How Do I Become A Bus Driver?

Thinking about transportation jobs? How about a career as a bus driver? As new schools open to accommodate more children and cities begin to create or add to existing public transit routes, bus drivers will find more opportunities. Job growth is projected to be steady, with an estimated 7 percent growth rate between 2008 and 2018. This means finding a job as a bus driver is very possible, and, with a median salary of more than $32,000 for public transit bus drivers and more than $25,000 for school bus drivers, becoming a bus driver is a lucrative career choice.

One of the benefits of finding work driving a bus is that there is no set education requirement for the position. While a GED is usually preferred, some positions do not require that the candidate be a high school graduate or have a GED. However, it is important that candidates have a clean driving record.

Upon hire, new drivers will have to undergo a training course that can take anywhere from two to eight weeks. This course goes over safety issues and examines Department of Transportation guidelines. While there is classroom training, much of the course will be on a closed driving course, so that the new driver can practice driving a bus in a safe setting.

All drivers that wish to drive a bus must have a commercial drivers license (CDL), with the appropriate passenger stamps. For the driver of a public bus, this means just the passenger stamp. For the driver of a school bus, this means the passenger stamp plus a school bus stamp. Obtaining the CDL and stamps requires both a written test and a driving test.

Any driver of a bus must be at least 18 years of age, and drivers have to be 21 years of age to drive a bus across state lines. These are the basic age requirements, but many employers prefer to hire drivers who are 24 years of age or older.

Some employers require a criminal background check, and drivers of school buses must obtain FBI and police background clearances as they are employees of the school district. While there is not much room for advancement, seniority in this field means that drivers may be able to pick their own routes, and have a more flexible schedule.

Job seekers interested in transportation jobs should look into a career driving a bus, as it offers stability and a high wage compared to other jobs for people with the same education level.