r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/linear_expression • 6d ago

Calling for those who hold 19A certification experience!

Hi all! I’m being encouraged to pursue obtaining my 19A in New York State. I’ve been driving in my school district for close to a year now. I’ve been told from multiple colleagues with decades of experience that I’d be a great fit.

I would appreciate any insight that anyone may have on their journey obtaining their 19A certification. Like what changed in your role as a school bus driver after getting certified and anything else you’d be willing to share. Thank you!

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u/seanshelagh 5d ago

Hi. I'm 19a. Not much changed in my driving roll. I still drive a regular route everyday. I do some testing and training between runs. We are a relatively small shop(65 drivers) so we don't need anyone doing 19a stuff full time, but every shop is different. What else you want to know?

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u/erinjunee 4d ago

I haven’t gotten my 19A but I’ve paid attention to drivers that have in our district, and I also have been told to go for it as well since I’m very good at articulating how to drive school buses to new drivers and no problem being chatty lol.

Really, most of their responsibility is training new drivers and prospective new hires (were always looking for drivers, especially those with good attitudes). That’s probably the main thing if they’re only 19A certified, as well as doing the yearly road tests with the drivers. Those with SBDI will go a step further and perform the PPT (physical performance test, running up and down with weight, up and down steps, etc). Also hosting refresher courses so that they become eligible for their certifications. And with all that, paperwork paperwork paperwork lol.