PennDOT Form DL-104A: School Bus Psychiatric Form

PennDOT Form DL-104A: School Bus Psychiatric Form – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires strict medical standards for school bus drivers to protect the safety of students, passengers, and the public. One key document in this process is PennDOT Form DL-104A, known as the School Bus General Psychiatric Form. This specialized medical reporting form evaluates whether a school bus driver or applicant has any mental, emotional, or psychiatric condition that could impair safe operation of a school bus.

This guide explains what Form DL-104A is, when it is required, the legal basis under Pennsylvania regulations, how it fits into the broader school bus driver medical process, and where to obtain the official form. Information is drawn from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources and current regulations.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-104A?

Form DL-104A is the official School Bus General Psychiatric Form issued by PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing. It is designed specifically for school bus drivers under the medical standards in Title 67 of the Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 71.

Unlike the general psychiatric form (DL-104) used for non-school-bus drivers under Chapter 83, the DL-104A version addresses the unique demands of transporting children. Healthcare providers use it to report and evaluate whether an individual has a mental, emotional, or psychiatric disorder—functional or organic—that may manifest in conditions likely to impair the ability to drive a school bus safely.

Examples of concerning symptoms listed in the regulations include inattentiveness, despondency, aggressiveness, or lack of concern for the safety of self or others.

Legal Requirements Under 67 Pa. Code § 71.3

Pennsylvania law sets clear physical and mental qualification standards for school bus drivers. Under 67 Pa. Code § 71.3(b)(11), a person is physically qualified to drive a school bus only if the individual:

Has no mental, emotional, or psychiatric disorder (whether functional or organic) that may be manifested in a condition likely to impair the ability to drive a school bus safely, such as inattentiveness, despondency, aggressiveness, or lack of concern for the safety of self or others.

A physical examination is required for every applicant for an “S” (school bus) endorsement and annually thereafter for current holders. The examining practitioner—school transportation medical practitioner, physician, chiropractor, certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP), or physician assistant—must determine qualification. If psychiatric concerns arise, Form DL-104A is the designated reporting tool.

Related provisions appear in the Medical Reporting Forms section of the official PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website, which lists DL-104A specifically under Chapter 71 school bus driver medical regulations.

When Is Form DL-104A Required?

Healthcare providers complete Form DL-104A in several situations:

During the initial school bus driver physical examination (typically using Form DL-704) when a psychiatric history or current symptoms are identified.
When a current school bus driver develops a mental or emotional condition that could affect safe driving.
As part of a medical reporting process under Pennsylvania’s Medically Impaired Driver Law, which requires authorized healthcare personnel to report conditions that may impair driving ability for patients age 15 and older.
When seeking restoration of school bus driving privileges after a previous psychiatric-related disqualification.

School bus drivers must also pass a physical examination every 13 months and carry a valid Physical Examination Certificate (DL-742) while operating a school bus. Any new condition that would have disqualified the driver at the time of the original exam voids the certificate and may trigger additional reporting, including use of DL-104A.

How Healthcare Providers Complete and Submit the Form?

Form DL-104A is intended for use by qualified healthcare professionals. Access to many PennDOT medical reporting forms is restricted; providers typically need medical reporting login credentials through the official PennDOT system.

The form gathers detailed information about the patient’s psychiatric history, current diagnoses, treatment, medications, hospitalizations, and functional impact on driving-related abilities. Providers assess symptoms relevant to school bus operation, such as the ability to remain attentive, manage stress, respond appropriately to student behavior or emergencies, and prioritize safety.

Completed forms are submitted to PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing for review. The Medical Advisory Board or designated reviewers may evaluate complex cases. Drivers may be required to undergo further evaluation by a psychiatrist, neurologist, or licensed psychologist, and in some restoration cases, pass a school bus-specific knowledge and skills test.

Official contact for medical reporting questions:

Phone: 717-787-9664
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 68682, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8682

How Form DL-104A Fits Into Becoming and Remaining a School Bus Driver in Pennsylvania?

To obtain a school bus endorsement in Pennsylvania, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years of age (21 for interstate routes).
Hold or obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
Pass a school bus physical examination using Form DL-704 (or equivalent) conducted by an authorized provider.
Complete required training (minimum 20 hours initially, with refresher training every four years).
Clear criminal history, child abuse, and FBI background checks.
Pass knowledge and skills tests.

Ongoing medical fitness is mandatory. Annual physicals and prompt reporting of any new conditions help maintain the endorsement. Form DL-104A supports this continuous safety oversight specifically for psychiatric fitness.

For more details on becoming a school bus driver, visit the official PennDOT page: Become a School Bus Driver.

Download the Official Pennsylvania PennDOT Form DL-104A

The official School Bus General Psychiatric Form (DL-104A) is available as a PDF from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Healthcare providers and authorized users should obtain the current version directly from trusted sources.

Download the form here:
Official PennDOT Form DL-104A PDF

Always verify that you are using the most recent edition, as forms are updated periodically. Providers may also access protected medical forms through the official Medical Reporting Forms portal after obtaining credentials.

Additional Official Resources

PennDOT Medical Reporting Forms – Lists DL-104A and other school bus medical forms under Chapter 71.
Medical Reporting Information Center – Comprehensive guidance for healthcare personnel and drivers.
67 Pa. Code § 71.3 – Physical Examination – Full regulatory text.
School Transportation FAQs – Answers common questions about school bus driver credentials and requirements.

Why Psychiatric Evaluation Matters for School Bus Safety?

School buses transport some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable passengers—children. Drivers must maintain constant attention, exercise sound judgment under stress, manage student behavior calmly, and respond effectively in emergencies. Mental health conditions that produce inattentiveness, aggression, or impaired concern for safety pose elevated risks in this environment.

By requiring Form DL-104A when indicated, PennDOT helps ensure that only medically qualified individuals operate school buses, supporting the Commonwealth’s strong safety record for student transportation.