Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

DATTCO is a third generation, family owned passenger transportation company with approximately 2,500 employees operating from more than 30 locations. We are one of New England's largest private passenger transportation companies.

We are hiring Charter Bus Driver Trainees for our Westport, CT location! Start a driving career with variety, flexibility, and training. If you enjoy being behind the wheel, meeting new people, and traveling to different destinations, this is a great opportunity to turn that interest into a career. Charter driving offers something different from a traditional fixed route: each day can bring a new trip, a new group, and a new destination.

No prior commercial driving experience is required. As a Charter Bus Driver Trainee, you'll receive personalized training to help you earn your CDL license and required endorsements. Once fully licensed, you may transport sports teams to games, students on field trips, and groups traveling to weddings, private events, parties, and other destinations. If you enjoy driving and want a role with more variety than a traditional daily schedule, this is the role for you!

Training Location: Bridgeport, CT

Training Schedule: Training is typically offered Monday-Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Most trainees complete the program in approximately 90 days, depending on their availability and how often they attend training.

Once Licensed:

Location: Westport, CT (union location)

Hours: Guaranteed 30 hours per week. Charter driving offers flexible, trip-based scheduling. Looking for more hours? Drivers may pick up additional charter assignments based on availability and business needs.

Hourly Rate: $32 –$ 36/hour. Opportunity to earn gratuities. Competitive compensation with transparent rate progression over the next three years.

Why DATTCO?

• Job stability and longevity.
• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within under all DATTCO company brands (DeVivo Companies, Motor Coach, School Bus).
• 401k with company match.
• Paid holidays.
• Employee Referral Program - bonuses offered to any current employee that refers someone to work with us!
• Note: Subject to referral program terms and eligibility requirements.

Who you might be:

• You genuinely enjoy driving and being on the road.
• You prefer variety instead of driving the same route every day.
• You enjoy traveling to different destinations and events.
• You want flexibility to pick up additional trips and hours.
• You are comfortable driving for extended periods.
• You enjoy interacting with different passengers and groups.
• You are dependable, professional, safety-focused, and customer-service oriented.
• You are an experienced commercial driver looking for flexible work.

What You'll Do:

• Safely transport passengers to a variety of destinations and events.
• Drive sports teams to games and athletic events.
• Transport students and school groups on field trips and other scheduled activities.
• Transport passengers to weddings, parties, private events, and other charter destinations.
• Safely navigate different routes, road conditions, and geographic areas.
• Provide friendly and professional service to passengers and clients.
• Assist passengers with boarding and exiting the vehicle when needed.
• Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
• Inspect the vehicle following trips for belongings left behind and assist with coordinating their return.
• Communicate with operations regarding trip details, passenger needs, and service concerns.
• Follow all applicable traffic laws, safety requirements, company policies, and commercial driving regulations.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have at least three consecutive years of driving experience with a valid driver's license.
• Must have an acceptable driving record and meet Connecticut DMV and DATTCO eligibility standards.
• Must be able to obtain before operating with students, a valid Connecticut CDL Class A or B with School Bus (S), and Passenger (P) or Van (V) endorsements.
• Must be able to meet DOT/FMCSA medical qualification standards, including the physical qualification standards in 49 CFR Part 391, and maintain a valid DOT medical certificate as required.
• Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screening, including fingerprinting, state and national criminal background checks, registry checks, driving record review, drug testing, and any other screenings required by law, Connecticut DMV, school district policy, or DATTCO policy.
• Must participate in DOT/FMCSA and/or state-required random drug and alcohol testing programs as applicable to CDL school bus and charter drivers.
• Must complete and maintain all required Connecticut DMV school bus training, proficiency, road test, annual/in-service training, safety drills, and continuing education requirements.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to enter and exit the vehicle repeatedly and perform required vehicle inspections.
• Ability to bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and use vehicle safety equipment.
• Ability to assist passengers during boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuations.

The physical requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. DATTCO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable federal and state law.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status and any other protected classes.