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School Bus Driver Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Watertown, CT · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Watertown, CT Salary: $25 - $31 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Windsor, CT · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Windsor, CT Salary: $22.5 - $32.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Bristol, CT · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Bristol, CT Salary: $25 - $31.5 Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, CT · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Portland, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Middletown, CT · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Middletown, CT Salary: $23 - $29.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Brooklyn, CT · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Brooklyn, CT Salary: $24 - $29 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

New Haven, CT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: New Haven, CT Salary: $0 - $0 Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

Plainville, CT · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Plainville, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

New Hartford, CT · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: New Hartford, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

South Windsor, CT · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: South Windsor, CT Salary: $25 - $31.5 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently have a limited number ...

DATTCO

School Bus Driver Trainee

New Canaan, CT · On-site

$27 - $33.75/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: New Canaan, CT Salary: $27 - $33.75 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will be ...

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How much do school bus driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for school bus driver trainee in the United States is $49,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $58,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a school bus driver trainee?

School Bus Driver Trainees are individuals who are in the process of being trained to become fully qualified school bus drivers. They typically undergo classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and must pass written and driving exams to obtain the necessary commercial driver's license (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements. Trainees learn about safety procedures, student management, vehicle inspection, and state and federal transportation regulations. The training ensures that they can safely and effectively transport students to and from school and related activities.

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

To become a school bus driver trainee, candidates typically need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and must pass a background check. They often complete a training program that covers safety procedures, vehicle operation, and student management, and may need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements.

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

To excel as a School Bus Driver Trainee, you need a clean driving record, basic vehicle operation skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Training often involves learning to use vehicle inspection checklists, two-way radios, and preparation for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements. Patience, strong communication, and a calm demeanor are crucial for interacting with students and managing unexpected situations. These skills and qualities ensure the safety and well-being of students while maintaining reliable and efficient transportation services.

What can I expect during the training and onboarding process as a school bus driver trainee?

As a School Bus Driver Trainee, you will participate in a structured training program that typically includes classroom instruction on safety regulations, state and federal driving laws, and student management, as well as hands-on practice with bus operation under the supervision of certified trainers. You will also prepare for and take the required commercial driver’s license (CDL) exams, often with support and guidance from experienced staff. The training period is designed to ensure you are comfortable with all aspects of the job, from route navigation to emergency procedures, before you begin driving independently. During this time, you may also shadow current drivers to gain insight into daily routines and best practices.

How difficult is it to become a school bus driver trainee?

Becoming a school bus driver trainee typically requires passing a background check, obtaining a commercial driver's license with passenger and school bus endorsements, and completing a training program. The process involves learning safety protocols, driving skills, and often a drug test, but the difficulty varies based on individual driving experience and adherence to requirements.

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

AspectSchool Bus Driver TraineeSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsRequires a valid driver’s license, CDL permit, and trainingRequires a valid CDL license with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentTraining period, supervised driving, school campusesFull-time driving, transporting students to and from school
Employer & IndustrySchool districts, transportation companiesSchool districts, private transportation services

In summary, a School Bus Driver Trainee is in the training phase, working under supervision to gain necessary certifications and experience. A School Bus Driver has completed training, holds the required licenses, and actively transports students. The trainee role focuses on learning and development, while the driver role involves full responsibility for student safety and vehicle operation.

What cities are hiring for School Bus Driver Trainee jobs? Cities with the most School Bus Driver Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs? The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs are:
What states have the most School Bus Driver Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for School Bus Driver Trainee jobs include:
School Bus Driver Trainee jobs near you

School Bus Driver Trainee

West County Transportation Agency

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About the Job
We are accepting applications from persons interested in training to become a school bus driver. The classroom portion of training is twelve (12) days. The behind-the-wheel training begins after the classroom training is completed and the Class B permit is obtained. WCTA will pay for the necessary pre-employment physical examination, mandatory pre-employment drug screening, fingerprinting, DMV testing fees, and CHP testing fees.
  • After completion of all necessary background checks, drug testing, DOT physical, and classroom time, School Bus Driver Trainees will be required to report daily for assignments.
  • Once the Class B permit is obtained, School Bus Driver Trainees will begin the behind-the-wheel portion of training, at which time a minimum of twenty (20) hours of behind-the-wheel training must be completed.
  • As a new driver trainee, you are guaranteed a minimum of five (5) hours per day.
  • Extra work can be assigned to School Bus Driver Trainees by driving Class C Van Routes or as a Transportation Aide if needed.
  • The position will have a probationary period of 130 days.

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