Driving a school bus is an amusing job. Interacting with kids on a daily basis is often fun, but it comes with huge responsibilities.
A school bus driver needs to have plenty of skills, that go beyond steering the wheel or knowing how to handle a big vehicle. The kids’ safety is paramount, and that’s why they need trustworthy adults around them. A specialized license is one way to ensure the driver’s fitness for the job.
Do you need a CDL to drive a school bus? Usually, but not always! Let’s see what the regulations say about that.
What Is a CDL?
Back in the day, any adult with a valid driver’s license could drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). That is, a person who has been driving a Honda for a couple of years, was allowed to explore his capabilities on a bus or truck. This didn’t end too well most of the time.
In 1986, a new law was issued that required CMV drivers to receive rigorous training. The testing procedures included medical examination, general knowledge tests, and highly specialized driving tests.
Since then, obtaining a commercial driving license (CDL) was mandatory for driving large and heavy vehicles. It’s worth mentioning that the safety of the roads was significantly improved from then on.
Are There Different Kinds of CDL’s?
The required skill level of the CMV driver depends on the size of the vehicle, the type of transported items, and whether or not there’s loading and unloading of passengers. There are three basic levels of commercial licenses: A, B, and C.
Class A
This is where the drivers need absolute control over the vehicle they’re driving. Truck and trailer combinations, with overall weights of around 26,000 + pounds, and trailers more than 10,000 pounds, are in the center of this category.
It also includes flatbeds, livestock carriers, and the Big-Rig 18-wheelers.
Class B
This is primarily buses, both large and segmented. It’s required for driving straight and box trucks, in addition to tractor-trailers. For the latter type, it covers the combined weight capacity of 26,000 + pounds, with trailers below 10,000 pounds.
Class C
This is a different class of driving that involves transporting 16 or more people. Combination vehicles less than 26,000 pounds fall into this category as well. It also covers drivers transporting hazardous materials, often referred to as HazMat.
Extra Requirements
The requirements go a couple of notches higher if there are kids involved, and so driving a school bus needs an extra bit of licensing. It’s often referred to as school bus endorsement.
Do You Need a CDL to Drive a School Bus?
If the bus in question has a passenger capacity of 16 or more including the driver, or the vehicle weighs north of 26,000 pounds, then the answer is clearly yes. You need a CDL.
Although that covers only the bare necessities of the matter. To drive a school bus, you’d also need a “P” then an “S” endorsement on top of the CDL. This entitles a different type of training and qualification for the job.
The following are requirements for obtaining a CDL S license:
- Getting a DOT physical examination and medical card
- Obtaining a learner’s permit CLP for two weeks as a min
- Having a clean driving record, no DUI’s in the past 10 years!
- Passing a background check
- Being above 21 years of age
- Passing a general knowledge test with a score above 80%
- A theoretical test on automobile mechanics and safety
- A specific test on air brakes
- Passing a test about loading and unloading children
- Passing a test about children safety and first aid
- Passing a driving skills test
- A final test involving driving the actual bus
The rigorous demands on school bus drivers are completely understandable. Drivers transporting bricks and stones can play Metallica songs and drive along. A bus driver, on the other hand, has to watch the road, make sure the vehicle is 1000% safe, and keep an eye on a bunch of kids.
Running a tight ship doesn’t even come close to describing the task of having children on board. Large vehicles are quite complicated, so when children’s safety, comfort, and well being are thrown into the mix, things get challenging.
It becomes clear why the 12-step quest for an “S” endorsement to the CDL becomes essential.
Can Someone Drive a School Bus Without Having an S- Endorsement?
As odd as this might sound, yes, this is sometimes permitted. The cases are limited though, and basically have to do with necessity.
Here are some of these cases:
- Driving students to and from day camp
- Driving students on trips
- Being a school bus mechanic, driving an empty vehicle
- Delivering school buses, driving an empty vehicle
- Some of the chairs are removed, passenger capacity less than 16
Is the CDL-S Issued in One State Valid in All Other States?
Each state usually has its own requirements when it comes to qualifications and licensing. To avoid taking unnecessary steps, or worse, skipping essential ones, go to the DMV of your state and ask.
You could also check the online website of the main DMV or the specific DMV of the state where you’re currently staying. There is tons of information you can get from a 10-minute browsing session.
The “S” endorsement should be granted from the same DMV that issued the CDL. It’s important to be aware of this regulation, otherwise, a driver could miss out on a potential job offer.
Another interesting legal matter is renewing the “S” endorsement. Once issued, a bus driver wouldn’t need to go through all the testing procedures again. A regular renewal request is all that’s needed.
A Few More Things
Working as a bus driver has many perks. Being around children, with all their cheer and innocence, tops the list of course. But there are a few other benefits.
According to the US Bureau of labor, this job has a growth rate of around 6%, with an average salary of around $35,000 per year. This prospect is pleasant, and despite the rigorous testing, the actual skills needed aren’t brutal.
If you’d like to try out for the job, go ahead. Are you wondering if you need a CDL to drive a school bus? Yes, you do, and a few more things as well. But the job is totally worth it!