PennDOT Form DL-712: Instructor Applicant Certification Log – If you are seeking certification as a school bus driver instructor in Pennsylvania, the PennDOT Form DL-712 – Instructor Applicant Certification Log is a required document. This official form tracks the training hours and topics completed by instructor applicants under the supervision of a certified Training Instructor Coordinator. Issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Bureau of Driver Licensing, the current version is DL-712 (2-22).
This guide provides clear, up-to-date information for U.S. residents, particularly those in Pennsylvania, on the purpose of Form DL-712, required topics, completion steps, and how it fits into the broader school bus instructor certification process.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-712?
Form DL-712 is the official Instructor Applicant Certification Log used to document that an individual has completed the required instructor training program to become a certified school bus driver instructor in Pennsylvania. It records personal information, training dates and hours, topics covered, and required signatures.
The form is submitted as part of the certification process administered through local school districts, intermediate units, or school bus contractors under PennDOT oversight. It ensures compliance with state regulations, including 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71 (School Bus Drivers) and related federal standards such as Entry-Level Driver Training under 49 CFR 380.503.
According to the official PennDOT School Bus Instructors page, the form appears under Resources as the “Instructor Applicant Certification Log.”
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-712?
Form DL-712 is required for individuals applying to become certified school bus driver instructors in Pennsylvania. These instructors deliver the mandatory classroom and in-bus training to new and recertifying school bus drivers.
Typical applicants include experienced school bus drivers or transportation professionals who meet prerequisites such as holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements and having at least two years of relevant experience. A Supervising Instructor Coordinator must approve the applicant before training begins.
Once certified (using related Form DL-711), instructors help ensure safe pupil transportation across public, private, and parochial schools in the Commonwealth.
Key Sections of the DL-712 Form
The official DL-712 (2-22) form includes these main sections:
- Instructor Applicant Information – Printed name and Pennsylvania driver’s license number.
- Supervising Instructor Coordinator Approval – Name, number, and signature required before the applicant attends class.
- Training Instructor Coordinator Details – Name and number of the coordinator overseeing the training.
- Required Topics Checklist – All topics must be covered and checked off.
- Training Log Table – Columns for Training Date, Instructor Coordinator Number, Training Start Time, Training End Time, Break Time (list all breaks), and Total Training Hours Per Date.
- Total Hours Statement – “I Have Completed _____ Hours of Instructor Training.”
- Signatures and Certification – Applicant (Instructor) and Training Instructor Coordinator signatures with dates. Both certify the information is true under penalty of law.
- Department Use Only – Space reserved for PennDOT processing.
The form carries a clear warning: Falsification is a misdemeanor of the third degree punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to one year under 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904(b).
Required Training Topics on Form DL-712
All of the following topics must be covered during instructor applicant training:
- Introduction & Instructor’s Overview
- Meets 2 years CDL and all endorsements training
- Administrative Procedures
- Title 67, Chapter 71
- Instructor’s Guide to Training Drivers
- Using the Instructor’s Manual
- Using Pub 223
- Completion of Paperwork
- Use of Resources
- Entry Level Driver Training in accordance with 49 CFR 380.503
- Course Summary
- Post Test
These topics prepare applicants to deliver consistent, high-quality training aligned with the Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Instructor’s Manual and federal safety standards.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-712?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Obtain Supervising Instructor Coordinator approval and signature before attending any class.
- Complete all required training topics under a certified Training Instructor Coordinator.
- Accurately log every training session, including dates, start/end times, breaks, and total hours.
- Check off every topic on the form.
- Fill in the total hours completed.
- Both the applicant and the Training Instructor Coordinator must sign and date the form, certifying accuracy under penalty of law.
- Submit the completed form as directed by your Training Instructor Coordinator or employer, typically along with other certification documents such as Form DL-711 (School Bus Driver Instructor Certification).
Keep a copy for your records. Contact PennDOT’s School Bus Help desk at [email protected] for specific submission questions.
Download the Official PennDOT Form DL-712 PDF
Always use the current official version directly from PennDOT to ensure accuracy and acceptance.
Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-712 – Instructor Applicant Certification Log (PDF)
You can also access it from the official School Bus Instructors resource page: School Bus Instructors | Driver and Vehicle Services.
Related Forms and Resources for School Bus Instructors
Form DL-712 works together with other PennDOT documents:
- DL-711 – School Bus Driver Instructor Certification (initial and annual renewal)
- DL-711C – School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification
- DL-714 – School Bus Driver Training Report (used for driver training records)
- Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Instructor’s Manual and related units (available on the official instructors page)
- Instructor Training Log
These materials support Pennsylvania’s compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards aimed at reducing risks to school children during transportation.
Why Accurate Completion of DL-712 Matters?
Proper documentation on Form DL-712 helps maintain the integrity of Pennsylvania’s school bus driver training program. Certified instructors play a critical role in preparing drivers who transport thousands of students daily. Incomplete or inaccurate logs can delay certification or lead to rejection by PennDOT.
By following the official process and using current forms, applicants contribute to safer roads and stronger pupil transportation standards across the United States, with a specific focus on Pennsylvania requirements.
Contact PennDOT for Assistance
For questions about Form DL-712, instructor certification, or related school bus programs:
- Email: [email protected]
- Bureau of Driver Licensing mailing address listed on the form: 1101 S. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516
- Official website: www.dmv.pa.gov
Always verify the latest forms and procedures on official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania websites, as requirements can be updated.