How to Become a School Bus Driver in North Carolina (2025)
If you are looking for a stable, community-focused career with excellent state benefits and a schedule that aligns with your family's needs, becoming a School Bus Driver in North Carolina is a fantastic choice. The state is actively recruiting thousands of these essential professionals, who earn a median salary of approximately $38,710 per year, according to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024. This guide provides the definitive 5-step process for navigating North Carolina's specific "Pocket Card" certification and CDL requirements to launch your career ensuring the safety of the next generation.
What are the requirements to become a School Bus Driver in North Carolina?
To become a school bus driver in North Carolina, you need to meet certain education and legal requirements. These include:
- Driver's License: You must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license with no suspensions or revocations in the past two years.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED equivalent is typically required.
- Driving Record: You should have a clean driving record with no DUI convictions or serious traffic violations.
- Criminal Background Check: A background check will be conducted to ensure you have no disqualifying criminal convictions.
- Physical Fitness: You must meet the physical requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Additionally, you will need to obtain a CDL with a school bus endorsement, which requires passing a written knowledge test and a skills test.
Where can I find School Bus Driver classes in North Carolina?
If you're interested in becoming a school bus driver in North Carolina, Dreambound is the largest platform to find and compare vocational training programs. They offer a specialized School Bus Driver training program that prepares you for the CDL exam and provides the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this profession.
You can find School Bus Driver classes in North Carolina offered by Dreambound. The platform allows you to search for classes near your location, compare different programs, and choose the one that best fits your needs and schedule. Dreambound makes it easy to kickstart your career as a school bus driver in North Carolina.
Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a School Bus Driver
Becoming a school bus driver can be a rewarding career choice, but it is not the only option available to you. Here are some potential career paths and opportunities that you may consider after gaining experience as a school bus driver:
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Bus Driver Supervisor: As a bus driver supervisor, you would be responsible for overseeing a team of bus drivers and ensuring that they are following all safety regulations and protocols. This role may involve training new drivers, scheduling routes, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise.
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Transportation Coordinator: In this role, you would be responsible for coordinating all transportation services for a school district or organization. This may include managing bus routes, scheduling drivers, and ensuring that all transportation needs are met.
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CDL Instructor: If you enjoy teaching others and have a passion for driving, you may consider becoming a CDL instructor. In this role, you would teach aspiring drivers the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain their CDL and safely operate commercial vehicles.
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School Administrator: With the experience and knowledge gained as a school bus driver, you may choose to pursue a career in school administration. This could include roles such as a transportation director, assistant principal, or principal.
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Commercial Driver: If you enjoy driving and have obtained your CDL, you may consider pursuing a career as a commercial driver. This could include driving trucks, delivery vehicles, or other types of commercial vehicles.
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Entrepreneurship: With the experience and knowledge gained as a school bus driver, you may choose to start your own transportation business. This could involve providing transportation services to schools, organizations, or individuals in your community.
These are just a few examples of the career paths and opportunities that may be available to you after becoming a school bus driver. The skills and experience gained in this role can be valuable in a variety of industries and can open doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a School Bus Driver make in North Carolina?
The median hourly wage is roughly $18.61 to $20.00 depending on the county. Some districts offer signing bonuses and attendance incentives.
Do I have to pay for the training?
No. In North Carolina, the school district sponsors your training. The classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training are typically free. You usually only pay for the DMV license fees (~$90) and possibly the background check, though many districts reimburse this.
Can I drive a school bus with a speeding ticket?
It depends. One minor ticket may be acceptable, but a Prayer for Judgment (PJC) or conviction for DUI/DWI will almost certainly disqualify you. You must have a generally clean record.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a school bus driver can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to the education system. By following the necessary steps to obtain your school bus driver certification and actively searching for job opportunities, you can start your journey toward becoming a school bus driver.
Once you have gained experience as a school bus driver, there are a variety of career paths and opportunities that you can explore. Whether you choose to advance within the transportation industry or pursue a different career path, the skills and experience gained as a school bus driver can be valuable and transferable.
If you are passionate about driving and enjoy working with children, becoming a school bus driver may be the perfect career for you. Start by researching the requirements for certification in your area and take the necessary steps to obtain your CDL and complete the required training. Then, start your job search and explore the various career paths and opportunities that await you.
Remember, becoming a school bus driver is just the beginning of your journey. Embrace the opportunities for growth and development that come your way, and continue to learn and improve as a professional. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a school bus driver.
Dreambound offers a window into various career paths, so if you're considering a shift in your career, browse through these articles:
Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.
