How to Become a School Bus Driver in Texas (2025)
A career as a school bus driver in Texas offers a unique combination of community impact, job stability, and a flexible schedule that's hard to find elsewhere. With nearly 60,000 drivers employed across the state, this role is essential for the daily operation of every school district. For those seeking a rewarding part-time career, the path is straightforward and often includes paid training, leading to a median state salary of $47,210 per year (BLS, May 2024).
This guide covers the exact steps, from getting your commercial license to your first day on the route.
What About Licensing in Texas?
Yes, a specific license is mandatory. To drive a school bus in Texas, you must have:
- A Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License): This class covers single vehicles over 26,000 pounds.
- A (P) Passenger Endorsement: Required to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
- An (S) School Bus Endorsement: Required specifically for driving a school bus. This involves an extra written test and a driving test in a school bus.
In addition to the license, you must also have the 20-hour Texas DPS School Bus Driver Certification.
Where Can I Find School Bus Driver Classes in Texas?
Looking for CDL training? Dreambound makes it easy!
Dreambound is the largest platform for finding school bus driver training programs in Texas. It provides details about costs, schedules, and class availability.
Visit Dreambound to explore your options and find programs that fit your goals!
Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a School Bus Driver
Here are some career paths and opportunities you may consider after becoming a school bus driver.
Lead Bus Driver
After gaining experience as a school bus driver, you may have the opportunity to become a lead bus driver. In this role, you would be responsible for overseeing a team of bus drivers, ensuring that routes are covered, and addressing any issues or concerns that arise. This position requires strong leadership and organizational skills.
Trainer or Instructor
If you enjoy teaching and have a passion for safety, you may consider becoming a trainer or instructor for aspiring school bus drivers. In this role, you would be responsible for providing training and education to new drivers, helping them develop the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a school bus. This position requires excellent communication and teaching skills.
Transportation Supervisor or Manager
Another career path you may consider is becoming a transportation supervisor or manager. In this role, you would be responsible for overseeing the entire transportation department, including school bus drivers, routes, and maintenance. This position requires strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Dispatcher
If you have good organizational and communication skills, you may consider becoming a dispatcher. In this role, you would be responsible for coordinating bus routes, assigning drivers to routes, and communicating with drivers and other staff members. This position requires the ability to multitask, make quick decisions, and communicate effectively.
Transition to Commercial Truck Driving
If you enjoy driving and want to explore other opportunities within the transportation industry, you may consider transitioning to commercial truck driving. This can open up new career paths and opportunities, such as long-haul truck driving or delivery driving. Keep in mind that additional training and certifications may be required for commercial truck driving.
School Transportation Consultant
After gaining extensive experience in the school transportation industry, you may consider becoming a school transportation consultant. In this role, you would provide expertise and guidance to school districts and transportation departments on issues such as safety, efficiency, and best practices. This position requires a deep understanding of the school transportation industry and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to become a school bus driver in Texas?
It can be free. While private CDL schools charge $1,000 - $3,000, almost all large school districts in Texas (like those in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin) offer free, paid training for new hires. They will pay you an hourly wage to attend their classes and will cover all your CDL and testing fees in exchange for a commitment to drive for the district.
What disqualifies you from driving a school bus in Texas?
You can be disqualified for failing the DOT physical or drug screen. You will also be disqualified for certain criminal convictions, especially any felony, offenses against children, or violent crimes. Serious traffic violations, such as a DWI/DUI, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of an accident, will also disqualify you.
Is being a school bus driver in Texas a full-time job?
No, it is typically a part-time, "split-shift" job. This is a major benefit for many people. You work a few hours in the morning (e.g., 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM) and a few hours in the afternoon (e.g., 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM), with the middle of the day off. This schedule is ideal for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or students.
Do you need a CDL to drive a small school bus in Texas?
Yes. According to federal and Texas state law, any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) requires a CDL. This applies to most school buses, even smaller ones.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a school bus driver in Texas is a great career choice for anyone who values responsibility, community service, and job security. With flexible schedules and opportunities for growth, it’s a rewarding path both personally and professionally.
Ready to start your journey? Explore training programs on Dreambound and get closer to earning your CDL and certifications today!
Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional 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.
