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Driver Trainee Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Harrisville, RI · On-site

$22 - $29.25/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Harrisville, RI

$22 - $29.25/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Cranston, RI

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Cranston, RI

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Cranston, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

DATTCO Motorcoach

School Bus Driver Trainee

Cranston, RI · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

School Bus Driver We are currently hiring experienced school bus drivers. Come find out why DATTCO has the highest employee satisfaction rate in the industry. DATTCO is a third-generation, family ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Smithfield, RI · On-site

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

Red Bull

Sales Trainee

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

Qualifications Valid Driver's License with a clean motor vehicle record and meet DOT driving ... Trainee, Distribution Sales, Sales, Red Bull Distribution, Red Bull Distribution Company, RBDC ...

Red Bull

Sales Trainee

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager ... Valid Driver's License with a clean motor vehicle record and meet DOT driving standards

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Sales Trainee

Providence, RI · On-site

$22/hr

Sales Trainee Make a difference. As a Sales Trainee, you will learn the electrical distribution ... Ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license * Ability to work ...

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Sales Trainee

Providence, RI · On-site

$22/hr

Our Sales Trainees are exposed to all areas of our business and are given the opportunity to ... Ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license * Ability to work ...

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Sales Trainee

Providence, RI · On-site

$22/hr

Our Sales Trainees are exposed to all areas of our business and are given the opportunity to ... Ability to drive and operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license * Ability to work ...

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All JobsDriver JobsDriver Trainee JobsDriver Trainee Jobs in Rhode Island

Driver Trainee information

See Rhode Island salary details

$24.5K

$48.9K

$65.1K

How much do driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for driver trainee in Rhode Island is $48,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $56,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Driver Trainee jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Driver jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Driver Trainee jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Driver Trainee job openings:

Driver Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver Trainee job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,920 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

School Bus Driver Trainee

Harrisville, RI • On-site

DATTCO
Ground Public Transportation • 1 - 5K employees

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 99 rated public transport

People enjoy working here

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers

Learn more about DATTCOexternal

$22 - $29.25/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career changers, experienced drivers and anyone that cares about children.
Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uoal180vsh9wizcmweb0s/Employee-Success-Story-Diana-Jimenez-FINAL.mp4?rlkey=gobg3bhomce8h30vw8gpw9it4&e=2&dl=0
DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned passenger transportation company that serves 30 school districts throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Our 2,000 employees safely transport over 140,000 students to and from school every year. Learn more about us at www.dattco.com.
What We Offer:
  • You will love our culture! We treat you like family, not a number.
  • No experience? No worries! We provide free personalized training.
  • Part-time work schedule of 20 to 30 hours per week. Additional hours may be available.
  • No long distance trips. Be home every night.
  • Teamsters 401k.
  • Career growth opportunities. We promote from within.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Annual pay raises.
  • Employee referral bonuses.
  • Guaranteed hours.
  • Paid safety meetings.
  • Compensation of $22-29.25/hour.

Responsibilities:
  • Safely transport children to and from school.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.

Requirements:
  • 21+ years old.
  • Valid RI driver's license.
  • 3 years driving experience.
  • Pass a background check. Pass a drug test.

Questions? Contact Raelene at (401) 371-2774 or raelene.hopkins@dattco.com.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status and any other protected classes.

What ​DATTCO employees say

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