Key Points:

• What is a School Bus Driver? A School Bus Driver is a professionally licensed driver responsible for safely transporting students to and from school and school-related activities.
• How to become a School Bus Driver in Florida? To become a School Bus Driver in Florida, you must have at least five years of driving experience, obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, pass a physical exam, and clear a background check.
• Length of training for a School Bus Driver: State-mandated preservice training is 40 hours and is often provided for free by the school district that hires you.
• Average School Bus Driver salary in Florida: The median salary for a School Bus Driver in Florida is approximately $40,800 per year, though starting pay in high-demand districts can be higher.
• Job Outlook in Florida: Florida is experiencing significant and ongoing school bus driver shortages, creating strong job security and numerous openings across the state.

What Does a School Bus Driver Do?

A school bus driver is an essential member of the educational system, responsible for the safe and timely transportation of students. Their primary duties include:

• Safe Operation: Operating the bus in compliance with all traffic laws and school district regulations.
• Student Supervision: Ensuring students behave appropriately during transit and managing any issues that arise.
• Route Management: Following designated routes and schedules to pick up and drop off students efficiently.
• Vehicle Inspections: Conducting daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in safe working condition and reporting any mechanical issues.
• Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate logs of trips, student attendance, and any incidents that occur.
• Emergency Response: Being prepared to respond to emergencies, including accidents, medical situations, or unexpected route changes.

School Bus Driver Requirements in Florida

In Florida, becoming a school bus driver involves meeting specific state and district requirements to ensure the safety of student transportation.

• Age: While state law allows for younger drivers, many major school districts, like Hillsborough County, require applicants to be at least 21 years old.
• Driving Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of five years of licensed driving experience.
• Driver's License: You must possess a valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): You must obtain a CDL Class B with both a Passenger (P) and a School Bus (S) endorsement.
• Background Check: You must pass a Level II background screening, which includes fingerprinting, to ensure you have no disqualifying criminal history.
• Medical Examination: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical conducted by a certified medical examiner. The results must be recorded on the mandatory federal Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) and transmitted electronically to the state by the examiner.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: You must pass a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random testing throughout your employment.
• State-Mandated Training: You must complete a 40-hour preservice training program, which includes at least 20 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training. An additional 8 hours of in-service training is required annually.

How to Become a School Bus Driver in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a school bus driver in Florida is a structured process. Because most school districts provide paid training, you can often get hired first and then receive guidance through the licensing steps.

1. Meet Basic District Requirements

Before applying, ensure you meet the foundational criteria for most Florida school districts. This typically includes being at least 21 years old, having a valid Florida driver's license for at least five years, and maintaining a clean driving record. You can start by finding a training program or an open position with a local school district.

2. Obtain Your CDL Permit & Endorsements

To begin your practical training, you must first get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).

• Study: Review the Florida CDL Handbook to prepare for the written exams.
• Pass Written Tests: Visit a driver license office to pass the CDL General Knowledge test, the Passenger (P) endorsement test, and the School Bus (S) endorsement test.
• Receive Your CLP: Once you pass, you will be issued a CLP, which allows you to practice driving a school bus with a licensed CDL holder.

3. Complete Medical & Background Screening

All candidates must be cleared for safety and fitness.

• DOT Physical: Pass a medical examination with a certified examiner who will submit your results electronically using the required federal form.
• Background Check: Undergo a Level II fingerprint-based background check to screen for any disqualifying offenses.
• Drug Test: Pass a pre-employment drug screening.

4. Complete State-Mandated Training & Skills Test

With your CLP, you can enroll in the required training, which is often managed by your hiring school district.

• Preservice Course: Complete the 40-hour state-mandated training course, which combines classroom learning with behind-the-wheel practice.
• Skills Test: After completing your training, you must pass the three-part CDL skills test: a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and an on-road driving test.

5. Apply for School Bus Driver Positions

Once you have your full CDL with P and S endorsements, you are ready to start your career. However, because of the high demand, many districts will hire you as a trainee and pay you while you complete the licensing and training process. Look for "Bus Driver Trainee" or similar positions on district career pages.

School Bus Driver Salary and Job Outlook in Florida

While the latest federal data shows a median salary of around $40,800 ($19.62 per hour) for Florida school bus drivers, the most critical factor in the current job market is the high, unmet demand for drivers.

In recent years, major districts have reported significant vacancies, with Orange County needing around 100 drivers, Hillsborough County reporting 50 openings, and Pasco County facing nearly 50 unfilled routes. This shortage has pushed districts to offer more competitive starting wages and benefits.

Advertised starting pay often exceeds the state median, with examples including:

• Orange County: $18.23 per hour
• Hillsborough County: $18.65 per hour
• Miami-Dade County: Estimated around $21 per hour, based on employee-submitted data

How Much Does CDL Training Cost in Florida?

The cost of CDL Class B training in Florida varies widely, but you may not have to pay for it at all.

Private CDL schools can be expensive, with tuition often ranging from $4,500 to $5,500. Public institutions are a more affordable alternative; for example, Pinellas Technical College offers its 150-hour Class B program for just $438 for Florida residents.

However, the most common and affordable path is to get hired directly by a school district. Due to driver shortages, most districts in Florida, including Miami-Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough, offer free, paid CDL training for new hires. This allows you to earn an income while you complete all the necessary requirements.

Finding School Bus Driver Classes in Florida

If you’re planning to become a school bus driver in Florida, the fastest way to find approved training programs is through Dreambound. Dreambound is a large vocational training marketplace that helps students compare programs by location, schedule, and requirements.

Dreambound lists school bus driver and CDL-B training programs across Florida, including options like CDL-B training in Miami, FL, so you can review multiple schools in one place and choose what fits your timeline and goals.

By using Dreambound, you can easily find classes near you and take the first step towards becoming a school bus driver in Florida.