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 while adhering to traffic laws and district safety protocols.
• How to become a School Bus Driver in Georgia? To become a School Bus Driver in Georgia, you must be at least 21 for most districts, obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, pass a physical exam and background check, and complete a state-approved training program.
• Length of training for a School Bus Driver: If hired as a trainee, the entire process from application to certification typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.
• Average School Bus Driver salary in Georgia: The mean annual wage for a School Bus Driver in Georgia is $38,430 as of May 2024.
• Employment of School Bus Drivers in Georgia: As of May 2024, there were 16,350 School Bus Drivers employed in Georgia.

How to Become a School Bus Driver in Georgia

The path to becoming a School Bus Driver in Georgia is a clear, step-by-step process focused on safety, professional licensing, and hands-on training.

Step 1: Meet Georgia's Core Driver Requirements

Before you can begin training, you must meet several foundational state and district-level requirements. While Georgia state law permits licensure at 18, most school districts require applicants to be at least 21 years old.

You must also:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess a valid Georgia driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Pass a comprehensive, fingerprint-based criminal background check at both the state and national levels.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening and be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• Pass a physical examination that meets federal medical standards for commercial drivers.

Step 2: Apply for a Trainee Position with a School District

The most common and cost-effective way to become a school bus driver is to be hired as a trainee by a local school district. Georgia is experiencing widespread school bus driver shortages, so districts are highly motivated to hire and train new drivers.

Applying directly to a district's transportation department gives you a significant advantage. Many districts offer paid CDL training and may provide incentives like sign-on bonuses, which can be as high as $2,000. This pathway allows you to earn an income while you learn.

Step 3: Obtain Your Commercial Driver's Licence (CDL) and Endorsements

Once hired as a trainee, your district will guide you through the licensing process. You will need to obtain a Class A, B, or C CDL with both a Passenger (P) and a School Bus (S) endorsement.

The process includes:

1. Get Your Permit: Study the Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual and pass the written knowledge tests for General Knowledge, Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brakes to receive your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
2. Complete ELDT: Complete the federally mandated Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for the S endorsement. This consists of classroom theory and behind-the-wheel training provided by your employer.
3. Pass the Skills Test: Pass a three-part skills test administered by a certified examiner, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
4. Get Your License: After passing the skills test, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) will issue your official CDL with the required endorsements.

Step 4: Complete Georgia's Required Driver Training

In addition to your CDL, Georgia requires specific training to be certified to transport students.

Before driving a route, all new drivers must complete a 24-hour initial training program approved by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This program covers state laws, student management, and emergency procedures.

To maintain your authorization, you must also complete mandatory annual in-service training. This is typically fulfilled through the GaDOE's Annual Safety Renewal Education Program (SREP).

Salary and Job Outlook for School Bus Drivers in Georgia

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for school bus drivers in Georgia was $38,430 as of May 2024.

Nationally, employment for school bus drivers is projected to remain stable. However, the job outlook in Georgia is particularly strong due to significant, ongoing driver shortages in many regions, including Metro Atlanta. This high demand creates excellent job security and opportunities for new applicants.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a School Bus Driver

Becoming a school bus driver can be a rewarding career choice, and it can also open up other opportunities within the transportation industry. Here are some potential career paths and opportunities you could explore after becoming a school bus driver:

• Bus Operations Supervisor: Oversee a team of school bus drivers, manage routes, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Driver Trainer: Train new school bus drivers, imparting necessary skills and knowledge for safe bus operation.
• Transportation Coordinator: Manage logistics, coordinate bus routes, and schedule drivers within a school district.
• Fleet Manager: Oversee the maintenance and repair of a school district's fleet of buses, ensuring they remain in safe and operational condition.
• Transit Driver: Operate buses on fixed routes, providing public transportation in larger cities.
• Commercial Truck Driver: Utilize your CDL and school bus driver experience to drive long distances and explore opportunities in the commercial trucking industry.