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School Bus Driver Trainee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver Trainee

Thornton, CO · On-site

$26 - $32.85/hr

Transportation/Bus Driver Trainee Date Posted: 7/28/2026 Location: Support Services Center Closing ... Adams 12 Five Star Schools puts students first and supports our district's mission to elevate ...

Bus Driver Training Position This position is a limited duration training position in which the ... High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * No experience required. Licenses, Registrations or ...

School Bus Driver Classification: Classified Full-time Non-Exempt/Hourly Contract Period: 9 Month (178 days with some variance depending on the year) Compensation: SY 2026-2027 Route Bus Driver ...

A school bus driver is responsible for the safe operation and transport of school aged children to and from school. A full time bus driver position is fully benefitted and has a guaranteed minimum of ...

School Bus Driver

Gypsum, CO · On-site

$24.41 - $29.29/hr

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER Transportation *No CDL? Successful applicants are offered paid training and testing* BENEFITS: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 20-22% employer contribution to your PERA ...

Description School Bus Driver Give children a head start! This position is set to begin on August 17th Work Scheduled for 36 - 40 Hours a Week Transports children to and from school and other ...

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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 Colorado?

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

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

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

Bus Driver - Trainee (Multiple Positions) - 2026/2027 School Year

Academy School District 20

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 10 days ago


Academy District 20 rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Location:
Transportation Facility
Recruiting Start Date:
07/01/2026
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Estimated Start Date:
08/17/2026
Drives a bus used in the service of a school or system; provides safe, efficient, courteous, customer-centered transportation to and from school and related activities; transports general education and/or special needs students to and from school and related activities
Incumbent must meet all requirements of local, state, and federal regulations for controlled substance testing including pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug and alcohol testing.
The Academy District 20 school bus driver is a part-time position where you are guaranteed 20 hours a week and will be eligible for medical, vision, dental and life insurance benefits. Academy District 20 school bus drivers are required to possess a Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Passenger and School Bus endorsement.
Prior to starting as a school bus driver, you will apply and be hired as a temporary bus driver trainee. As a temporary bus driver trainee, you will be trained and tested to receive a CDL. You will be responsible for all fees associated with the CDL. Academy District 20 will cover the cost of your DOT physical. While training you will not be eligible for benefits and must be available for training five to eight hours a day Monday through Friday. Once you have completed your training (including successfully passing the test for your CDL and DOT physical), your position will be updated to a school bus driver.
The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and other key duties that may be required. The description may not include all functions performed by the incumbents in various locations. The district reserves the right to modify or change the duties or the essential functions of this job at any time.
  • Reports consistently for work as scheduled
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
  • Attends training and in-service meetings
  • Completes pre-trip and post-trip inspections as required
  • Consults supervisors and/or dispatch staff members on route modifications
  • Ensures that all safety rules and regulations are followed
  • Identifies and reports mechanical malfunctions to appropriate staff members
  • Keeps current with applicable local, federal, and state regulations and laws governing the operation of school transportation vehicles
  • Maintains accurate and up to date transportation paperwork
  • Maintains cleanliness and orderly appearance of district vehicles, including washing vehicles on a regular basis
  • Maneuvers and secures wheelchairs
  • Performs simulated or actual emergency evacuations of all vehicle occupants
  • Prepares accurate directions for each assigned route and includes specific map-based instructions
  • Prepares work orders and reports/solves maintenance and mechanical problems before they become emergencies
  • Safely secures students in safety vests, car seats, or seat belts
  • Stays current with student behavioral management techniques
  • Successfully completes road skills test, skills course, and written evaluations
  • Supervises loading and unloading of buses
  • Transports students, on scheduled school days established by the district, to and from the school and related activities safely and efficiently

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Ability to drive and operate a school bus safely
  • Ability to drive district vehicles in adverse weather or as needed to meet department requirements
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions including supervisors, administrators, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general public
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to greet and interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
  • Ability to provide a warm and caring attitude toward students
  • Ability to recognize safety issues in the workplace
  • Ability to supervise students on a daily basis
  • Ability to understand special student needs
  • Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilities
  • Ability to work independently without direct supervision
  • Commitment to the education of students as a primary responsibility
  • Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
  • Detail-oriented
  • Energetic, creative, innovative, flexible
  • Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge and retention of district traffic patterns and the local road network
  • Knowledge of district operations, rules, policies, procedures, and regulations
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a staff member typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive.
  • The noise level in the work environment may alternate among quiet, moderate, and loud.
  • The incumbent is frequently required to interact in person and through communication methods with the students, public, and/or other staff.
  • The incumbent is required to work scheduled school/work hours and/or days.
  • The incumbent may be required to work extended school/work hours and/or days as directed.
  • The incumbent may experience exposure to all types of weather conditions, high noise levels, dust, fumes, and other elements associated with transportation duties.
  • The incumbent may experience exposure to stressful or confrontational situations.
  • Work is generally performed in a transportation vehicle.

Physical Demands: The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive. All physical demands, if listed, are considered essential functions
  • Sits, stands, walks, stoops, kneels, and crouches/squats while performing duties
  • Has oral and auditory capacity enabling interaction interpersonally and/or through communication devices
  • Uses eyes, hands, and finger coordination enabling the use of equipment and writing utensils
  • Subject to hazardous conditions of ice and snow while performing transportation duties
  • Lifts or carries burdens up to 50 lbs., and pushes and/or pulls other burdens weighing 100 lbs.; may have to lift students when required
  • Has visual capacity enabling safe operation of tools and machinery
  • Distinguishes depth and objects in a wide field of vision
  • Spends the majority of time sitting and may stand and walk while performing duties
  • Conducts activities involving climbing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching/squatting, twisting, and reaching

Cognitive Functions: The following are some of the cognitive functions commonly associated with this position. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive. The staff member may be required to analyze, communicate, compare, compile, compute, coordinate, copy, evaluate, instruct, negotiate, synthesize, reason, and use interpersonal skills.
Required Qualifications:
High school graduate -high school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications:
Compensation Rate:
$22.69
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Hours per Day:
4.0 hours
Hours will be split between mornings and afternoons.
Number of Days per Year:
171 days
Benefits Eligibility:
Under Part-Time - Ineligible
For more information on our benefits, please visit Employee Benefits | Academy District 20 (asd20.org).
FLSA Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
How to Apply:
New applicants (including current district staff members) must use the Workday application portal. Documents emailed directly to a supervisor will not be considered for application purposes and will not receive a response. A completed online application also includes the following uploaded documents in PDF format:
  • A current resume

Please do not call to request site visits or interviews at the school/location. Please direct all inquiries via the email address indicated on the posting
Hiring Manager Email:
mike.blanot@asd20.org

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