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Handicap Bus Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Senior Driver

Pala, CA · On-site

Must keep bus and vehicles stocked with waters and sodas. * Perform daily vehicle safety ... Must be able to operate handicap lifts. Minimum qualifications: * High School graduate or ...

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Senior Driver

Pala, CA · On-site

Must keep bus and vehicles stocked with waters and sodas. * Perform daily vehicle safety ... Must be able to operate handicap lifts. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * High School graduate or ...

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Senior Driver

Pala, CA · On-site

Must keep bus and vehicles stocked with waters and sodas. * Perform daily vehicle safety ... Must be able to operate handicap lifts. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : * High School graduate or ...

Pala Band of Mission Indians

Senior Driver

Pala, CA · On-site

Must keep bus and vehicles stocked with waters and sodas. * Perform daily vehicle safety ... Must be able to operate handicap lifts. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * High School graduate or ...

All JobsHandicap Bus Driver JobsHandicap Bus Driver Jobs in California

Handicap Bus Driver information

See California salary details

$8

$19

$28

How much do handicap bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for handicap bus driver in California is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Handicap Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and, often, school bus endorsements, along with a clean driving record and knowledge of safety regulations. Familiarity with wheelchair lifts, securement systems, and basic vehicle maintenance is important, and some positions require first aid or CPR certification. Patience, strong communication skills, and empathy are vital for assisting passengers with diverse physical or cognitive needs. These skills ensure safe, reliable transportation while fostering trust and comfort for passengers with disabilities.

What is a handicap bus driver?

Handicap bus drivers are professional drivers who operate specially equipped buses designed to transport passengers with disabilities or mobility challenges. Their responsibilities include safely assisting individuals onto and off the bus, ensuring wheelchairs and other mobility devices are securely fastened, and following specific routes and schedules. Handicap bus drivers also maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers, often working for schools, public transit agencies, or private transportation companies. They are trained in safety protocols and may provide additional support to passengers as needed.

What disqualifies you from being a handicap bus driver?

Disqualifications for a handicap bus driver typically include a history of serious traffic violations, a poor driving record, or a criminal background that raises safety concerns. Additionally, candidates must usually hold a valid commercial driver's license with passenger and medical endorsements and pass a background check and medical exam. Certain health conditions or disabilities that impair driving ability may also disqualify applicants, depending on the employer's policies.

What is the difference between Handicap Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectHandicap Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and special needs endorsementsCDL with passenger endorsement, often with school bus certification
Work EnvironmentTransporting individuals with disabilities, often in specialized vehiclesTransporting students to and from school in standard or yellow school buses
Employer & Industry UsageSpecialized transportation services, school districts, healthcare facilitiesSchool districts, private schools, educational institutions

Handicap Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers both require CDL licenses with passenger endorsements. Handicap Bus Drivers focus on transporting individuals with disabilities in specialized vehicles, while School Bus Drivers primarily transport students in standard school buses. Both roles are essential in the transportation industry, but they serve different populations and environments.

What are some common challenges faced by handicap bus drivers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Handicap Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the safe boarding and disembarking of passengers with varying mobility needs, maintaining adherence to schedules while providing personalized assistance, and managing specialized equipment like wheelchair lifts. Effective communication, patience, and thorough training in the use of accessibility features are key to overcoming these challenges. Drivers are typically supported by ongoing professional development and a team environment that encourages collaboration with aides, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
What are popular job titles related to Handicap Bus Driver jobs in California? For Handicap Bus Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Handicap Bus Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Handicap Bus Driver jobs in California are:
Handicap Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Handicap Bus Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,658 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

District Employees ONLY Bus Driver

Coachella Valley USD

Thermal, CA • On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

School Bus Driver

Under general supervision to drive a school bus for the purpose of bringing students to and from school and other authorized activities and other related work as required.

Requirements / Qualifications

Under general supervision to drive a school bus for the purpose of bringing students to and from school and other authorized activities and other related work as required. See job description for job requirements/qualifications. Experience: Three (3) years of experience as a licensed motor vehicle operator, in an educational setting, preferred. Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent Licenses, Certification and or Testing: - Valid CA Class B Driver's License or Higher - Passenger Endorsement - To have a valid School Bus Driver Certificate - Valid medical examiner's certificate - Current First Aid Certificate acceptable to CA Highway Patrol - Air Brake Endorsement; - California Motor Vehicle Code and Education Code as it pertains to transporting school students; - Successfully Pass District Test

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR EDJOIN APPLICATION IS UPDATED TO REFLECT CURRENT POSITION AND/OR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

  • Certificate Copy (Medical Examiner's Certificate)
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Driver's License Copy (Valid CA Class B Driver's License or Higher with PS Endorsement)
  • Other (Bus Driver Certificate)
  • Proof of HS Graduation (or Equivalent)
  • Resume
Comments and Other Information

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX, RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR HANDICAP (FEDERAL REGULATION, TITLE IX) The Coachella Valley Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and in employment and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, national origin, parental status, pregnancy status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board prohibits, at any district school or school activity, unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying of any student based on the protected characteristics named above. The district assures the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation in District Programs. Complaints of unlawful discrimination are investigated through the Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Civil Rights and Title IX & Compliance Coordinator Michael Tittnich at (760) 848-1081. The District's 504 Coordinator is Julissa Hernandez the Director Student Support Services and can be reached at (760) 848-1156.

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