly from the California DMV website
This form ensures drivers receive proper instruction in defensive driving, passenger safety, emergency procedures, and vehicle operation—critical for public safety.
Who Needs the DL 260 Transit Driver Training Record?
You must complete the DL 260 Form if you are:
- Applying for an original VTT certificate as a new transit bus driver
- Renewing an existing VTT certificate
- Employed by a public transit agency operating fare-based scheduled service
- Operating a Class A or B commercial vehicle with a Passenger (P) endorsement for transit routes
Note: Drivers who already hold a valid school bus or school pupil activity bus (SPAB) certificate do not need a separate VTT. However, all other transit operators must maintain this training record.
Employers (transit agencies) are responsible for ensuring DOT-certified trainers complete and sign the form.
Original vs. Renewal Training Requirements on DL 260
The form clearly separates requirements for new and renewing drivers:
For Original VTT Certificates
- Minimum 15 hours of classroom training
- Minimum 20 hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) training
- In-service training hours may supplement the totals
For VTT Renewal (Every 12 Months of Validity)
- 8 hours total of classroom, in-service, or behind-the-wheel training per year
- In the final 12 months before renewal, the 8 hours must include classroom instruction on:
- Current laws and regulations
- Defensive driving
- Accident prevention
- Emergency procedures
- Passenger loading/unloading
Pre-1990 hires have additional specific classroom requirements documented in Section 4 of the form.
Training definitions (from the official instructions):
- Classroom: Hour-for-hour credit with a certified instructor
- Behind-the-wheel: Active instruction time only
- In-service: Includes safety meetings, inspections, roadeos (max 5 hours credit), and conferences
How to Fill Out the DL 260 Form Step by Step?
Follow these official instructions to avoid delays:
- Section A & B — Check “Original” or “Renewal” and select the correct bus type.
- Applicant & Employer Info — Enter name, birth date, DL number, address, employment date, and employer phone.
- Training Record Table — Record monthly hours for Classroom, In-service, and Behind-the-wheel across up to 5 years.
- Trainer Signatures — Classroom instructor (A) and driving/in-service instructor (B) must sign with their CA DL numbers each year.
- Driver Initials — The driver must initial each year’s entry.
- Grand Total & Additional Hours — Summarize totals; include roadeos if applicable.
- Certification Section — Only a DOT-certified trainer may sign the final certificate line. The driver also signs to certify receipt of training.
- DMV Representative — Signed and dated when submitted at a DMV office.
Important: Falsification of the DL 260 can result in certificate cancellation and penalties. Keep the completed form in employee files until renewal.
Download the Official DL 260 PDF (Free & Direct Link)
Direct download link (official California DMV):
DL 260 Transit Driver Training Record PDF
This is the most current version available on the DMV website. No registration or login is required. Print, fill by hand, or complete digitally before printing for signatures.
Where to Submit the Completed DL 260 Form?
- Present the signed original DL 260 along with your application at a California DMV field office when applying for or renewing your VTT certificate.
- Transit agencies often coordinate bulk submissions or keep records internally.
- The form must accompany other required documents (medical certificate, CDL with P endorsement, etc.).
Always confirm current requirements at dmv.ca.gov before visiting, as processing times and exact procedures can vary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with DL 260
- Forgetting trainer CA DL numbers or DOT certification
- Missing driver initials on yearly entries
- Incorrectly classifying in-service hours (check definitions carefully)
- Using an outdated form (always use the 5/2016 revision from the DMV link above)
- Failing to include required classroom topics in the final renewal year
Double-check all signatures and totals before submission to prevent rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About DL 260 Form
Is the DL 260 form still current in 2026?
Yes. The official DMV version (REV. 5/2016) remains the required form and is actively hosted on the DMV website.
Can I fill it out online?
The PDF can be filled digitally, but all signatures must be original (wet ink) or properly notarized where required.
Do I need DL 260 if I have a CDL with P endorsement?
Yes — the VTT (supported by DL 260) is a separate transit-specific requirement beyond the CDL.
Where can employers get blank copies?
Free unlimited downloads from the official DMV link provided above.
Why Proper Transit Driver Training with DL 260 Matters?
Accurate completion of the DL 260 Transit Driver Training Record protects passengers, drivers, and employers while ensuring full compliance with California law. It demonstrates that every transit operator has received the mandated safety training, reducing accident risk and supporting professional standards across the state’s public transportation network.
Ready to get started?
Download your DL 260 PDF today from the official California DMV source and keep your VTT certification current.
For the most up-to-date information, always refer directly to dmv.ca.gov or contact your local DMV field office. Safe driving starts with proper documentation!