How to Get a License to Drive a Bus – A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Aspiring Drivers
If you’ve ever imagined yourself behind the wheel of a city transit bus, a school coach, or a tour‑bus cruising down the highway, the first thing you need is the right commercial driver’s license (CDL). In the United States the license you’ll need is a Class B CDL (or a Class A if you plan to drive articulated “double‑deckers” or tractor‑trailer combos with a passenger module). Below is a complete, second‑person walkthrough that takes you from the moment you decide to pursue a bus driver’s license to the day you receive that coveted card.
1. Understand the Licensing Hierarchy
| License Class | Typical Vehicles | Key Endorsements |
|---|---|---|
| Class B CDL | Straight‑ahead buses (up to 40,000 lb GVWR) – city, school, intercity, tour | P (Passenger), S (School Bus), N (Passenger‑Vehicle) |
| Class A CDL | Combination vehicles (tractor‑trailer + passenger trailer) | Same as above + T (Tank) if you handle fuel tanks |
| Non‑CDL (Class C) | Small passenger vans (≤15 passengers) | P if you’re only moving a handful of riders |
If you’re targeting a standard city bus or a school bus, you’ll most likely apply for a Class B CDL with the appropriate endorsements. The “P” endorsement covers any passenger‑carrying vehicle; the “S” endorsement is required for school buses; the “N” endorsement is needed for any other passenger‑service bus.
2. Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Age | Be at least 21 to drive interstate; 18 is enough for intrastate work (check your state). |
| Medical Clearance | Obtain a DOT medical certificate (Form Medical Examination Report – MCSA‑5875) from a certified medical examiner. |
| Residency | Hold a valid driver’s license from the state where you’ll apply. |
| Criminal Record | No disqualifying offenses (e.g., DUI, certain felonies). Some employers require a clean record beyond the legal minimum. |
| Vision | Minimum 20/40 distant vision (with corrective lenses if needed) and 20/40 near vision. |
Take a moment to verify each item on the checklist before you book a testing appointment; missing a step can add weeks to the process.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Before you step into a licensing office, assemble this packet:
- Proof of Identity – birth certificate, passport, or state‑issued ID.
- Proof of State Residency – utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement (dated within the last 60 days).
- Social Security Card (or a notarized statement if you don’t have one).
- Current Driver’s License (Class C) – must be valid and clean.
- DOT Medical Certificate – the physical exam results.
- Application Form (DL 750) – available online or at the DMV.
Make copies of everything; you’ll need the originals for verification, but many DMVs ask for a photocopy for their records.
4. Pass the Knowledge Tests
A. General Knowledge Test
Even if you already have a regular driver’s license, you must take a written CDL General Knowledge test (50 questions, 5‑point passing score). Study the Commercial Driver’s License Manual for your state—focus on sections about vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and handling emergencies.
B. Passenger (P) Endorsement Test
A separate 30‑question test covers loading passengers, emergency exits, and evacuation procedures.
C. School Bus (S) Endorsement (if applicable)
If you’ll be driving a school bus, you’ll face a 48‑question test that includes topics such as student behavior management, stop arm operation, and child‑safety regulations.
Tip: Many DMVs provide practice exams online. Take at least two full practice tests for each endorsement—aim for a 90 % score before the real thing to reduce anxiety.
5. Schedule and Complete the Skills Test
The skills portion consists of three parts, each evaluated by a certified examiner:
| Skill Test | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Pre‑Trip Vehicle Inspection | You walk around the bus, pointing out brakes, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and any safety devices. |
| Basic Vehicle Control | Maneuvers in a confined area: straight‑backing, parallel parking, three‑point turn, and a controlled stop. |
| On‑Road Driving | A 30–45‑minute road segment that includes city streets, highway merging, turning, and passenger‑pickup/drop‑off simulations. |
Where to Take It: Most states contract with licensed driving schools that have a bus or a large passenger‑vehicle chassis for the test. You’ll need to provide the bus (or the school will supply one for a fee).
Cost: Expect to pay $150–$300 for the full skills test, depending on the provider and whether you need a rental vehicle.
6. Pay the Fees and Receive Your CDL
After you’ve passed the knowledge and skills tests, the DMV will issue a temporary paper license (valid for 30 days). Your permanent plastic Class B CDL—complete with the “P” and/or “S” endorsements—will be mailed within 2‑4 weeks.
| Typical Fee Breakdown | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Application & License Fee | $50–$100 |
| Knowledge Test (per attempt) | $10‑$25 |
| Skills Test (per attempt) | $150‑$300 |
| Endorsement Fee (each) | $10‑$20 |
| Medical Exam | $75‑$150 |
| Total Approx. Cost | $305–$595 |
7. Keep Your CDL Current
- Medical Renewal: Every 2 years (or sooner if your doctor advises).
- Endorsement Updates: If you later add a Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement, you’ll need a background check and separate test.
- Continuous Training: Many transit agencies require annual safety refresher courses—these keep you eligible for higher pay grades and reduce accident rates.
FAQ – Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q1: Can I use a regular driver’s license to start the process?
Yes. You must hold a valid non‑commercial license (Class C) before applying for a CDL, but you’ll still need to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests.
Q2: Do I have to own a bus to take the skills test?
No. Most testing centers provide a bus or a large passenger‑vehicle chassis for a rental fee. Some companies also partner with driving schools that own the vehicle.
Q3: How long does the whole process take?
If you have all documents ready and pass the written tests on the first try, the timeline looks like this:
- Medical exam & paperwork: 1–2 weeks
- Written tests: same day (or next appointment)
- Skills test scheduling: 1–3 weeks (depends on local availability)
- CDL issuance: 2–4 weeks after passing skills test
Overall, 6–8 weeks is typical.
Q4: What if I fail a test?
You can retake the written test after 24 hours. For the skills test, you must wait 48 hours before scheduling a new attempt. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each retake incurs the standard fee.
Q5: Are there age exemptions for younger drivers?
Some states allow 18‑year‑olds to obtain a Class B CDL for intrastate (within‑state) work, but you must be 21 to drive interstate or transport hazardous materials.
8. Final Checklist – Your Roadmap to a Bus Driver’s License
- Verify age, residency, and clean driving record.
- Schedule and obtain a DOT medical certificate.
- Gather ID, SSN, proof of residency, and current driver’s license.
- Complete the state CDL application (online or at the DMV).
- Study the CDL manual and take practice exams for General, Passenger, and School endorsements.
- Pass the written knowledge tests.
- Book a skills test (reserve a bus if required).
- Pay all fees and submit any additional paperwork.
- Receive temporary CDL, then wait for the permanent card.
- Enroll in any required employer‑specific training (e.g., defensive driving, passenger safety).
Congratulations—you’re now on the fast track to a rewarding career steering passengers safely to their destinations. Remember, the journey to your CDL is as much about preparation as it is about driving skill. Follow this guide, stay organized, and you’ll be behind the wheel of a bus before you know it. Safe travels!