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Apprentice Bus Driver Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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Apprentice Bus Driver information

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$11

$17

$24

How much do apprentice bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice bus driver in Georgia is $17.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are apprentice bus drivers?

Apprentice bus drivers are individuals who are undergoing training to become fully qualified bus drivers. They typically work under the supervision of experienced drivers and participate in both classroom and on-the-road instruction. The apprenticeship covers safe driving techniques, customer service, and vehicle maintenance basics. Upon successful completion of the program and obtaining the necessary licenses, apprentices can transition into full-time bus driver roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Bus Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and a basic understanding of vehicle safety and traffic laws. Training typically involves learning to operate large vehicles, completing a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, and using ticketing or route management systems. Strong communication, patience, and customer service skills help in managing passengers and handling unexpected situations calmly. These capabilities ensure the safety and comfort of passengers while maintaining efficient and reliable service.

How difficult is it to become an apprentice bus driver?

Becoming an apprentice bus driver typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to complete a training program that covers safety, vehicle operation, and customer service, which can last several weeks. The process involves obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements, making it a structured but achievable pathway for those interested in transit careers.

Is it difficult to become a school bus driver?

Becoming an apprentice bus driver typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to complete a training program that covers safety procedures and vehicle operation, which can vary in length but is generally straightforward for those with a clean record and good driving skills.

How long are you a trainee bus driver?

The duration of the trainee period for an apprentice bus driver typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the training program and the individual's progress. During this time, trainees learn safety protocols, driving skills, and customer service, often under supervision before becoming fully licensed drivers.

What are some common challenges faced by Apprentice Bus Drivers during their training period?

Apprentice Bus Drivers often face challenges such as learning to navigate large vehicles through busy or narrow streets, mastering the technical aspects of bus operation, and providing excellent customer service under pressure. Adapting to irregular work hours and building confidence in handling unexpected situations—like traffic delays or difficult passengers—are also common hurdles. However, with the support of experienced mentors and structured training programs, most apprentices gain these skills steadily and become comfortable in the role over time.

What is the difference between Apprentice Bus Driver vs Bus Driver?

AspectApprentice Bus DriverBus Driver
CertificationsRequires learner’s permit, basic trainingCommercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentSupervised training, learning routesDriving passengers, following schedules
ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingExperienced, independent driving

The main difference between an Apprentice Bus Driver and a Bus Driver is experience and certification level. Apprentice Bus Drivers are in training, often holding a learner’s permit and undergoing supervised practice. Bus Drivers are fully licensed professionals responsible for safely transporting passengers independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of a licensed bus driver, making it a stepping stone in their career.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

To qualify as an apprentice bus driver, candidates typically must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and pass background checks and drug tests. Disqualifications include a history of serious traffic violations, DUI/DWI convictions, or a criminal record that raises safety concerns. Additionally, good communication skills and the ability to handle a schedule are important, and some programs require a minimum age and physical fitness standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Apprentice Bus Driver jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Apprentice Bus Driver job openings:
Bus Operator G121 Metra Transit

Bus Operator G121 Metra Transit

Columbus Consolidated Government

Columbus, GA • On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Major Duties and Responsibilities This position is responsible for operating a METRA transit bus. Prepares the bus for safe operation: conducts pre-trip inspection and checks off daily safety prevention checklist for both interior and exterior of the bus. Boards and inspects passengers.

Drives bus and maintains route schedule; monitors fare box, passes, and identifications for the purpose of assuring accurate fare amounts. Operates essential equipment. Assists passengers with disabilities; operates a wheelchair lift; secures wheelchairs and passengers; assists passengers in distress; notifies dispatcher of bus location and symptoms of passengers in distress.

Perform duties required by the Office of Homeland Security, assisting customers in safe evacuation from the bus; observing, determining, and reporting activities, packages and substances that are suspicious or out-of-place; ability to use a common sense approach when faced with various emergency situations to ensure public/passenger safety and proper bus operation. Provides information and directional assistance. Accesses revenue readings for surveys; provides input on route adjustments.

Operates a radio; reports accidents and emergency situations when en route; assists 911 by reporting inoperative traffic lights. Participates in random and mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Attends annual driver refresher training; attends courses in defensive driving as needed.

Notifies dispatcher and obtains necessary repairs and maintenance work at each turn-around point; secures bus in case of accident or engine malfunction; directs traffic around bus as needed. Opens the Transfer Center daily; checks employees as they come in; issues buses; handles incoming calls; provides information about routes; manages bus schedules; prepares mileage reports and surveys; maintains a log of daily activities; prepares requests for charters; sells swipe cards; drives charters for special tours. Performs the duties of the supervisor in his or her absence and needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in operating assigned automotive equipment. Knowledge of first aid techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of city streets and bus routes. Knowledge of traffic rules, regulations, and statutes. Skill in the safe operation of assigned automotive and other equipment.

Skill in the operation of standard office equipment. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to assist customers using patience and understanding.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Minimum Educational and Training Requirements Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of specialized training in the occupational field, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Must possess a valid Commercial; Driver's License. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Physical Requirements The work is typically performed while sitting for prolonged periods of time in a driver's seat and/or at a keyboard. The employee must have the ability to: lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds; push an occupied standard wheelchair with weight capacity per ADA standards (600 pounds); open emergency hatch on top of bus; manually lift bus ramp if needed; open emergency exit windows; walk around and inspect vehicle. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: Balancing - maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching.

Crawling - moving about on hands, knees, or hands, feet. Crouching - bending body forward by bending leg, spine. Feeling - perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips.

Grasping - applying pressure to object with fingers, palm. Handling - picking, holding, or working with whole hand. Hearing 1 - perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information.

Hearing 2 - receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound. Kneeling - bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees. Lifting - raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back.

Manual Dexterity - picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand. Mental Acuity - ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning. Pulling - use upper extremities to exert force, haul or tug.

Pushing - use upper extremities to press against objects with force, or thrust forward, downward, outward. Reaching - extending hands or arms in any direction. Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers.

Speaking - expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. Stooping - bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word.

Talking 2 - shouting to be heard above ambient noise. Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading. Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.

Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures. Visual Acuity 4 - operate motor vehicles/heavy equipment. Visual Acuity 5 -close acuity for inspection of small defects, machines, use measurement devices, or fabricate parts.

Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site. The work is typically performed in an office, library, computer room, or outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, fumes, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, hot, cold or inclement weather.