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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Bandon School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Bandon, OR · On-site

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program. * Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices. * Must read, speak, and write the English ...

Bandon School District

Substitute Bus Driver

Bandon, OR

$15.50 - $21.25/hr

Must have successfully completed a Bus Driver Trainee program. * Must possess a satisfactory driving record and an understanding of safe driving practices. * Must read, speak, and write the English ...

All JobsBus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver Jobs in Oregon

Trainee Bus Driver information

See Oregon salary details

$26.4K

$52.8K

$70.3K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Oregon is $52,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $61,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do school bus drivers make?

School bus drivers in North Carolina typically earn an average hourly wage of around $14 to $16, which translates to approximately $29,000 to $33,000 annually for full-time drivers. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and the school district, and drivers often need a commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger endorsements.

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

AspectTrainee Bus DriverBus Driver
CertificationsLearner's permit, basic trainingCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised routesOperating buses on scheduled routes
ExperienceNone or minimalExperienced in passenger transport
Job StatusTraining phaseFull-time professional

The main difference between a Trainee Bus Driver and a Bus Driver is that the trainee is in the learning phase, holding basic permits and undergoing training, while the bus driver is fully qualified, experienced, and operating routes independently. Trainees are gaining the skills needed to become certified bus drivers, whereas bus drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers on scheduled routes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Bus Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Bus Driver, you need a clean driving record, basic numeracy and literacy skills, and eligibility to obtain a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license. Familiarity with ticketing machines, route navigation systems, and completion of Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training are typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and customer service skills help you interact effectively with passengers and handle difficult situations. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, reliable service and positive experiences for all passengers on public transport.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee bus drivers during their initial training period?

Trainee bus drivers often find adapting to driving large vehicles in busy urban environments to be one of the biggest challenges. Learning to navigate tight turns, manage blind spots, and safely handle unpredictable traffic can take some time. Another common hurdle is mastering customer service skills, as drivers interact with a diverse range of passengers daily. Balancing attention between the road, schedules, and passenger needs requires focus and practice, but thorough training and support from experienced instructors help trainees build confidence and competence over time.

How difficult is it to become a bus driver?

Becoming a trainee bus driver typically requires a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to complete a training program that covers safety procedures, vehicle operation, and customer service, which can take several weeks. The job also requires good communication skills and the ability to handle a schedule and route efficiently.

What disqualifies you from being a bus driver?

To qualify as a trainee bus driver, candidates typically must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and pass background checks and drug tests. Disqualifications include serious traffic violations, criminal convictions, or a history of unsafe driving behaviors. Additionally, good communication skills and the ability to handle a demanding schedule are important for this role.

What are trainee bus drivers?

Trainee bus drivers are individuals who are in the process of learning how to safely and efficiently operate a bus, usually through a structured training program provided by a bus company or public transport authority. During this period, trainees receive instruction on driving techniques, safety procedures, customer service, and route navigation. They typically need to obtain the appropriate commercial driving license and pass both theoretical and practical assessments before becoming fully qualified bus drivers.

How long are you a trainee bus driver?

The duration of the trainee bus driver period typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the company's training program and the individual's progress. During this time, trainees learn safety protocols, driving skills, and customer service requirements before becoming fully licensed drivers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Oregon? For Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Oregon are:
Trainee Bus Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $52,815 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

2026/2027 Bus Driver Sub/Trainee Pool

Eugene School District

Eugene, OR • On-site

$23.63 - $29.65/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 hours ago

Job description

Salary: $23.63 - $29.65 Hourly
Location : Transportation - 1938 W. 8th Ave, Eugene, OR
Job Type: Substitute
Job Number: 2026-00131
School/Department: Transportation
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
This is for the 2026/27 school year.
Eugene Public Schools is taking applications for regular, substitute, or trainee school bus drivers for current and anticipated openings. Drives District buses to safely transport students between bus stops and schools, on field trips, or as assigned.
Drives District buses to safely transport students between bus stops and schools, on field trips, or as assigned.
POSITION PAY
  • For TRAINEES: $19.85 - Route and Bus Driver Training
  • For SUBSTITUTES: $23.63/HR on call (No Benefits)
  • For REGULAR: $23.63 - 29.65/HR PAY GRADE 9 (Benefits)

Essential Functions:
  1. Drive regular route school busses as prescribed by assigned route and time schedule, and specified bus stops. Modify route temporarily in response to traffic or weather conditions.
  2. Initiate and administer discipline and reward systems to control student passenger behavior. Assign seating and train students in safe riding practices, street crossing, and emergency evacuation procedures.
  3. Perform pre-trip inspection of bus brakes, tires, emergency exits, lights, instruments, emergency equipment, and general operability; maintain interior cleanliness of bus.
  4. Complete required reports of odometer readings, bus malfunctions, student conduct and trips.
  5. Attend and participate in required classroom training programs, departmental meetings and planning sessions.
  6. Drive busses for special excursions as assigned.
  7. Communicate problems to District supervisory, routing and maintenance personnel or school administrators as necessary. Operate two-way radio.
  8. May be required to drive Special Education routes as scheduling and/or relief driving requirements dictate.
  9. Perform related work as required.
Senior Driving Assignments: Drive busses for field trips, athletic events, and other out-of-town special excursions as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  1. Ability to operate any and all District buses and bus equipment.
  2. Ability to drive safely under pressure of time constraints, student misbehavior, hazardous road conditions, and traffic demands.
  3. Punctuality and ability to pace activity to meet time schedules.
  4. Knowledge of student behavioral management techniques and ability to control large groups of students.
  5. Ability to represent the District's objectives of courtesy and responsibility to the public.
  6. Experiences differentiating practices for diverse populations.
  7. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse students, staff, and community populations.
  8. Ability to remain available for daily driving assignments.
Senior Driving Assignments: Demonstrated ability to drive all District buses safely in a variety of conditions, possession of an Oregon Class B CDL with proper endorsements, possession of an ODE School Bus Drivers Certificate.
Minimum Qualifications
  1. Possession of a valid State of Oregon Driver's license
  2. Five years (5) of successful driving experience.
  3. Bilingual proficiency and/or multicultural experience strongly preferred.
  4. Ability to successfully complete a physical examination, required DMV testing, required ODE classes, and First-Aid training.
Senior Driving Assignments
  1. Three years experience as a Bus Driver.
  2. Successful completion of advanced classroom and in-vehicle training and driving tests.

Additional Information
Upon offer of employment applicants must obtain a fingerprint clearance from the Oregon State Police Department and the FBI through a process authorized by the Eugene School District 4J. Applicants would be responsible for the one-time fingerprint clearance fee.
An Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
The Eugene School District 4J does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity in admission or access to the treatment of employment in its programs and activities as required by state and federal law. If you have any complaints, please contact the HR Department at (541) 790-7670.
It is the District's policy to provide qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with applicable law. Applicants wishing to claim veterans' preference must provide the following military documents verifying their eligibility:
Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge OR a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicating the applicant receives a non-service connected pension.
Disabled Veterans: A copy of the applicant's Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (a federal DD Form 214 or 215), which shows character of service upon discharge AND a copy of the applicants veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (unless the information is included on the DD Form 214 or 215).
For veterans' preference to apply, the required military documents must be submitted to the District at the time of application submission.
There are a wide variety of benefits to eligible Eugene School District 4J employees. These benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability, flexible spending accounts, 403B, and an employee assistance program.
Positions at a minimum of four hours (0.5 FTE) are benefit eligible. Please contact the hiring administrator if you have questions about this position's benefit eligibility.
For a complete description of benefits available for 4J employees please visit our Employee Benefits webpage at www.4j.lane.edu/hr/benefits.

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