PennDOT Instructor Training Log | Official PA Form PDF – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires certified school bus driver instructors to maintain accurate training records. One key document in this process is the Instructor Training Log. This form helps track hours, topics covered, and compliance with state regulations under Title 67, Chapter 71 of the Pennsylvania Code. It supports the safe and uniform training of school bus drivers across the Commonwealth.
Whether you are a new instructor applicant, an experienced certified instructor, or an Instructor Coordinator, understanding and properly completing the Instructor Training Log is essential for certification and ongoing compliance. This guide covers what the form is, who needs it, how to use it, and where to download the official version.
What Is the PennDOT Instructor Training Log?
The Instructor Training Log is an official PennDOT document used primarily in the school bus driver instructor certification and training program. It records the details of instructor training sessions, including dates, times, topics, break periods, and total hours completed. The current version still referenced by PennDOT is the 2008 edition.
This log works alongside related forms such as the Instructor Applicant Certification Log (DL-712). While DL-712 focuses on the applicant’s completion of required instructor training topics and hours, the Instructor Training Log provides a detailed record of the training activities themselves.
PennDOT’s Bureau of Driver Licensing oversees the school bus instructor program to meet federal standards under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Highway Safety Program Standard 17. Accurate logging helps ensure that instructors deliver consistent, high-quality training to new and recertifying school bus drivers.
Who Needs to Use the Instructor Training Log?
The form is primarily used by:
- Individuals seeking initial certification as a School Bus Driver Instructor
- Certified School Bus Driver Instructors documenting ongoing training activities
- Instructor Coordinators who supervise and approve training sessions
- School districts, intermediate units, and private contractors that employ school bus instructors
Applicants must typically complete a structured instructor training course covering administrative procedures, use of the Instructor’s Manual, Title 67 Chapter 71 requirements, Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) under 49 CFR 380.503, and related topics. The log documents that these requirements have been met.
Key Information Recorded on the Form
Although the exact layout of the 2008 Instructor Training Log focuses on session details, related certification logs (such as DL-712) commonly capture the following elements:
- Instructor applicant’s full name and driver’s license number
- Training Instructor Coordinator’s name, number, and signature
- Training dates, start and end times, and break periods
- Total training hours per date
- Confirmation that all required topics were covered
- Attestation of completed instructor training hours
Required topics typically include an introduction and instructor overview, administrative procedures, use of the Instructor’s Manual and Pub 223, completion of paperwork, resource use, ELDT compliance, course summary, and post-test.
How to Download the Official PennDOT Instructor Training Log?
Always obtain forms directly from official Commonwealth of Pennsylvania sources to ensure you have the current version. The Instructor Training Log is available as a free PDF download.
Official Download Link:
Download the Pennsylvania PennDOT Instructor Training Log (Version 2008) PDF
You can also access the form and related resources from the official School Bus Instructors page on the Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Related official forms include:
- Instructor Applicant Certification Log (DL-712)
- School Bus Driver Instructor Certification (DL-711)
- School Bus Driver Instructor Coordinator Certification (DL-711C)
- School Bus Drivers Training Report (DL-714)
Steps to Complete the Instructor Training Log Correctly
Follow these best practices when filling out the form:
- Print the form clearly or complete it digitally if a fillable version is available.
- Use blue or black ink for handwritten entries.
- Record accurate dates, start/end times, and all break periods for each training session.
- Calculate and enter the total training hours per date carefully.
- Ensure the Training Instructor Coordinator reviews and signs the form where required.
- Verify that all mandatory topics listed on related certification forms have been covered.
- Retain copies for your records and submit the completed form as directed by your Instructor Coordinator or PennDOT.
Incomplete or inaccurate logs can delay certification or lead to questions during audits. Always double-check entries before submission.
Related Training Requirements for Pennsylvania School Bus Instructors
To become a certified School Bus Driver Instructor in Pennsylvania, candidates generally must:
- Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the appropriate class and endorsements
- Meet experience requirements (often including at least two years of CDL experience with all necessary endorsements)
- Complete the official instructor training course covering the topics outlined in the Instructor’s Manual and Administrative Procedures
- Obtain approval from a supervising Instructor Coordinator before attending certain classes
- Submit required certification forms (including logs) to the Bureau of Driver Licensing
Ongoing requirements include annual teaching minimums (such as classroom units and in-bus training hours) and timely renewal of certification using forms like DL-711.
For the most current curriculum materials, visit the official PennDOT School Bus Instructors page. There you will find the full Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Instructor’s Manual, unit PDFs, course guides, and additional forms.
Contact PennDOT for Assistance
If you have questions about the Instructor Training Log, certification status, or related forms, contact the school bus program specialists:
- Email: [email protected]
- Bureau of Driver Licensing – School Bus related inquiries
Always refer to official pa.gov sources for the latest forms, procedures, and regulatory updates. Third-party websites may host outdated copies.
Why Accurate Training Logs Matter?
Proper documentation protects both instructors and the public. Accurate Instructor Training Logs help demonstrate compliance with state and federal requirements, support quality control in driver training, and contribute to safer transportation of Pennsylvania’s students. Maintaining complete records also simplifies renewal processes and reduces the risk of certification issues.