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Trainee Bus Driver Jobs in Manchester, CT (NOW HIRING)

School Bus Driver Trainee

Portland, CT · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Portland, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Middletown, CT · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Middletown, CT Salary: $23 - $29.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Bristol, CT · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Bristol, CT Salary: $25 - $31.5 Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role ...

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: New Hartford, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Windsor, CT · On-site

$22.50 - $30.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Windsor, CT Salary: $22.5 - $32.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Plainville, CT · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: Plainville, CT Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( As a School Bus Driver, you will have a ...

School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: South Windsor, CT Salary: $25 - $31.5 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently have a limited number ...

CREC School Bus Driver Trainee Department: School Bus Driver Location: New Britain, CT Salary: $25 - $31.5 Per Hour Career Site : Dattco START YOUR APPLICATION ( We are currently have a limited ...

We have CREC trainee openings at our Plainville, New Britain, South Windsor, Portland and Cheshire ... As a CREC School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get ...

We have CREC trainee openings at our Plainville, New Britain, South Windsor, Portland and Cheshire ... As a CREC School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get ...

We have CREC trainee openings at our Plainville, New Britain, South Windsor, Portland and Cheshire ... As a CREC School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

School Bus Driver As a school bus driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Middletown, CT · On-site

$23 - $29.25/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career changers ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Andover, CT · On-site

$23.50 - $30/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career changers ...

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

School Bus Driver Trainee

Andover, CT · On-site

$23.50 - $30/hr

As a DATTCO School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career ...

School Bus Driver As a school bus driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents ...

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Trainee Bus Driver information

See Manchester, CT salary details

$25.3K

$50.5K

$67.2K

How much do trainee bus driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee bus driver in Manchester, CT is $50,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,400.00 and $58,600.00 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 Manchester, CT?

The most popular types of Bus Driver jobs in Manchester, CT are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Manchester, CT?

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

What job categories do people searching Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Manchester, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Bus Driver jobs in Manchester, CT are:

What cities near Manchester, CT are hiring for Trainee Bus Driver jobs?

Cities near Manchester, CT with the most Trainee Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Bus Driver job openings in Manchester, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,452 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

School Bus Driver Trainee

DATTCO

Portland, CT • On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


​DATTCO rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 99 rated public transport


Job description

School Bus Driver Trainee

Department: School Bus Driver

Location: Portland, CT

Salary: $23 - $28.25 Per Hour

Career Site : Dattco

START YOUR APPLICATION (https://apply.hrmdirect.com/resumedirect/ApplyOnline/Apply.aspx?req_id=3750711&source=3750711-CJB-0)

As a School Bus Driver, you will have a vital role within your local community by helping get our kids to school safely. This is a perfect role for retirees, parents, grandparents, career changers and anyone that cares about children.

Hear what it's like from a DATTCO school bus driver:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uoal180vsh9wizcmweb0s/Employee-Success-Story-Diana-Jimenez-FINAL.mp4?rlkey=gobg3bhomce8h30vw8gpw9it4&e=2&dl=0

DATTCO is a third-generation, family-owned passenger transportation company that serves 30 school districts throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. Our 2,500 employees safely transport over 140,000 students to and from school every year. Learn more about us at www.dattco.com.

What We Offer:

  • No experience? No worries! We provide personalized training.

  • Part-time work schedule of 20-30 hours per week. Additional hours may be available.

  • Bring Your Child to Work. Save on child care.

  • No long distance trips. Be home every night.

  • Weekend and holiday breaks.

  • 401k with company match.

  • Career growth opportunities. We promote from within.

  • Paid holidays.

  • Annual pay raises.

  • Longevity bonuses.

  • Employee referral bonuses.

  • Paid safety meetings.

  • Compensation of $23.00-28.25/hour.

Responsibilities:

  • Safely transport children to and from school.

  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.

Requirements:

  • 21+ years old.

  • Valid CT driver's license.

  • 3 years driving experience.

  • Pass a background check. Pass a drug test.

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.

START YOUR APPLICATION (https://apply.hrmdirect.com/resumedirect/ApplyOnline/Apply.aspx?req_id=3750711&source=3750711-CJB-0)


What ​DATTCO employees say

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