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School Bus Driver Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Atascadero Unified

Bus Driver Trainer

Atascadero, CA · On-site

$26.57 - $32.77/hr

Complete is available at the District Office or www.atasusd.org -Communication / Interpersonal Skills Essential. -Valid Department of Education State Certified School Bus Driver Instructor ...

Galt Joint Union High

Instructor/Dispatcher

Galt, CA · On-site

School Bus Driver High School Diploma Possession of current valid B Driver's License, Air Brake ... Driver Instructor Certificate; plus any other legal requirements required by law Please attach ...

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School Bus Driver Instructor information

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How much do school bus driver instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver instructor in California is $20.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school bus driver instructor?

School Bus Driver Instructors are professionals responsible for training and certifying school bus drivers. They teach new drivers about safe driving practices, laws, and emergency procedures specific to transporting students. Instructors also evaluate driving skills through classroom instruction and on-road training sessions. Their main goal is to ensure that all school bus drivers operate vehicles safely and comply with state and federal regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a school bus driver instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Bus Driver Instructor, you need in-depth knowledge of safe driving practices, commercial driving regulations, and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), often supported by instructor certification. Familiarity with training simulators, digital scheduling tools, and state-specific testing systems is vital. Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills help instructors effectively teach and assess new drivers. These competencies ensure that school bus drivers are properly trained, compliant with safety standards, and equipped to transport students safely.

What are some common challenges faced by school bus driver instructors and how can they be addressed?

School Bus Driver Instructors often face the challenge of training individuals with varying levels of driving experience and comfort around children. Effective communication and patience are crucial when conveying safety protocols and handling hands-on driving assessments. Additionally, staying updated on changing state and federal transportation regulations is vital. To address these challenges, instructors can participate in ongoing professional development and foster a supportive learning environment that encourages questions and practice.

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

AspectSchool Bus Driver InstructorSchool Bus Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, instructor certificationCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, classrooms, on-road instructionSchool routes, student pickup/drop-off, on-road driving
Employer & Industry UsageSchool districts, transportation departments, training centersSchool districts, private schools, transportation companies

The main difference is that School Bus Driver Instructors focus on training and certifying new drivers, while School Bus Drivers operate buses daily to transport students. Instructors typically have additional certification and work in training environments, whereas drivers are primarily on the road. Both roles require CDL licenses and are essential to school transportation safety and operations.

How to become a school bus driver instructor?

To become a school bus driver instructor, you typically need to have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, along with experience as a school bus driver. Most states or districts require completion of a training program and certification to teach new drivers, which includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Strong communication skills and knowledge of safety protocols are essential for this role.

What does it take to become a school bus driver instructor?

To become a school bus driver instructor, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, along with a clean driving record. They often must complete specialized training or certification programs in bus safety and instruction, and have prior experience as a school bus driver. Strong communication skills and knowledge of safety regulations are also essential.

What are popular job titles related to School Bus Driver Instructor jobs in California?

For School Bus Driver Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching School Bus Driver Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for School Bus Driver Instructor jobs in California are:

School Bus Driver Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various School Bus Driver Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,238 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

School Bus Driver Instructor (589) 2026/2027

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

Truckee, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

School Bus Driver Instructor

The job of School Bus Driver Instructor is done for the purpose of providing behind the wheel training and classroom training that addresses school bus operations to provide the District a pool of qualified school bus drivers, regulations, and safety procedures for the transporting of students over designated scheduled mountain routes and/or to/from special excursions, sometimes in hazardous winter conditions in highly congested tourist areas; identifying training requirements for both new and experienced drivers; evaluating bus drivers' knowledge and skills.

Starting Salary $ 32.49 - $ 41.12

Application Deadline

6/30/2027

Requirements / Qualifications

Must be 18 years old Letter(s) of Recommendation- Submit up to 3 Proof of HS Graduation (Or proof of college degree) Resume

Required Upon Job Offer:

Valid Class A or B Driver's License with Passenger Endorsement DL-45 CA Special Driver's Certificate First Aid/CPR Certificate CA Dept. of Education School Bus Driver Instructor Certificate Fingerprint Clearance TB Screening Result Pre-employment Medical Assessment Drug Screening Pre-employment Proficiency Test Physical Capacities Test

Length of Work Year

2026-2027 School Year

Employment Type

Full Time

Hours of Position:

8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 260 days per year

Employee Benefits:

Health Benefits - Retirement - Paid Holidays - Vacation - Sick Leave

Comments and Other Information

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Tahoe Truckee Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. If you feel that you are a victim of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, please contact: Personnel/Human Resources Mike Shepherd Executive Director of Human Resources 11603 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96161 Phone: 530-582-2500 Fax: 530-582-7606 Email: mshepherd@ttusd.org

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