PennDOT DL-711C DS School Bus Instructor Coordinator Form – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires certified School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinators to oversee training programs for school bus drivers across the Commonwealth. Form DL-711C DS is the official document used for initial certification, annual renewal, or updates to Instructor Coordinator information. The “DS” designation indicates the electronic submission version, allowing applicants to complete, sign, and submit the form online for faster processing.
This guide provides current, accurate information for U.S. residents—particularly those in Pennsylvania—on the purpose of the form, eligibility, how to complete the electronic version, and where to access official resources.
What Is PennDOT Form DL-711C DS?
Form DL-711C is the School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification application issued by PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing. The DL-711C DS version supports secure electronic completion and digital signature submission. According to official PennDOT guidance, forms marked with a “DS” suffix can be completed, signed, and transmitted online, reducing processing time compared with paper submissions.
The form certifies that an individual is authorized to coordinate and supervise school bus driver training programs in compliance with 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71 (School Bus Drivers) and the current School Bus Driver Training Program Administrative Procedures.
Key sections of the form include:
- Instructor Coordinator personal and contact information
- Employer (school district, contractor, or Intermediate Unit) details
- Affidavit confirming receipt of training procedures and understanding of responsibilities
- Option to indicate whether the applicant also serves as an active School Bus Driver Instructor
- Required initials and signature from the supervising Superintendent or Executive Director
Who Needs to Complete Form DL-711C DS?
This form is required for individuals seeking to become or remain certified as a School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator in Pennsylvania. Typical applicants include:
- Employees of public school districts
- Personnel of Intermediate Units (IUs)
- Staff of private school bus contractors
Instructor Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that school bus driver training courses meet state standards, including the required classroom and in-bus instruction hours for new and recertifying drivers. Failure to follow the prescribed program can result in suspension or decertification of the Instructor Coordinator privilege.
Eligibility and Key Requirements
To qualify, applicants must affirm that they have received and reviewed:
- The School Bus Driver Training Program Administrative Procedures (current version dated January 2026)
- Relevant sections of 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71, including §71.4 (driver’s examination) and §71.5 (courses of instruction)
If the applicant also serves as a School Bus Driver Instructor, they must attest to holding a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) of the same or higher class as the vehicles being used for training, along with all necessary endorsements (typically Passenger “P” and School Bus “S”).
The supervising Superintendent or Executive Director must initial statements confirming they understand the Coordinator’s roles and the consequences of non-compliance, then sign the form.
How to Complete and Submit Form DL-711C DS Electronically?
PennDOT has expanded electronic form submission to improve efficiency. The DL-711C DS version uses a secure digital signature platform. Follow these steps:
- Access the official DL-711C DS form through the PennDOT website or the direct download link provided below.
- Click the link to begin the electronic process. You will be prompted to enter your full name and email address. If multiple signatures are required (applicant plus Superintendent/Executive Director), enter the additional signer’s information as well.
- Select “Begin Signing.” The form will display for completion.
- Fill in all required fields accurately, including personal details, employer information, and the appropriate checkbox for Initial Certification, Annual Renewal, or Change/Correction of Information.
- Complete the affidavit section and add your digital signature.
- The Superintendent or Executive Director will receive a prompt to review, initial the required statements, and sign digitally.
- Once all signatures are complete, select “Finish.” The signed form is automatically emailed to PennDOT for processing.
For technical issues with the digital signature process, contact PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Customer Call Center at 717-412-5300 and reference “DocuSign DVS.” For questions about the form content itself, reference “Driver Licensing Form.”
Download the Official Form DL-711C DS
Always obtain the form directly from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources to ensure you have the current version.
Official Download Link (Electronic Submission Version):
Download PennDOT Form DL-711C DS (PDF)
A printable (non-electronic) version of DL-711C is also available on the official School Bus Instructors page for those who prefer traditional submission methods.
Related Official Resources and Supporting Forms
PennDOT maintains a dedicated page for School Bus Instructor Coordinators and Instructors with current training materials and forms:
- Official PennDOT School Bus Instructors Page
- Related forms commonly used alongside DL-711C: DL-711 (Instructor Certification), DL-704 (School Bus Physical), DL-712 (Instructor Applicant Certification Log), and DL-714
- Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Instructor’s Manual and associated unit materials (available as PDFs on the same page)
Contact for additional assistance: [email protected]
Why Electronic Submission Matters?
PennDOT introduced electronic (“DS”) versions of many driver licensing and motor vehicle forms to streamline service. Electronic submission allows staff to begin processing forms more quickly, reduces mailing delays, and provides a clear digital audit trail of signatures. Applicants benefit from convenience and faster turnaround, which is especially valuable for annual renewals required to maintain active Instructor Coordinator status.
Important Compliance Notes
Certification as an Instructor Coordinator carries significant responsibility. Coordinators must ensure that all school bus driver training—both initial 20-hour programs (14 classroom + 6 in-bus) and 10-hour refresher courses—follows state-approved curriculum and administrative procedures. Non-compliance can lead to suspension or loss of certification privileges for both the Coordinator and associated instructors.
Always verify that you are using the most recent version of the Administrative Procedures (currently January 2026) and 67 Pa. Code Chapter 71 before submitting the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for submitting Form DL-711C DS?
PennDOT does not charge an additional fee for electronic form submission itself. Any applicable certification or licensing fees follow standard PennDOT schedules.
Can the form be submitted by mail instead?
Yes. A printable version of DL-711C remains available. However, the DS electronic version is recommended for faster processing.
Who must sign the form?
The applicant (Instructor Coordinator) and the supervising Superintendent or Executive Director must both complete their respective sections and provide signatures.
Where can I find the current training procedures?
Refer to the resources linked on the official PennDOT School Bus Instructors webpage.
Conclusion
PennDOT Form DL-711C DS provides a convenient, secure method for individuals in Pennsylvania to apply for or renew School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification. By completing the electronic version, applicants help ensure timely processing while meeting state requirements for safe and standardized school bus driver training.
Download the official form using the link above, follow the electronic submission instructions carefully, and contact PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services at 717-412-5300 or the school bus help email if you need assistance. Staying current with certification requirements supports Pennsylvania’s ongoing commitment to pupil transportation safety.