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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bus Attendant

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$22.47 - $28.78/hr

Job Overview This position is a Trainee/Part-Time position. After the successful completion of ... Assists the bus driver in completing reports and in maintaining a clean, safe environment inside ...

Must have a CDL (Class A or Class B) with passengerendorsement and air brakes.* Hourly Wage: $23.00 ... Performs HRT pre-trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning ...

Must have a CDL (Class A or Class B) with passengerendorsement and air brakes.* Hourly Wage: $23.00 ... Performs HRT pre-trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning ...

Must have a CDL (Class A or Class B) with passenger endorsement and air brakes. Hourly Wage: $23.00 ... Performs HRT pre-trip inspection of transit bus for mechanical problems prior to beginning ...

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Note: Interested applicants for a Transit Driver position may begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Note: Interested applicants for a Transit Driver position may begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

... bus and rail passengers on four continents. Visit wedriveu.com to learn more about our company ... Note: Interested applicants for a Transit Driver position may begin with us as a Driver Trainee.

Trainee Bus Driver information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$49.5K

$65.9K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Virginia is $49,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee bus driver?

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.

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.

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 most commonly searched types of Bus Driver jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trainee Bus Driver jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Trainee Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,525 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Bus Driver ($2,500 Sign-On Bonus)

Loudoun County Public Schools

Leesburg, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Loudoun County Public Schools rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Job Overview

This position is a Trainee/Part-Time position. After the successful completion of training, individuals are eligible to apply to open full-time Bus Driver positions.

Full-Time Bus Drivers are expected to work in both the morning and afternoons and could be assigned to any route or substitute assignment within the county

This position is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, performing daily pre-trip inspection and safety checks, following an assigned route and schedule, maintaining vehicle cleanliness, and enforcing safety rules on an as needed basis. This position follows specific instructions and procedures and nonstandard situations or problems are referred to Lead Bus Driver or Area Supervisor. This employee receives on-the-job training in the basics of safely operating the bus and student management. This position requires work to be performed in the morning and afternoon.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed in relation to the position. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate:

While in Training:

  • Attends job related training classes and workshops.
  • Completes school bus driver training requirements of Loudoun County and Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Completes National Safety Council First Aid and CPR Certifications (provided during training).

As Part-Time or Full-Time Driver:

  • Provides safe transportation of students, maintains effective control of students, and assists bus attendant in boarding.
  • Performs daily pre-trip inspection and safety checks of bus and reports any defective equipment.
  • Fuels bus following all established safety procedures.
  • Adapts driving methods to weather and road conditions. Recommends route changes as needed.
  • Performs basic First Aid and CPR procedures as required. Manages students in case of an emergency evacuation.
  • Completes written bus incident reports as necessary and completes daily and monthly operations report.

Qualifications

Below are the qualifcations for this position:

  • Four years of driving experience, minimum age of 20, and ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License with school bus endorsement
  • Completion of school bus driver training requirements of Loudoun County and Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Controlled substance testing, annual physical examinations, and random tests for use of controlled substances and alcohol, as prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Virginia Board of Education, and Loudoun County Public Schools are a condition of continued employment.
  • Knowledge of traffic and highway safety rules and regulations, local street and road system, and basic mechanical principles of motor vehicle operations (provided during training)
  • Advanced level of fluency in English, both verbal and written format
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents; carry out written and oral instructions
  • Ability to operate a two-way radio
  • National Safety Council First Aid and CPR Certifications (provided during training)
  • Maintain all required trainings and certifications during the course of employment with LCPS as a Bus Driver.
  • In accordance with 49 CFR * 391.11(b)(2), the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.
  • A satisfactory pre-employment physical examination, controlled substance testing, and a completed physician's certificate (School Bus Driver's Application for Physician Certificate, form EB.001) are required under the provisions of Section 22.1-178 of the Code of Virginia and Regulations of the Virginia Board of Education and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
  • Under the provision of Section 22.1-178 of the Code of Virginia and Regulations of the Virginia Board of Education, furnish a statement or copy of records from the Department of Motor Vehicles showing that, within the preceding five years, that there are you have not been convicted of a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs, convicted of a charge of refusing to take a blood or breath test, convicted of a felony, or assigned to any alcohol safety action program or driver alcohol rehabilitation program pursuant to * 18.2-271.1 of the Code of Virginia and/or, within the preceding 12 months, have not been convicted of two or more moving traffic violations or have not been required to attend a driver improvement clinic by the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to * 46.2-498 of the Code of Virginia.

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this position:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing, or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Additional Requirements:

  • Advanced level of verbal and written fluency in English and communicates effectively with students, staff, and parents; carries out written and oral instructions
  • In accordance with 49 CFR * 391.11(b)(2), the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records

Pay Lifecycle:

In Training: Universal Level 8, Step 1

After Training in Part-Time Position: Banded Level 8

After Training in Full-Time Position: Universal Level 8

Reports to: Team Lead - Training or Lead Bus Driver

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Months/Days/Hours: 10 months/ 186 days

Salary Scale: https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Salary Range: $29.20 - $37.58

Remote Work Eligible: No

Union Designation: Non-Certified

Essential Personnel Disclosure

Employees who perform the responsibilities of this job are considered essential personnel. Essential personnel are designated employees who must report for work during a delay or emergency situations. A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens the staff, pupils, or the public; disrupts or shuts down business operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies may be natural or manmade. It is incumbent upon the supervisor to inform and confirm which essential personnel are required to work during emergency closings. Notification and confirmation of the expectation of essential personnel to report to work, or maintain as-needed status, will be executed with as much advanced notice as possible via in-person communication or email.


What Loudoun County Public Schools employees say

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About Loudoun County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) is a prominent entity in the education industry, situated in Broadlands, Virginia, United States. Being operational through the official website, lcps.org, LCPS provides quality public education services as its core product. The establishment dates back to 1870, providing educational services to the Loudoun County for over 150 years. LCPS's mission is to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. They aim to create a safe and motivating environment for students and work with a dedication to continuous growth and achievement. Notably, LCPS has been recognized repeatedly for its commitment to educational excellence, with numerous schools within the district earning the Virginia Index of Performance awards for advanced learning and achievement.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Broadlands, VA, US

Year founded

1870