What to Expect in Bus Driver Training

Becoming a school bus driver is a rewarding career path to follow. But before serving this valuable role in your community, you must pass the required bus driver training courses. Here are the requirements you must meet before training and what you can expect from the courses. 

Requirements to Become a Bus Driver 

Before pursuing bus driver training, you must meet a few prerequisites. Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the first step. Precise CDL requirements vary from state to state, but some general rules apply to all states. 

You must be 18 to receive a CDL for intrastate travel, but at least 21 to get certified as a School Bus Driver. You must also pass a background check, drug test, and physical exam. 

After passing the necessary tests, you can obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CPL) and hold it for at least two weeks. After two weeks, you may take the written and practical tests. CDL tests cover vehicle inspection, operating controls, and driving skills. 

After receiving your CDL, you must also obtain an endorsement for driving passenger vehicles by passing a written exam. You may also need to pass air brake training if you plan to drive a bus with air brakes. 

Training Activities 

After obtaining a CDL with a passenger vehicle endorsement, you can train as a school bus driver. Various companies and organizations offer school bus driver training that meets or exceeds the requirements within your state. Bus driver training involves roughly 40 hours of instruction and practice in the classroom and on the road. 

In the Classroom

Classroom training covers the theory behind safe vehicle operation. You’ll also study the rules of the road, especially those that apply specifically to bus drivers and other vehicles operating around school buses. Additionally, classroom training sessions discuss appropriate and effective ways to interact with the children you’ll transport. 

Each state has different requirements for the amount of classroom training a bus driver should undergo. For instance, Pennsylvania requires at least 14 hours in the classroom during training. 

On the Road

The rest of your bus driver training will occur in your bus and on the road. Practical training will familiarize you with your vehicle and how it operates. You’ll learn its controls and practice maneuvering it around a controlled testing facility. When you feel confident and your instructor sees you’re ready, you’ll hit the road for your official school bus driver licensing exam. Pennsylvania requires at least six hours of training in the bus. 

Maintaining Your License 

As a school bus driver, it’s your responsibility to keep your skills and knowledge sharp. States set ongoing learning requirements that bus drivers must follow to maintain a license. 

For example, drivers in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every four years. The recertification process involves 10 hours of training split between seven hours in the classroom and three hours on the road. Pennsylvania school bus drivers must also pass a School Bus Knowledge Test and Road Test during renewal. 

Train With Rohrer Bus

Ready to take the next steps in your career as a bus driver or prepare your district’s potential drivers for success? Rohrer Bus offers training for bus drivers in Pennsylvania. Our comprehensive training sessions exceed Pennsylvania’s requirements to produce the best drivers for the children in your community. We encourage you to learn more about our training program today!