To become a school bus driver in the state of Texas you must:
- Obtain a Texas Commercial Driver’s License –Class B with a passenger, and school bus endorsement.
- Pass a DOT physical annually and pre-employment drug testing.
- Pass State license check and criminal history check.
- Participate and pass a 20 hour Texas School Bus Driver Certification Class.
- Texas School Bus Driver recertification class every 3 years, 8 hour course)
- Be CPR certified.
- Maintain a good driving record as set forth by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Do you need a license to drive a school bus in Texas?
Texas School Bus Driver Certification Course: Participant Handbook Page 29 A multifunction school activity bus may not be painted National School Bus yellow and may bear the words “school bus.” All require proper licensing and certification for the driver. School Bus Types School buses use four main types of construction.
How do I get a CDL for a school bus driver?
Drivers who wish to have a commercial driver license (CDL) must pass knowledge and skills tests, including tests specific to the area of commercial driving, such as school bus driving.
What does a school bus driver do?
As a school bus driver, you contribute to the overall mission to provide safe, efficient, and caring transportation for the school children of Texas.
What college education is needed to become a school bus driver?
First of all a college education is not needed but many school bus companies do require at least a high school diploma in order to become a driver. You will also have to have a clean background check and limited moving violations.
What do I need to be a school bus driver in Texas?
Who Can Drive a School Bus in Texas?be at least 18 years old;hold a Class B CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements; obtain through DPS office.pass an annual mental and physical exam required by Texas DPS; obtain through employer or DOT certified doctor.More items...
Do you need a CDL to drive a bus in Texas?
Guidance: Yes. Any driver of a bus that is designed to transport 16 or more persons, or that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, is required to obtain a CDL in the applicable class with a passenger endorsement.
How long does it take to train as a bus driver?
Your initial licence acquisition training will last approximately 7-8 weeks. Our driver training programme is part of a “Level 2 Passenger Transport Driver – Bus” apprenticeship programme.
Do you need any qualifications to be a bus driver?
You'll need to gain the Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) license and the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC Driver). The PCV takes about four to six weeks to complete, and your driving skills and knowledge both on a practical and theory-level will be assessed.
How do you get a school bus endorsement in Texas?
To add an S endorsement to your CLP/CDL, you must pass the Texas school bus test, and you must also pass skills tests in a school bus. The TX CDL bus test consists of 20 questions, and you'll need at least 16 correct answers to pass (80%).
How do I get a CDL to drive a school bus in Texas?
Obtain a Texas Commercial Driver's License –Class B with a passenger, and school bus endorsement. Pass a DOT physical annually and pre-employment drug testing. Pass State license check and criminal history check. Participate and pass a 20 hour Texas School Bus Driver Certification Class.
How long are bus driver shifts?
The maximum total driving time across the entire rota is seven hours and 51 minutes on any day, the rota averages out at just under 40 hours a week and there are two scheduled rest days (including Sunday).
How do I start driving a bus?
0:083:31Learn How to Drive a Bus For Beginners in Just 3 MinutesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFour adjust the crossview mirrors in a way that you can see the front of the bus. Five engage theMoreFour adjust the crossview mirrors in a way that you can see the front of the bus. Five engage the parking brake if they're not already set and stomp on the clutch pedal before turning on the ignition.
Is driving a bus hard?
Driving a bus is not that much more complicated than driving a car. You do have to be more careful, given the length and weight of a bus, as well as the responsibility you have to your passengers. However, the basics are the same, though you may need to learn to shift if you've never driven a standard before.
What skills do you need to be a bus driver?
Bus drivers should also possess the following specific qualities:Customer-service skills. Bus drivers regularly interact with passengers and must be courteous and helpful.Hand-eye coordination. ... Hearing ability. ... Patience. ... Physical health. ... Visual ability.
Are buses automatic?
With the exception of minibuses, all buses back to the late 80s have been automatic. It's much easier for the driver when in stop start town traffic, plus more resilience than a clutch. Previously most were semi automatic. No clutch, but still a manual shifter, a bit like you find in some modern cars.
Is bus driver a good job?
Good Paying Job. A career in the bus driving industry can mean making up to $44,000 per year. Extra earning opportunities are usually available as well. There are also several opportunities to pick up extra hours, as well as receive employee benefits from the school.
Can I get a CDL without going to school in Texas?
Many people ask, “Can I get a CDL without going to school?” The short answer is yes; you can get a CDL license without attending school until February of 2022. While it is possible to get a CDL without going to school, you most likely don't want to take that route.
How much does it cost to get a CDL in Texas?
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Fees:CDL type*FeeInformationOriginal$25Expires 180 days from issuanceRenewal$25Must be renewed prior to expiration dateMotorcycle with CDLNew—add this to CDL fee$15Expires when CDL expires (depends on age; see CDL section)18 more rows•Sep 29, 2020
Do you need a CDL to drive a semi for personal use in Texas?
Legally there is no restriction on owning or driving a semi for personal and you do not have to obtain CDL license.
Can a felon get a CDL in Texas?
If you have a felony that is not related to using a commercial vehicle to commit any part of the felony, you should generally not have an issue with getting your CDL, even if you have a felony on your record.
How to become a school bus driver in Texas?
To become a school bus driver in the state of Texas you must: Obtain a Texas Commercial Driver’s License –Class B with a passenger, and school bus endorsement. Pass a DOT physical annually and pre-employment drug testing. Pass State license check and criminal history check. Participate and pass a 20 hour Texas School Bus Driver Certification Class.
How often do you need to pass a dot physical?
Pass a DOT physical annually and pre-employment drug testing.
What CDL do you need to drive a 72 passenger school bus?
If you want to drive the 72 passenger school bus you also need to get your passenger endorsement with your Class B CDL.
Why Do You Need A Class B CDL To Drive A School Bus?
They are the Class A, Class B, and Class C CDL. If you want to know the specific differences between them you need to read this.
What About The School Bus Endorsement?
Once you have your Class B CDL and your passenger endorsement the final step to being certified to drive a school bus is to get your school bus endorsement.
Why is driving a school bus important?
School bus drivers are an important pat of the education system in the United States. Unlike other commercial vehicle drivers you will have to watch out for the safety of children every single day.
How many questions are asked on the passenger endorsement test?
The passenger endorsement is usually (depending on the state you are in) a 20-30 question multiple choice test that you have to pass (answer at least 80% of the questions correctly) in order to get your passenger endorsement (more about that the school bus endorsement next).
How much weight can a Class B CDL pull?
With a Class B CDL you are legally allowed to drive a single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,00l lbs. or more and is pulling a trailer that has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 lbs. First of all forget the part about pulling a trailer of less than 10,000lbs, school buses never pull any kind of trailer.
Why do bus drivers have to follow specific pickup and drop off routes?
2. The bus driver will have to follow specific pickup and drop off routes given to them to ensure children are getting to school and going home safely.
How to pass CDL test?
The 20-question multiple-choice test gives you the choice of skipping questions that you don’t know. Pass all of the questions that you don’t know, making a note of the ones that you pass. This will allow you to assess your starting point. Then, you’ll know how much work you need to do before you go to the DMV to take your test.
Do you have to pass the CDL test in Texas?
You know you have to pass it in order to drive a school bus in Texas, so your entire career depends on it. You have studied the Texas CDL manual time and time again, but you need to put your skills to the test to see if you have what it takes to pass. You can do just that with the TX CDL School Bus Practice Test.
How long do you have to hold a permit in Texas?
You will be required to obtain and hold a permit for at least 14 days. The purpose of this is to allow you an opportunity to obtain behind-the-wheel experience before taking your driving test. The following requirements apply for a CLP: You must hold a valid Texas Driver License.
What is a CDL license?
A CDL is a professional license permitting the holder of the license to drive those large commercial vehicles and buses on public roadways in Texas and in the United States.
How long do you have to hold a CDL endorsement?
There is additional testing required to obtain an endorsement and in some cases, if you already have a CDL you will be required to hold a commercial learner permit for that endorsement for at least 14 days before being able to add it to your CDL.
How long do you have to hold a CLP to get a CDL?
Applying for a Commercial Driver License. Once you have held your CLP for a minimum of 14 days , you are eligible to complete the necessary driving tests to obtain your CDL. You will need to provide a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the driving test. The CMV must be representative of the type of CLP you hold.
Can you use CDL for interstate commerce?
If you apply for an interstate commerce CDL, it will allow you to operate in both interstate and intrastate commerce, unless you apply for an interstate CDL specifically to operate within a certain capacity.
Can you drive a motorcycle with a CDL?
With the exception of motorcycles, if you hold a valid CDL you may drive all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued, including your personal vehicle, so long as all applicable restrictions and endorsements are adhered to.
Where to file a complaint against a commercial driving instructor?
If you have a complaint against a commercial driving instructor or company, please submit the complaint to TWC.
What is the job of a school bus driver in Texas?
Your day-to-day role is to: maintain and drive your vehicle in a safe manner, treat students and other passengers in a courteous and competent manner, know how to handle routine and emergency situations correctly and legally, display dependable work habits, maintain a good attitude and handle stress responsibly, and interact with your employing school district as appropriate.
What is the mission of a school bus driver?
The overall mission of a school bus driver is to provide safe, efficient, and caring transportation for Texas school children and other passengers transported on school buses: Safe. All school bus drivers must drive safely and follow safety practices to minimize collisions and injury.
What is the TRC code for Texas?
Texas Transportation Code (TRC) §522.061 See Appendix A
What is the role of a bus driver?
Caring is also a part of a bus driver’s role. Realizing that each passenger has individual needs and concerns enables drivers to extend their patience during stressful situations. Bus drivers often serve as school district representatives to the community, and a caring driver is an excellent ambassador to students, parents, and community members.
What are the chapters in the 'Bus' book?
Chapter 1—Introduction and Overview Chapter 2—Licensing and Certification Chapter 3 —Know the Bus: Equipment and Maintenance Chapter 4—Performing Vehicle Inspections
How does attitude affect school bus?
It affects every part of your role as driver— safety, efficiency, and caring.
Is school bus safe?
Statistics show that school buses are the safest form of highway transportation in the nation.
How to get a school bus driver's license?
To get a school bus driver’s license, start by getting a Department of Transportation physical. Once you pass, sign up to take the written tests required to earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Once you get your CLP, practice the maneuvers and activities you’ll perform on the skills test, including vehicle inspection, basic controls, and driving. After at least 2 weeks with your CLP, sign up for the CDL skills test. If you pass, you just need to complete any state-specific requirements, like a criminal background check or a drug test. To learn which documents you need to bring to apply for your permit, keep reading!
What do I need to do to get a school bus license?
Submit a criminal background check. Most states require all potential school bus drivers to undergo a criminal background check with the FBI or a state investigative bureau.
How many questions are asked in the CDL test?
Each knowledge test consists of at least 30 questions covering 20 general areas outlined in the federal CDL regulations. You must answer at least 80 percent ...
How to report a bus driver?
You can speak to a principal and ask him or her to report the driver. If you have the bus number, you can also contact the school district.
How old do you have to be to get a CDL?
You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL, but in some states you must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus. Pass the knowledge tests. In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements, you must pass written knowledge tests to earn a CLP.
Do school bus drivers have to pass agility tests?
Complete agility training. Some states require school bus drivers to train and pass a test evaluating their agility and ability to assist children in emergency situations.
Do you need to be certified to drive a school bus?
Many states require school bus drivers to be certified in basic first aid. Even if it’s not required, the additional certification might improve your chances of being employed as a school bus driver. First aid certification can be obtained through the Red Cross, or at a local school or other community organization.
Why are bus drivers important?
A positive impact on the community. Bus drivers get to work where they live, serving families they know. The kids of the district depend on them every day to be safely transported to and from school. School bus drivers spend their shifts interacting with parents and children alike, so it’s a great job for a people person.
What is the staggered work schedule of a driver?
The staggered work schedule of the job gives drivers a long break in the middle of the day to take time for themselves. Catch a movie, get in a round of golf, check things off the to-do list, take continuing-education classes, exercise, or take a nap; Just imagine all the things you could accomplish
Do bus drivers work during school?
Bus drivers only work while school is in session, and follow the school schedule, so your kids will have the same days off that you do! That means more time for camping, lake trips, and barbecues in the summer, and more time for eggnog, baking cookies and spending time with family in the winter.
