How To Get the Most out of Bus Driving School

Transit bus driver training programs are essential to ensure you are fully prepared, licensed, and capable of handling any situation that may arise on the road. As a bus driver, you’ll need to report any delays or mechanical issues to the department, and your ability to accurately identify mechanical problems will stem from the thorough preparation you receive during training at a bus driving school.

A transit bus driver transports passengers along predetermined routes. Transit bus drivers are usually in urban areas and also have responsibilities in maintaining their vehicles. They work in difficult weather conditions along with holidays. Dealing with a high number of passengers you will need to remain professional and calm, keeping customer service in mind.

Requirements can vary depending on location, employer, and the bus you are operating. The minimum age in Ohio is at least 18 and usually 21 years old. You will need at least 3 years of having your license along with personal driving experience. A clean record and your health will also be a factor. You will need the hours of training along with passing a drug test. A high school diploma or GED is usually required.

Training programs prepare you for the various situations that can arise and how to deal with them. Through bus driving school, you will cover the regulations of professional driving along with safety precautions and practices.

Information about the bus and the emergency procedures will be covered. Driving situations and dealing with passengers are big portions of your training, this includes customer service and conflict management.

To be a licensed bus driver you need to get your class C CDL (Commercial Driver’s Licence), with a passenger endorsement (P), this will be made easier through training programs. For each type of CDL along with each endorsement, you will have to pass a written test and some skill tests may also be required.

Your CDL will need to be renewed every 8 years. There is a scenario in which you would not need a CDL to drive a bus and that is with a non-CDL bus. A non-CDL bus accommodates at most 15 passengers if you include the driver.

The steps to get your CDL license start with submitting the CDL application for your specific state and paying the fee that comes with it. Next, you will bring proof of your identity along with proof of your residence. Now you will submit a Medical Examination Report Form and Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form. A vision test and general knowledge test, once you pass you will be issued a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit).

After two weeks, you can schedule your CDL road skills test. Once you pass your road skills test you will pay any additional fees and you are on your way.

Without a CDL license already obtained, the training process will take up to 3 months. The total hours of training will be over 100 hours. Bus driving school is divided into classroom time, pre-driving skills, observation, being behind the wheel and lastly cadet driving with passengers. The steps of bus driving school are spaced out for the most optimal learning experience.

You can attend bus driving classes at certain nearby colleges, training facilities, video courses on DVD and USB drives, along with online based courses. Different transportation operations have different requirements for training length and with your passengers counting on you, it is best to be prepared.