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School Bus Driver Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$20.34 - $27.70/hr

Now Hiring School Bus Drivers for Catalina Foothills Unified School District #16, Tucson, AZ As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students.

School Bus Driver

Snowflake, AZ · On-site

$19.89 - $24.47/hr

As a Part Time School Bus Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students' days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely ...

School Bus Driver

Sedona, AZ · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

School Bus Driver Sedona-Oak Creek School District is looking for a friendly, safe Bus Driver for our Cottonwood route! $18-21/hr and we can offer a park out bus in Cottonwood. As a part time ...

School Bus Driver

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$16.75/hr

School Bus Driver Apply now Job No: 541562 Work Type: Part-time Location: TUCSON Categories: Automotive/Fleet, Facilities Management/Maintainence/Construction/Operations ARIZONA STATE SCHOOLS FOR THE ...

Showing results 21-40

School Bus Driver Trainee information

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 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.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of School Bus Driver jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of School Bus Driver jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for School Bus Driver Trainee jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most School Bus Driver Trainee job openings:

Bus Driver Trainee (will Train and Certify) 2026/2027 SY

Avondale Elementary School District

Avondale, AZ • On-site

$17.34/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Sign-on Compensation after 90 days of employment.

Bus Driver Trainee

I. General Description: 
 

To complete training aspects required to obtain Arizona School Bus Driver Certification to include 14 hours classroom, preparation for permit test and endorsements, 20 hours behind-the-wheel, final road skills test and other requirements. Trainee will learn the operation and maintenance of buses for the purpose of promoting into a part-time or full-time driver position transporting students. Training provided by our DPS Certified Instructors with minimal out-of-pocket costs.


II. Qualifications:

1. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license with at least one year of driving experience and the ability to operate a school bus and bus equipment. Must possess good driving record.
2. Must possess a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance card
3. Must be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification, pass a medical review exam and pass a physical performance test.
4. Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team.
5. Must pass a drug screen urinalysis annually and as requested.
6. Must be able to push, pull or lift weights up to 50 pounds.
7. High school diploma or equivalent preferred
8. Must understand and comply with all traffic laws.
9. Must satisfy all requirements for an Arizona Commercial Driver's License and DPS Student Transportation within a 60-day period







III. Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Learns to become competent in the duties and responsibilities of the District Bus Driver.
2. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Note - Special Characteristics and Requirements:  Employees of this class perform under the general supervision of the Transportation Supervisor. Lives of others depend on the safe operation of buses. Drivers must be of good moral character, reliable, safety conscious, dependable, neat and clean, able to get along with others, of sound physical condition, free of use of intoxicating or consciousness influencing substances and emotionally stable (patient, calm under stress, even tempered, and considerate). 

Terms of Employment: Part Time, 10 Months
Note: **Compensation will be based on 93% of regular rate of pay without High School Diploma
Application Requirements: All applicants must complete an online application, which requires at least 3 professional references.
 



Primary Location: Transportation
 

Salary Range: $17.34 / Per Hour
 

Shift Type: Part-Time
CLASSIFIED HOURLY (Non-Exempt) Hiring Guidelines and Placement Schedule