Being a PA school bus driver is a challenging yet rewarding job. If you love being and working with children, this career will also be fulfilling. You are also aware that the schoolchildren’s safety is of utmost importance. And this is why as an aspiring school bus driver, you should take your duties very seriously.
And this also explains the tons of requirements to become a fully qualified school bus driver. Apart from licenses and other pertinent documentation, there is also a series of examinations, tests, and training courses to get you ready for this challenging yet rewarding and fulfilling profession.
What does it take to become a school bus driver? For those interested in making driving a school bus your next career, you must be aware of the nature of this job and contact with children. Therefore, read the following legal requirements applicants must meet before becoming a school bus driver:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Be able to read, write, and communicate in English;
- Pass a medical or physical examination;
- Have a satisfactory driving record (going back at least ten years);
- Meet all legal requirements (such as FBI clearance, Pennsylvania state criminal record, and Pennsylvania child abuse clearance); and
- Pass all the required Pennsylvania state knowledge and driving tests (including inspection, skills, and driving tests), including CDL, school bus, passenger endorsement, and air brake endorsement).
Meeting all those requirements will guarantee a call from any school bus service operator or agency in Pennsylvania. These companies offer comprehensive training programs to all applicants, including all the steps they need to become fully qualified school bus drivers.
These training programs may vary depending on the company, but they typically include the following:
- Finish 35 to 40 hours of overall training. If you are capable and motivated, you may be able to complete the training in less time. The company or agency will work closely with you to monitor your progress and ensure that you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become a competent and efficient school bus driver.
- The Pennsylvania state law requires a minimum of 14 hours of classroom instruction. While the company or agency usually schedules these classroom instructions. In addition, the company conducts orientations to make sure that trainees are thoroughly informed about the job.
- Also required is a minimum of 10 to 20 hours of hands-on and behind-the-wheel bus training to get the trainees used to and comfortable driving a bus.
You will want to ensure that school bus transportation companies, agencies, and training schools are certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
School districts around Pennsylvania are looking for the right people to complete their teams. You Behind the Wheel provides school districts with the most competent and efficient school bus drivers. We provide programs, education, and services to promote and foster the highest degree of efficiency and safety in transporting schoolchildren and bolster the quality of school transportation through professional management to ensure school bus drivers are ready and able.
There are ways you can tell if a PA school bus driver is good at their job. Knowing they’ve received the best training will help assure you.
After completing tests, training, and coursework, qualified applicants will want to check out available openings for school bus driver jobs in Pennsylvania.