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Cdl Driver Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Cdl Driver Trainee information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$49.3K

$65.6K

How much do cdl driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for cdl driver trainee in California is $49,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $57,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cdl Driver Trainee vs Cdl Driver?

AspectCdl Driver TraineeCdl Driver
Required CredentialsLearner's permit, CDL trainingValid CDL license, driving experience
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised drivingCommercial vehicles, on-road
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level rolesFull-time professional drivers

The main difference is that a Cdl Driver Trainee is in training and has not yet obtained a full CDL license, while a Cdl Driver is a licensed professional responsible for operating commercial vehicles. Trainees focus on learning and gaining experience, whereas drivers are fully qualified to perform their duties independently.

What are some common challenges faced by CDL driver trainees during their initial training period?

CDL Driver Trainees often face challenges such as mastering vehicle control, learning to navigate unfamiliar routes, and adapting to long hours on the road. Balancing classroom learning with hands-on driving can be demanding, and trainees may also need to quickly become proficient in federal safety regulations and company protocols. Many find that asking questions, seeking feedback from experienced drivers, and practicing regularly help overcome these initial hurdles and build confidence behind the wheel.

What is a CDL driver trainee?

A CDL Driver Trainee is an individual who is in the process of learning how to operate commercial vehicles and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This position typically involves classroom instruction, hands-on driving practice, and mentorship under experienced drivers. The goal is to prepare trainees to safely and effectively handle trucks or buses, follow federal and state regulations, and pass the required licensing exams. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees are usually eligible for full-time CDL driver positions.

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

To thrive as a CDL Driver Trainee, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through classroom and on-the-road training. Familiarity with GPS navigation, logbook systems, and basic vehicle inspection tools is typically required. Strong attention to safety, reliability, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe vehicle operation, regulatory compliance, and the ability to efficiently handle routes and customer interactions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cdl Driver jobs in California? The most popular types of Cdl Driver jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Cdl Driver Trainee jobs in California? For Cdl Driver Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cdl Driver Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cdl Driver Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Cdl Driver Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Cdl Driver Trainee job openings:
Cdl Driver Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cdl Driver Trainee job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,299 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Bus Driver Trainee

Simi Valley Unified School District

Simi Valley, CA

$21.19 - $25.76/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Bus Driver Trainee at Simi Valley Unified School District Share on X Print Application Deadline 7/7/2027 12:00 AM Pacific Date Posted 7/7/2026 Contact Sasha Wade Number of Openings Not Specified Salary Pay Range 21.19 - 25.76 Per Hour Length of Work Year 10 month Employment Type Temporary Job Summary Job Summary The Bus Driver Trainee role prepares individuals to become qualified school bus drivers through hands-on and classroom-based instruction. Trainees will learn to safely operate school buses, including vehicles equipped with specialized features for students with mobility or access challenges. The position supports the transportation needs of students, ensuring a safe and timely commute to and from schools, events, and special routes

View Job Description Requirements / Qualifications Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent is required. Satisfactory driving record and restrictions as verified by K-4 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A valid California Driver License, Class C.

No prior bus driving experience is necessary; previous experience in professional driving or working with children is preferred. Licenses and Certificates: Must achieve a valid First Aid and CPR certification issued by an authorized agency, during the training period. A valid California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) class-B Learner's Permit, with P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements, must be obtained by the trainee at the conclusion of classroom training and before any behind-the-wheel training can commence.

The trainee will be responsible for any fees charged by DMV for the permit. Current Medical Examination Report (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876), to fulfill federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for commercial drivers -- required for CDL. Trainees will be responsible for all DMV and CHP fees incurred in the licensing process.

SPECIAL NOTE Effective January 1, 1995, all employees in these classifications are subject to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations for drug and alcohol testing as required by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Requirements / Qualifications Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent is required. Satisfactory driving record and restrictions as verified by K-4 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

A valid California Driver License, Class C. No prior bus driving experience is necessary; previous experience in professional driving or working with children is preferred. Licenses and Certificates: Must achieve a valid First Aid and CPR certification issued by an authorized agency, during the training period.

A valid California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) class-B Learner's Permit, with P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements, must be obtained by the trainee at the conclusion of classroom training and before any behind-the-wheel training can commence. The trainee will be responsible for any fees charged by DMV for the permit. Current Medical Examination Report (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876), to fulfill federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for commercial drivers -- required for CDL.

Trainees will be responsible for all DMV and CHP fees incurred in the licensing process. SPECIAL NOTE Effective January 1, 1995, all employees in these classifications are subject to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations for drug and alcohol testing as required by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Comments and Other Information PURPOSE: To establish a list of applicants who do NOT yet possess the required qualifications to be a Bus Driver Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the training program.

Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to an orientation. The Bus Driver Trainee classification is a training position designed to prepare individuals for potential appointment to the Bus Driver classification. Trainees are expected to actively participate in all classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, vehicle inspections, safety training, and other activities required by the program.

The training program consists of a minimum of twenty hours in class and twenty hours behind the wheel. Upon successful completion of the training program, trainees may be invited to apply for the Bus Driver classification. To be considered for appointment as a Bus Driver, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the Bus Driver classification and successfully participate in the Bus Driver examination process, which includes a structured interview.

Completion of the Bus Driver Trainee program does not guarantee appointment to a Bus Driver position. Applicants should review the physical abilities and working conditions associated with the Bus Driver classification, as the trainee program is intended to prepare candidates to perform those duties Comments and Other Information PURPOSE: To establish a list of applicants who do NOT yet possess the required qualifications to be a Bus Driver Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the training program. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to an orientation.

The Bus Driver Trainee classification is a training position designed to prepare individuals for potential appointment to the Bus Driver classification. Trainees are expected to actively participate in all classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, vehicle inspections, safety training, and other activities required by the program. The training program consists of a minimum of twenty hours in class and twenty hours behind the wheel.

Upon successful completion of the training program, trainees may be invited to apply for the Bus Driver classification. To be considered for appointment as a Bus Driver, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the Bus Driver classification and successfully participate in the Bus Driver examination process, which includes a structured interview. Completion of the Bus Driver Trainee program does not guarantee appointment to a Bus Driver position.

Applicants should review the physical abilities and working conditions associated with the Bus Driver classification, as the trainee program is intended to prepare candidates to perform those duties Links Related To This Job Learn About Our Community Simi Valley Unified School Districts Certificated Personnel Web Page View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalPERS Links Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only. CalPERS Retirement Benefits ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY.

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