Transportation Links
How to Become a School Bus Driver
I. Federal Licensing Requirements
- Meet all requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Submit to random alcohol and drug testing
- Meet all physical, mental, and moral requirements
II. State Training and Licensing Requirements
- Meet all requirements to obtain a CDL Class B with Air Brakes, Passenger & School Bus Endorsements
- Have no more than 4 points against current driving record in previous twelve months
- License may not be suspended for a moving violation within the previous 5 years
- Successfully complete the 20 hours South Carolina School Bus Training Class (held monthly).
- Successfully complete 20 hours of Behind the Wheel Training
- Pass a Department of Transportation physical examination
- Test negative for alcohol and drugs
- Have a minimum of twelve (12) months driving experience
- Submit to a criminal background check.
III. Greenville County School District Application Process:
- Step 1. Complete an application in person at: SC Works 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive Suite E-1 Greenville, South Carolina 29607
Phone: (864) 467-8080 - Step 2. Greenville Department of Employment and WorkForce (ESC One Stop) will process your application and forward to Greenville County Schools Human Resource Department for a Greenville County School criminal background check.
- Step 3. Human Resource Department will forward successful applications to the Transportation Department for review. Applicants selected will be contacted for an interview.
- Step 4. Applicants forwarded to the Greenville County Schools CDL training program must successfully complete the following: Pre-employment Drug Test - DOT Physical -Tuberculosis Test - Physical Performance Test.
- Step 5. After completing your Physical Performance Test you are required to:
- Obtain a CDL Study Manual along with a (S) School Bus Manual at a Department of Motor Vehicle location.
(Study Chapters 1 through 5 in the CDL Manual. Take the practice test at the end of each chapter). - Take the following written tests: General Knowledge - Air Brakes - Passenger - School Bus at a Department of Motor Vehicle location.
- Notify your safety training officer once you have obtained your CDL Class B permit with P&S endorsements.
(You will be scheduled to a Greenville County School CDL class at Wade Hampton Training Center, 200 Waddell Rd., Taylors, S.C. 29687) (The course is a 5 day class. All classes start at 8:30 a.m. and will dismiss at 3:30p.m. You must attend all 5 days of the School Bus Driving classes.)
- Obtain a CDL Study Manual along with a (S) School Bus Manual at a Department of Motor Vehicle location.
- Step 6. Completion of Behind-the-Wheel Bus Training (BTW) (20 hours).
- Step 7. Completion of CDL Pre Trip - Skills - Road Test.
- Step 8. Upon passing the CDL PreTrip - Skills - Road Test the applicant has five (5) days after completion of Steps 5, 6, and 7 to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License with the P % S endorsement and NO restriction for Air Brakes.
- Step 9. Copy of the Class B Commercial Driver's License is to be provided to the Safety Officer.
- Step 10. Complete the New Employee Packet with the H.R. secretary at the bus center. (Checking or saving account needed for direct deposit).
- Step 11. Bus Center H.R. secretary will schedule an appointment for "New Employee Orientation" meeting.
- Step 12. Attend a minimum of ten (10) hours of In-Service Meetings scheduled throughout the school year. (Drivers and aides will be notified of these meetings). 6/7/11