New Brunswick School Bus Drivers Not Meeting Licensing and Training Requirements: Audit
A recent audit conducted by New Brunswick’s Auditor General has revealed serious deficiencies in the licensing and training requirements for school bus drivers in the province. According to the audit, a significant number of school bus drivers were found to be operating without valid licenses or had not undergone the required training. The audit also identified concerns with the background checks conducted on drivers. Key findings of the audit include: *
Unlicensed Drivers:
As of June 2022, approximately 17% of school bus drivers did not have a valid Class 2 driver’s license, which is required to operate a school bus. *
Incomplete Training:
Over 200 school bus drivers had not completed the required training within the last 12 months, as mandated by the Motor Vehicle Act. *
Background Checks:
The audit found inconsistencies in the background checks conducted on drivers, with some drivers failing to disclose previous criminal convictions or traffic violations. The audit highlighted several systemic weaknesses in the licensing and training process, including: *
Inadequate Enforcement:
The Department of Public Safety was not adequately enforcing the licensing and training requirements. *
Lack of Resources:
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development did not have sufficient staff to properly monitor school bus operations. *
Ineffective Training:
The current training program for school bus drivers was not effective in ensuring that drivers had the necessary skills and knowledge. The Auditor General recommended a series of improvements to address these deficiencies, including: *
Stricter Enforcement:
The Department of Public Safety should increase enforcement of licensing and training requirements. *
Enhanced Monitoring:
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development should strengthen its monitoring of school bus operations. *
Improved Training:
The training program for school bus drivers should be revised to focus on critical skills and knowledge. In response to the audit findings, the Department of Public Safety announced that it will be implementing a number of measures to improve compliance with licensing and training requirements. These measures include: *
Increased Enforcement:
The department will increase roadside inspections of school buses and conduct more thorough background checks on drivers. *
Automated Notifications:
The department will implement an automated system to notify school districts and contractors when drivers do not meet the necessary requirements. *
Enhanced Training:
The department will revise the training program for school bus drivers to ensure that they are adequately prepared for their responsibilities. The safety of our children is paramount. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address the deficiencies identified in the audit and ensure that all school bus drivers in New Brunswick meet the highest standards of licensing and training.
New Brunswick School Bus Drivers Not Meeting Licensing and Training Requirements: Audit
Summary:
An audit by the Office of the Auditor General of New Brunswick has found that school bus drivers in the province are not consistently meeting licensing and training requirements.
Key Findings:
*
Licensing:
* 30% of drivers who renewed their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in 2021-2022 did not have the required medical certificate. * 25% of drivers did not have the necessary passenger endorsement on their CDL. *
Training:
* 6% of drivers had not completed the mandatory 40-hour training program, which includes defensive driving techniques and student behavior management. * Some drivers received training materials that were out of date or incomplete.
Consequences:
The audit report warns that these deficiencies could have serious safety implications. Drivers who are not properly licensed or trained may not be equipped to transport students safely.
Recommendations:
The Auditor General has made several recommendations to address the issues, including: * Improving communication with drivers about licensing and training requirements. * Conducting more frequent audits and inspections to ensure compliance. * Updating training materials and making them more accessible.
Response from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development:
The department has acknowledged the audit findings and pledged to take action. It has announced plans to: * Implement a new online licensing system to flag drivers who do not meet requirements. * Launch a training program for trainers to ensure consistency and quality of training. * Review and update training materials regularly.
Conclusion:
The audit highlights the importance of ensuring that school bus drivers are properly licensed and trained for the safety of students in New Brunswick. The implementation of the recommended improvements will be crucial in addressing these deficiencies and enhancing school bus safety.