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Bus Driver Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... bus operation. S/he will be responsible for the recordkeeping and maintaining required files for each driver and vehicle. The safety trainer will provide training, instruction and guidance in areas ...

Bus Driver Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do bus driver instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for bus driver instructor in Chicago, IL is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bus driver instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bus Driver Instructor, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), thorough knowledge of traffic laws, and experience in commercial or school bus driving. Familiarity with training materials, simulation tools, and state-mandated certification programs is typically required. Patience, clear communication, and strong observation skills help instructors effectively teach and assess aspiring drivers. These skills are vital to ensure new drivers are safe, competent, and compliant with transportation regulations.

What are some common challenges bus driver instructors face when training new drivers?

Bus Driver Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among trainees, language barriers, and helping trainees overcome nervousness behind the wheel. Instructors must adapt their teaching methods to match individual learning paces while ensuring all safety regulations and operational procedures are understood and followed. Additionally, they frequently conduct hands-on training in real traffic conditions, which requires patience, clear communication, and quick decision-making to maintain safety for everyone involved.

How to become a bus driver instructor?

To become a bus driver instructor, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, along with several years of driving experience. They must also complete a specialized instructor training program and pass a certification exam, demonstrating knowledge of safety protocols and teaching methods. Some regions require background checks and ongoing training to maintain certification.

What is a bus driver instructor?

Bus Driver Instructors are professionals responsible for training new and existing bus drivers on safe driving practices, vehicle operation, and compliance with transportation regulations. They provide both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training to ensure drivers meet licensing and safety standards. Instructors also assess driver performance, deliver refresher courses, and stay updated on changes in laws and technologies related to bus operations. Their work helps ensure the safety of passengers and the general public.

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

AspectBus Driver InstructorBus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Instructor CertificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-road instructionOn the road, transporting passengers
Employer & Industry UsageTraining schools, transit agencies, private companiesPublic transit agencies, school districts, private transport
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for training roles, certification requirementsFocuses on driving, passenger safety, route management

The main difference is that a Bus Driver Instructor trains and certifies new bus drivers, requiring additional instructor certifications, while a Bus Driver primarily operates the vehicle and transports passengers. The instructor role emphasizes training, safety education, and certification, whereas the bus driver role focuses on driving skills and passenger service.

What are popular job titles related to Bus Driver Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Bus Driver Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bus Driver Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Bus Driver Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Bus Driver Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,168 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Safety & Training Supervisor

National Express Corp

Wheeling, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


National Express rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 97 rated public transport


Job description

Summit School Services companies share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of transportation safety, quality transportation, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. Our corporate headquarters, located in Warrenville, Illinois, houses the administrative and corporate support functions for the organization. Our 250 local customer service centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams located throughout North America.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead, design, develop and implement initial and recurrent training programs for transportation personnel.
  • Supervise driver trainers, by establishing objectives, standards, work schedules and accountability for job performance.
  • Proactively recruit individuals to apply and train them to become School Bus Drivers
  • Provide classroom instruction and behind the wheel training of applicants and bus drivers to ensure successful completion of training and testing; recommend upgrades as necessary
  • Provide on-going training and performance evaluations for all Driver employees
  • Administer and maintain Company random drug/alcohol testing and pre-employment drug/alcohol testing program in conjunction with corporate office.
  • Develop and conduct regularly scheduled Driver Safety Meetings.
  • Assume primary responsibility in responding to personal injury and vehicle accidents by on-scene investigation and preparing and submitting reports to the corporate office in accordance with Company policy.
  • Investigate customer service complaints relative to safety issues and take appropriate corrective action.
  • Administer and maintain Company Safe Driver Award Program.
  • Exhibits the highest ethical best practices and personal integrity; Shares concerns about suspicious or inappropriate behavior with their supervisor or manager.
  • Other duties as assigned

Company name is: Durham School Services

  • High School diploma or equivalent. Some college preferred.
  • 3 years as a Trainer in school bus transportation industry desired
  • Supervisory experience preferred; specifically experience supervising/training a driver workforce
  • Must complete state certification program or Durham's Training Academy for school bus driver instructor. Equivalent work experience as a Trainer can be substituted as appropriate.
  • License or Certification:  SBDI certification required; Commercial Driver's License with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements required;  
  • Strong working knowledge of MS Office Software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and transportation related software
  • Strong leadership skills and interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational and group presentation skills
  • Well-developed multi-tasking and time management skills
  • Ability to provide direction, coaching and mentoring to employees while creating an environment that encourages and values input and feedback
  • Ability to respond to unanticipated events to ensure excellence in customer service.
  • Ability to Investigate claims and incidents of questionable conduct, accidents etc.
  • Computer literacy skills in word processing and spreadsheets
 

Summit School Services has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Summit School Services is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children and passengers.

 

We offer medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance coverage, holiday pay, and PTO accrual. Additionally, employees are able to enroll in a retirement savings plan.

At Summit School Services our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

 

Summit School Services LLC's independent subsidiaries and affiliates are an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer

 

The pay rate range, along with most all of the other terms and conditions of employment, vary between different sites, geographical markets, customer/ contractual terms and positions. 

Company name is: Durham School Services


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