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School Bus Driver Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

School Bus Driver Opportunity If you're looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school ...

School Bus Driver

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

Iowa Central School Bus is now Hiring School Bus Drivers in Iowa City, IA. Our drivers have flexible hours and time off during school holidays. Tired of paying for a babysitter? At Iowa Central, you ...

School Bus Driver

Saint Ann, MO · On-site

$25.19 - $30.86/hr

School Bus Driver If you're looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school every day ...

School Bus Driver

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $27.25/hr

Iowa Central School Bus is now Hiring School Bus Drivers in Iowa City, IA. Our drivers have flexible hours and time off during school holidays. Tired of paying for a babysitter? At Iowa Central, you ...

School Bus Driver

Gary, IN · On-site

$25/hr

School Bus Driver If you're looking for a career that will give you a strong sense of pride and purpose, this is the job for you. Getting over 1,000,000 children safely to and from school every day ...

School Bus Driver

Gary, IN · On-site

$25/hr

As a school bus driver at Indiana Central School Bus, you are not only an essential worker, but also a HERO to children every day! We are looking for candidates who are responsible, love children ...

Showing results 21-40

School Bus Driver Instructor information

See salary details

$9

$21

$30

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for school bus driver instructor in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How do I become a certified school bus driver instructor?

To become a certified school bus driver instructor, you typically need to hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, gain experience as a school bus driver, and complete a state-approved instructor training program. Certification requirements vary by state but generally include passing written and practical exams specific to instructor duties and demonstrating knowledge of safety protocols and driving skills.

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.

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 specific to bus safety and instructional techniques. Additionally, candidates often undergo background checks and may need to pass a written and practical skills test to qualify as an instructor.

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 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.

More about School Bus Driver Instructor jobs
What states have the most School Bus Driver Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for School Bus Driver Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching School Bus Driver Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for School Bus Driver Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various School Bus Driver Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 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 $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

School Bus Driver #29 EXTENDED DEADLINE

Stockton Unified School District

Stockton, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Stockton Unified School District rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 624 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

School Bus Driver

Transport students, including those designated as Special Needs, safely from designated bus stops and/or school/therapy sites while operating a van or bus with a capacity up to ninety-one (91) passengers; and perform related duties as assigned.

Receive general supervision from the Director of Transportation and/or the Transportation Operations and Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor(s). Receive technical guidance from the School Bus Driver Instructor(s)/Delegated Behind the Wheel Trainers. Receive assignments and routes from Operations Supervisors School Bus Driver Specialist(s). May provide guidance to other adults aboard bus.

Essential Duties

Transport students from designated bus stops to schools and/or activities to meet the student needs and assist with other routes when breakdowns or other unusual circumstances occur, as assigned.

May lift students, and assist students into and out of bus as needed; escort students across streets when necessary.

May operate a mechanized wheelchair and/or lift to load, unload and ensure security of students and equipment.

Adhere to all Transportation Department and District policy.

Comply with all California and Federal Rules and Regulations regarding School Bus and Commercial Drivers.

Execute legally mandated daily pre-trip inspection. Maintain and complete accurate pre-trip inspection records. Report discrepancies and initiate corrective action.

Establish and maintain behavioral order among students, encouraging proper student conduct at all times; issue and complete necessary behavior citation paper work, communicate with parents and/or administrators regarding student behavior, occasionally attend parent conferences/IEP meetings.

Inform and instruct all students regarding rules and regulations of riding the bus/van and evacuation procedure.

Communicate professionally with all district staff, co-workers, and parents. Communicate to maintenance and dispatch personnel regarding route or equipment problems; follow special instructions from dispatch personnel and Supervisors pertaining to students and their daily schedule.

Submit reports of vehicle condition, route time and mileage, student ridership, maintenance needs, time keeping, and abnormal occurrences as required. Maintain accurate route cards kept in dispatch at all times.

Maintain cleanliness of interior/exterior of bus(es) on a daily basis.

Ensure familiarity with assigned activities and/or field trips/CBI trips before transporting students utilizing the safest and most efficient route while meeting time schedules for departure and arrival.

Maintain regular and prompt attendance in the work place.

Maintain a professional appearance; wearing district identification badges at all times while on/in school district property.

Periodically participate in mandated meetings and in service programs during traditional and non traditional work days and work hours as required.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

  • Applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, California Education Code, and Board Policy as they apply to transporting all students
  • Defensive driving practices and procedures
  • Local geography and roadways systems
  • Basic first aid
  • Laws and regulations governing student transportation

Ability to:

  • Safely operate a school bus in all types of weather
  • Resolve conflict and maintain discipline among students
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
  • Read and interpret maps, schedules and procedural instructions
  • Rapidly learn routes and operation of equipment related to duties
  • Possess the physical capabilities to sufficiently perform job duties
  • Utilize interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
  • Perform basic first aid

Experience and Education:

  • Graduation from high school
  • Six (6) months of experience involving the regular operation of a school bus for special needs students is desirable.
  • Experience working with special needs students is preferred.

License or Certificate:

  • Possession of a valid California Class B Driver License with a Passenger and "S" endorsement
  • Possession of an unrestricted California School Bus Driver Certificate (with the exception of "automatic" restriction )
  • Valid Medical Certificate
  • Valid First Aid if applicable

Working Conditions:

  • Regular exposure to noise, gasses, fumes, dust, and drafts, etc. when vehicle is in operation
  • Regular exposure to elements such as rain, high or low temperatures

Physical Requirements:

  • Employees in this position must possess/have the ability to:
  • Sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Stand and walk for short periods of time
  • Occasional bending/stooping; squatting/crouching
  • Occasional reaching overhead, above/below shoulders and horizontally
  • Occasional pushing/pulling, lifting and maneuvering objects such as wheelchairs with students with a broad range of body weights
  • Frequently bend/twist neck to adequately monitor students and traffic conditions
  • Lift and/or support/drag up to 150 pounds for short periods of time
  • Climb 3 feet of steps into/out of the bus
  • Requires continuous use of hands, arms, feet, and legs to push/pull or activate essential controls (pedals, levers and knobs) in recurring operational motions
  • Requires a range of simple grasping to firm grasping in order to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with hands to turn the steering wheel, shift gears and/or manipulate mechanical levers and controls; as well as to position students in their car seats and/or infant seats; to fasten car/infant seat harnesses and/or belts; to secure students to their wheelchairs or car seats; and to secure the wheelchairs or car seats to the bus
  • Hear with or without assistive devices sufficient to hear students, receive communications on radio and hear outside noises sirens, horns, brakes, etc. that are necessary to operate bus safely
  • Speak with or without assistive devices sufficiently, professionally and politely to give instructions/commands to students, speak professionally and politely to parents and other staff
  • Visual acuity with or without assistive devices sufficient to pass driving test, read signs, road hazards and to be able to operate bus safely in reduced visibility conditions

Hazards:

  • Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and bodily fluids; exposure to students/parents being physically aggressive and non-compliant

Note: SAFETY-SENSITIVE JOB CLASS. EMPLOYEES IN THIS JOB CLASS WILL BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM SELECTION FOR ALCOHOL AND/OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TESTING.


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