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Driver Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC Davis Health System

Bus Driver Trainee

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Upon successful completion of obtaining the Class B Commercial Driver's License with passenger endorsement and airbrake certification, Trainees will be eligible to apply for vacant Senior Auto ...

New

Poway Unified School District

Bus Driver

San Diego, CA

$23.71 - $30.34/hr

This video is being provided to give you a clear understanding of the nature of the positions of Bus Driver and Bus Driver Trainee and their requirements. Please take the time to watch the video.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDriver JobsDriver Trainee JobsDriver Trainee Jobs in California

Driver Trainee information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$49.3K

$65.6K

How much do driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 Driver Trainee vs Driver?

AspectDriver TraineeDriver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly a commercial licenseValid driver's license, commercial license if applicable
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, company vehicles, on-the-job trainingRegular routes, delivery or transportation settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in transportation, logistics, or delivery companiesFull-time professional role in similar industries

Driver Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn driving skills and gain necessary certifications. Once training is complete, they typically advance to a Driver role, which involves operating vehicles regularly in transportation or delivery services. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with Driver Trainee focusing on learning and development.

What types of training and support can I expect as a driver trainee?

As a Driver Trainee, you will typically participate in a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-road experience under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. You'll learn about vehicle safety, regulatory compliance, route navigation, and proper loading/unloading procedures. Most employers provide mentorship and regular feedback during training, ensuring you build confidence and develop safe driving habits before transitioning to independent routes. This supportive environment helps you gradually assume more responsibility while preparing for any required licensing exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a driver trainee?

To thrive as a Driver Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and, eventually, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to safety, good communication, and a willingness to learn help trainees adapt quickly and work well with supervisors and customers. These skills and qualifications ensure safe driving practices, regulatory compliance, and readiness for advancement to full professional driving roles.

What is a driver trainee?

A driver trainee works with an employer to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to haul freight and operate tractor trailers. It usually involves the training you need to get a commercial driver's license (CDL). The process varies with the company, but it typically includes a combination of classroom time, safety coursework, and on-the-job route driving. Depending on the materials you carry, your duties may also involve earning additional license endorsements, such as hazardous material (HAZMAT). Your responsibilities may also be to load and unload trucks. You also have to record your work hours as per state and federal regulations.

More about Driver Trainee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in California? The most popular types of Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Driver Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Driver Trainee job openings:
Driver Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% 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 - Temporary

County of Nevada, CA

Nevada City, CA • On-site

$21.91 - $26.74/hr

Temporary

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $21.91 - $26.74 Hourly
Location : 12350 La Barr Meadows Road, Grass Valley, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 2026-0148
Department: Public Works-Transit
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Definition and Class Characteristics
Interviews for selected candidates will be held August 21st.
In college and looking for flexible hours? Retired and searching for a way to keep busy and give back to the community? Do you prefer the feeling of being your own boss? Love working with the public and providing excellent customer service?
If you enjoy driving, working around a supportive team, and serving your community with a valuable service, then we have a job for you!
The County of Nevada Transit Services Division, (Nevada County Connects), is currently recruiting for Temporary Trainee Bus Drivers in the Grass Valley and Nevada City region. We are seeking motivated, customer service-inclined people who enjoy being a part of a close-knit team that provides services to the public. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient, and friendly transit services to the residents of Western Nevada County.
The Temporary Trainee Bus Driver position is an integral part of accomplishing that goal, so we encourage you to join our team. The position is part-time, up to 20 hours per week. We offer lots of flexibility in scheduling. To get more information please apply below.
To review the job specification and additional requirements, please click here.
Education and Experience Required
  • Possession of high school diploma or receipt of G.E.D. certificate
  • Six months of experience driving a personal vehicle.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License.
  • Clean Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) history.
  • Possession of a 10-year driver history record from the DMV. Drivers with less than a 10-year history must possess the driver history record from the DMV equivalent to the number of years they have been driving.

NOTE:
This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information for each employee group.
Sick Leave:
Temporary County employees shall accrue at the rate of one (1) hour of sick leave for each thirty (30) hours worked. Temporary County employees can accrue a maximum of 80 hours of sick leave which may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
Medical Benefits:
Temporary employees whose assignments average 30 hours per week or more are eligible to enroll in County-sponsored medical benefits.
NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice. Nevada County Human Resources Department
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2
Comments, please email:human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • Did not graduate High School or GED
  • High School or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree

02
Do you have six or more months driving a personal vehicle?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you attached a copy of a valid California Class C Driver's License? To be considered for this position, this must be attached to your application.
  • Yes, I have attached a copy
  • No, I do not have documentation

04
Have you attached your clean Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) history documentation to this application? If you have not, please note that you must present this to the hiring department no later than at the time of interviewing.
  • Yes
  • No, I do not have this documentation.

05
Please explain why you are interested in becoming a Bus Driver Trainee?
06
Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any DOT pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied for, but did not obtain, a safety-sensitive position in the past two years?
  • Yes
  • No

07
If you answered YES, can you provide documentation that you successfully completed the DOT return-to-duty requirements described in 49 CFR Part 40, Subpart O?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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