1

First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bus drivers are responsible for the safe delivery of students to and from school along set routes, adherence to school bus safety and bus stop safety standards, and daily vehicle inspections, among ...

Bus drivers are responsible for the safe delivery of students to and from school along set routes, adherence to school bus safety and bus stop safety standards, and daily vehicle inspections, among ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

First Student Bus Driver information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do first student bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Riverside, CA is $21.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Student Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Student Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and basic vehicle safety knowledge. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, route navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness are standout soft skills for managing student behavior and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to provide reliable, safe transportation for students and to uphold company and legal standards.

What is the difference between First Student Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectFirst Student Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, bus depots, routes with studentsSchool routes, student pick-up/drop-off points
Employer & IndustryFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both First Student Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and operate in similar environments. The main difference lies in branding and employer, with First Student being a large transportation provider, while School Bus Drivers may work directly for school districts or other companies. Both roles focus on student safety and reliable transportation services.

What are First Student Bus Drivers?

First Student Bus Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Student, a leading provider of school transportation services in North America. Their main responsibility is to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities. They are trained to follow strict safety protocols, manage student behavior on the bus, and perform routine vehicle inspections. First Student Bus Drivers also maintain communication with school officials and parents to ensure the well-being of students during transit.

What are some common challenges First Student Bus Drivers face during their daily routes, and how are they supported?

First Student Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, adapting to varying traffic conditions, and adhering to strict schedules. They receive comprehensive training in student management and defensive driving, and have access to ongoing support from dispatchers and supervisors. The company fosters a team environment, where drivers regularly communicate with each other and staff to share tips and resolve issues. This support system helps drivers maintain safety and efficiency on their routes.
What are popular job titles related to First Student Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA? For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,707 per year, or $22 per hour.
School Bus Driver - No Experience Necessary - Training Provided

School Bus Driver - No Experience Necessary - Training Provided

National Express Corp

Irvine, CA • On-site

$27.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


National Express rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 76 rated public transport


Job description

School Bus Driver -CDL Training Provided
Looking for a job that fits your life and makes a difference? Now's the time. Summit School Services is immediately hiring School Bus Drivers and offering CDL training, no nights or weekends, and reliable split-hour schedules that work around your day.
Whether you're starting fresh, returning to the workforce, or bringing a friend along - this is a great opportunity to earn steady pay close to home while supporting students in your community.
Bring a friend - apply together, interview on the spot, and start your new school bus driver career today!
Walk-In Interviews:
Next Week: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
Pay: $27.75 per hour
Guaranteed Hours: 20 hours per week
Location: Durham School Services 100 Nightmist, Irvine, CA 92870
No appointment needed. No experience required. Just walk in - and bring a friend!
Why Join Summit School Services?
  • Competitive hourly pay with direct deposit and weekly/daily pay available in some locations
  • Paid CDL training - We'll help you get your initial CDL permit and then pay you to complete the remainder of the CDL training to obtain your license!
  • Flexible part-time schedule with split shifts (morning & afternoon)
  • No nights, weekends, or holidays - perfect work-life balance
  • Seasonal employment option with summers off
  • Guaranteed minimum hours with opportunities for extra routes and field trips
  • Access to benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) (plan details vary by location)
  • Eligible locations may also offer sign-on, attendance, or referral bonuses - ask us for details!
  • A supportive, family-oriented work environment where safety is our #1 priority

Who Makes a Great School Bus Driver?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds:
  • New to commercial driving - we provide CDL training
  • Experienced drivers (CDL-A/B, delivery, shuttle, transit)
  • Veterans & military service members
  • Parents, retirees, and those seeking part-time or split-shift work
  • Customer service, retail, hospitality, camp counselors, coaches, school support staff, Medical transport drivers, nursing home drivers, patient transfer specialists, trades & mechanics

Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate a school bus on assigned local routes
  • Transport students to and from school, sports, and events
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
  • Maintain a clean, safe bus environment
  • Communicate courteously with students, parents, and school staff
  • Follow all federal, state, local, and company safety rules

Company Name Is : Durham School Service
Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (no CDL needed to start).
  • Must have held a driver's license for at least 3 years (5 years if applying in Tennessee).
  • Minimum age: 21 (25 in Tennessee).If you've held a DOT-regulated driving role in the past 3 years, we must be able to verify that employment per DOT guidelines.
  • Pass DOT drug screen, physical, and background check
  • Compliance with DOT regulations (marijuana prohibited, even for medical use)
  • Reliable attendance & safety-first attitude

At Summit School Services, safety, reliability, and community are at the heart of what we do. Every day, our professional drivers safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and extracurricular activities while enjoying flexible, rewarding careers with industry-leading training and benefits.
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.

What National Express employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom