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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Center

Bus Driver/Trainee

Winchester, VA · On-site

$15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Frederick County Public Schools Bus Driver Training We are seeking applicants to participate in the next Frederick County Public Schools Bus Driver Training class. Applicants are not required to hold ...

Hampton Roads Transit

Bus Operator (FT) Trainee

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... bus schedule adherence, driving record, and the courteous treatment of the public. Required ... Must have CDL Class B license and/or CDL permit and the ability to acquire within sixty (60) days ...

Gohrt

Bus Operator (PT) Trainee

Hampton, VA · On-site

$23/hr

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 ...

Gohrt

Bus Operator (PT) Trainee

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23/hr

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 ...

WeDriveU

Paratransit Driver Non CDL

Richmond, VA

$19.88/hr

... 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.

WeDriveU

Paratransit Driver Non CDL

Richmond, VA · On-site

$19.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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.

WeDriveU

Non-CDL Paratransit Driver

Springfield, VA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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.

All JobsBus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver JobsTrainee Bus Driver Jobs in Virginia

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 Aug 19, 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 are popular job titles related to Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Virginia?

For Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee 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:

Trainee Bus Driver jobs near you
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/Trainee

Transportation Center

Winchester, VA • On-site

$15/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Frederick County Public Schools Bus Driver Training

We are seeking applicants to participate in the next Frederick County Public Schools Bus Driver Training class. Applicants are not required to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and paid training is provided. Applicants who are selected to participate in the training through FCPS will be paid at the bus driver in-training rate while completing the classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Training participants must successfully complete all training and earn a Virginia CDL with a bus driver endorsement in order to be eligible to begin work as an on-call substitute bus driver or contracted bus driver.

Contracted Bus Driver positions are typically 4.5 hours per day / 10 months / 180 days. Benefits for contracted drivers include sick leave, personal leave, health insurance (including dental and vision), retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System and group life insurance. Drivers may also bring up to two of their children or grandchildren (up to age 5) to ride on the bus they drive.

Qualifications
  • Minimum age: 21 years
  • Hold valid driver's license with a driving record that is within 0-5 Safe Driving Points (Virginia). West Virginia license holders must supply FCPS with a driving record from the WV DMV that has a seal on it.
  • Pass a physical exam, drug screen, and background checks
  • Obtain a CDL Permit or possess a Class B CDL with the following endorsements: 1) Air brakes - vehicle equipped with air brakes; 2) School Bus (S), 3) Passenger Bus (P)
  • Complete 5-week Bus Driver Training Program through FCPS

A high school diploma or GED is preferred.

This position requires participation in a Department of Transportation random drug screening program under guidelines for drivers holding a Commercial Drivers' License.

Pay Rate
  • Bus drivers in training - $15.00/hour
  • Substitute Bus Driver - $100.22/day
  • Contracted Bus Driver - $100.22-$165.06/day based on experience. An attendance bonus is also available.

Selected applicants will be notified of the scheduled dates for the next Bus Driver Training class.

Apply