(a)

(1) An applicant seeking employment as a driver or an operator of a school bus, either privately or publicly owned, is required to take and pass a series of tests as prescribed by the Department of Arkansas State Police under § 27-23-108 and the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation to determine the physical fitness and driving ability to serve as a school bus driver.

(2) The tests shall include:

(A) A physical examination given by a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse for school bus drivers, as required by the division;

(B) Other requirements as may be prescribed by rules issued jointly by the department and the division for qualifications and fitness of school bus drivers; and

(C) A successfully completed standard bus driver training and preservice behind-the-wheel training program as prescribed by the division.

(b) Upon successful completion and documentation of training listed in subdivision (a)(2)(C) of this section, a certificate, valid for one (1) year, shall be issued by the division.

(c)

(1) A school bus driver shall not be employed as an operator of a school bus to transport children to and from school or school-sponsored activities unless he or she has satisfactorily completed the in-service training required in subsection (d) of this section and possesses a current valid certificate therefor.

(2) The certificate shall be required in addition to a commercial driver's license and any additional qualifications required by the school district board of directors.

(d) A school bus driver who seeks a renewal of his or her bus driver certificate shall provide proof that he or she has satisfactorily:

(1) Passed a physical examination given by a licensed physician or advanced practice nurse within the previous two (2) years; and

(2) Completed in-service training for school bus drivers as prescribed by the division.

(e) A school district board of directors may provide a substitute driver to operate a school bus on a temporary basis without a certificate until the next regularly scheduled school bus driver's examination is held in the locality if:

(1) A qualified school bus driver is not available to operate a school bus due to death, resignation, disability, illness, or other cause; and

(2) The school district board of directors is not able to obtain a qualified bus driver with a certificate.

(f) Extracurricular trips shall be made by certified drivers only.

(g) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.