PennDOT DL-714 DS: School Bus Drivers Training Report Form – School bus drivers in Pennsylvania play a critical role in ensuring the safe transportation of students every day. To maintain high safety standards, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires documentation of specialized training through the official School Bus Drivers Training Report Form, known as DL-714. The electronic submission version, often referred to as DL-714 DS, allows faster processing and modern convenience for drivers, trainers, school districts, and contractors across the United States, with a primary focus on Pennsylvania residents and operators.
This comprehensive guide explains everything USA-based school bus drivers, instructors, and employers need to know about Form DL-714 DS, including training requirements, how to complete and submit it electronically, key topics covered, and where to access the official form.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-714 DS?
Form DL-714 is the official School Bus Drivers Training Report Form issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Driver Licensing. It documents that a school bus driver has completed the required classroom (or virtual) and one-on-one in-bus training necessary to obtain or renew the school bus (S) endorsement on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
The “DS” designation indicates the version designed for electronic (digital) submission. PennDOT introduced electronic submission options for many driver licensing forms beginning in 2023 to reduce processing times and improve customer service. Drivers and trainers can complete, sign, and submit the form securely online rather than mailing a paper copy.
Official mailing address for traditional paper submissions (when needed) remains: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68684, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8684.
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-714?
This form is required for:
- New school bus driver applicants seeking the initial S endorsement
- Current school bus drivers completing recertification training every four years
- Certified school bus driver trainers documenting completed instruction
- School districts, intermediate units, and private contractors employing school bus drivers in Pennsylvania
Both the driver and the certified training instructor must sign the form. The driver’s signature certifies, under penalty of law, that the information is true and correct. Falsification is a misdemeanor of the third degree, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.
School Bus Driver Training Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law mandates specific minimum training hours to protect student safety. These requirements are outlined in official PennDOT resources, including the School Bus Driver’s Manual and related fact sheets.
Initial Certification (New Drivers)
- Minimum of 14 hours of classroom or virtual training
- Minimum of 6 hours of one-on-one in-bus training
- Total of at least 20 hours of school bus-specific instruction
Recertification (Every Four Years)
- Minimum of 7 hours of classroom or virtual training
- Minimum of 3 hours of one-on-one in-bus training
- Total of at least 10 hours of refresher training
- Successful completion of the School Bus Knowledge Test and a skills evaluation
Important: If the minimum hours are not provided, or if in-bus training is not conducted one-on-one, drivers should not sign the form. Concerns can be reported to PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Unit at (717) 787-6453 or via email at [email protected].
Topics Covered on Form DL-714
All listed topics must be covered during training. The form includes checkboxes for verification.
Classroom / Virtual Training Topics
- Introduction
- School Bus Driver: Role, Responsibilities, and Requirements
- Student Management and Discipline
- Student Loading and Unloading
- Transportation of Students with Disabilities
- Preventative Maintenance
- Safe Driving
- Fundamentals of Driving a School Bus
- Crash and Emergency Procedures
- Student Emergencies
- Parked Bus
- Commercial Driver License
- Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)
- Summary and Post/ELDT Test
One-on-One In-Bus Training Topics
- Pre-Trip Inspection Procedures
- On-Road Checks
- Entering the Flow of Traffic
- Intersections
- Changing Lanes
- Being Overtaken and Passed
- Overtaking and Passing
- Downgrades
- Proper Braking
- And additional practical skills as required
Trainers must record dates, instructor numbers, start and end times, break times, and total hours for both classroom/virtual and in-bus sessions.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-714 DS Electronically?
The electronic version streamlines the process using a secure digital signature platform (similar to DocuSign). Follow these steps:
- Access the official electronic submission instructions or form link provided by PennDOT.
- Enter your full name and email address when prompted. If multiple signatures are required (driver and instructor), provide the additional signer’s details.
- Click “Begin Signing” to open the fillable form.
- Complete all required fields accurately, including driver information, license number, training dates, hours, and topic checklists.
- Add electronic signatures at the designated areas.
- Select “Finish.” The completed form is automatically emailed to PennDOT for processing.
For questions about the form content, contact PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 and reference “Driver Licensing Form.” For technical issues with digital signatures, reference “DocuSign DVS.”
Printable paper versions of DL-714 remain available for those who prefer traditional submission.
Download the Official Form DL-714 Electronic Submission
Download the official Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-714 for electronic submission directly from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website:
Always use the most current version available on the official pa.gov website to ensure compliance.
Additional Requirements for School Bus Drivers in Pennsylvania
Beyond the DL-714 training report, prospective and current school bus drivers must also:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Obtain and pass a School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination (Form DL-704)
- Submit Form DL-31CD (Application for Commercial Learner’s Permit) with applicable fees
- Pass vision screening and knowledge tests (Commercial General Knowledge, Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement, and Air Brakes if applicable)
- Pass a road skills test that includes pre-trip inspection, basic maneuvers, on-road driving, simulated student discharge, and railroad crossing
- Complete Pennsylvania State Police criminal history check and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services child abuse history check
For complete details, refer to the official Become a School Bus Driver page on the Pennsylvania DMV website and the School Bus Driver Licensing Process Fact Sheet.
Why Electronic Submission Matters for USA School Bus Drivers?
Electronic submission of Form DL-714 DS offers several advantages for Pennsylvania and USA-based operators:
- Faster processing by PennDOT staff
- Reduced mailing delays and lost paperwork
- Secure digital signatures with audit trails
- Convenient access from any location with internet
- Improved record-keeping for school districts and contractors
PennDOT continues to expand electronic options for driver licensing forms as part of ongoing modernization efforts.
Contact Information and Support
For assistance with Form DL-714 DS or school bus driver licensing:
- PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Call Center: 717-412-5300 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
- School Bus Safety Unit: (717) 787-6453
- Email: [email protected]
- Official website: www.dmv.pa.gov or www.pa.gov
Always verify information with official PennDOT sources, as requirements may be updated. This article is based on current publicly available PennDOT publications and forms as of the latest available data.