PennDOT DL-711C: PA School Bus Instructor Coordinator Form – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires certified professionals to oversee school bus driver training programs across the Commonwealth. Form DL-711C, the official School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification form, plays a central role in this process. This guide explains what the form is, who needs it, how to complete it, and where to download the current version for use by school districts, intermediate units, and school bus contractors in the United States, specifically Pennsylvania.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-711C?
Form DL-711C is the official certification document issued by PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing for individuals seeking initial certification, annual renewal, or changes to their status as a School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator. The current version is marked DL-711C (1-26). It formalizes the appointment of a coordinator who supervises school bus driver instructors and ensures training complies with state regulations.
Instructor Coordinators play a supervisory role. They oversee certified instructors who deliver classroom and behind-the-wheel training to new and recertifying school bus drivers. The form confirms that the applicant has received the required administrative procedures and understands the consequences of non-compliance.
You can download the official Form DL-711C directly from PennDOT here: Download PennDOT Form DL-711C (PDF).
Purpose of the School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification
Pennsylvania’s school bus driver training program operates under 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71 (School Bus Drivers). Local public school districts or intermediate units administer the courses, which must be available to public, private, and parochial school bus drivers within their boundaries. Certified Instructor Coordinators help ensure uniformity, quality, and legal compliance in this training.
The certification process supports Federal Standard 17 requirements for pupil transportation safety. By completing Form DL-711C, coordinators affirm they will administer the program according to the School Bus Driver Training Program Administrative Procedures (dated January 2026) and the relevant sections of Chapter 71.4 (driver’s examination) and Chapter 71.5 (courses of instruction).
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-711C?
Individuals who wish to serve as School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinators for a school district, intermediate unit (IU), or school bus contractor in Pennsylvania must submit Form DL-711C. This includes:
- Applicants seeking initial certification
- Current coordinators completing annual renewal
- Those requesting a change or correction of information
Coordinators typically work under the supervision of a Superintendent or Executive Director. Many also hold active status as School Bus Driver Instructors (certified via related Form DL-711), though the form allows for the option of not serving as an active instructor.
Key Sections of Form DL-711C
The form is structured for clarity and accountability. Main sections include:
- Check Only One – Select Initial Certification, Annual Renewal of Certification, or Change/Correction of Information.
- Instructor Coordinator Information – Name, Intermediate Unit, phone, driver license number, instructor coordinator number, fax, email, and mailing address.
- Employer Information – School District/Contractor/IU name, contact details, and mailing address.
- Affidavit for Certification as an Instructor Coordinator – The applicant swears they have received the Administrative Procedures and Chapter 71 materials. They affirm understanding that failure to administer the program properly can result in decertification or suspension. Applicants also indicate whether they serve as an active School Bus Driver Instructor and attest to holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) of the appropriate class and endorsements if they do instruct.
- Superintendent or Executive Director Information – This section requires the supervising official to initial specific statements confirming receipt of the required documents, understanding of the coordinator’s roles, and awareness of potential penalties for non-compliance. The official then signs and dates the form.
Requirements and Qualifications for Instructor Coordinators
While Form DL-711C itself focuses on certification and attestation, coordinators operate within the broader framework of 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71. Instructors under their supervision must possess a certificate of instruction issued by PennDOT. Training courses cover classroom theory and in-bus practical instruction.
New school bus drivers generally need a minimum of 20 hours of instruction (at least 14 classroom and 6 one-on-one in-bus). Recertification typically requires 10 hours (7 classroom and 3 in-bus). All training must be delivered by certified instructors under the oversight of a certified Instructor Coordinator.
Coordinators who also instruct must maintain a valid CDL of the same or higher class as the vehicles involved, along with necessary endorsements. Failure to follow the prescribed program can lead to loss of certification privileges.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-711C?
Follow these steps for accurate completion:
- Download the latest version of the form from the official PennDOT link provided above.
- Select the appropriate checkbox for initial certification, renewal, or change of information.
- Complete all personal and employer information fields accurately.
- Read and sign the Affidavit section. Indicate instructor status if applicable.
- Have the Superintendent or Executive Director review, initial the required statements, sign, and date the form.
- Submit the completed form according to current PennDOT instructions (typically to the Bureau of Driver Licensing). Contact information on related forms includes P.O. Box 68684, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8684, phone (717) 787-6453, or email [email protected].
Always use the most current form version, as administrative procedures are periodically updated (the affidavit references the January 2026 procedures).
Related Forms and Resources
Instructor Coordinators frequently work with these companion documents available on the official PennDOT School Bus Instructors page:
- Form DL-711 – School Bus Driver Instructor Certification
- Form DL-714 – School Bus Drivers Training Report
- Form DL-712 – Instructor Applicant Certification Log
- Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Instructor’s Manual and related training units
Visit the official resources page for the full set of materials: PennDOT School Bus Instructor Coordinators/Instructors.
Importance of Compliance and Annual Renewal
Maintaining valid certification is essential for continuous operation of school bus driver training programs. Annual renewal via Form DL-711C helps PennDOT track active coordinators and ensures ongoing adherence to safety standards. Non-compliance with Chapter 71 or the Administrative Procedures can result in decertification or suspension of privileges, affecting the ability of local programs to train drivers.
School districts, intermediate units, and contractors rely on properly certified coordinators to meet state requirements and protect student safety during transportation.
Where to Get Help?
For questions about Form DL-711C, certification status, or the school bus training program, contact PennDOT’s school bus support team at [email protected] or (717) 787-6453. Official forms and the Instructor’s Manual are available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.
Staying current with Form DL-711C and related requirements helps Pennsylvania maintain high standards for school bus driver preparation and student transportation safety across the United States.