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Driver Requirements

School Bus Driving Essentials

In order to qualify to be a California School Bus Driver, an individual needs to:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be in good physical condition.
  • Be of good moral character.
  • Have a good driving record.
  • Have a clean criminal record.
  • Have the desire & patience to work with children.

 

Before you actually become a California School Bus Driver you must:

  • Attend a minimum of 20 hours of classroom instruction.
  • Pass a physical examination (no Epilepsy, Type I Diabetes, or High Blood Pressure).
  • Pass 4 written tests at the DMV.
  • Pass 2 written tests at the CHP.
  • Train a minimum of 20 hours behind-the-wheel.
  • Pass a driving test with the CHP.
  • Pass a pre-employment drug test & finger printing for the district that hires you.

Once you become a California School Bus Driver you must:

  • Be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol.
  • Attend a minimum of 10 hours per year of training.

Actions taken against your application for certificate by the DMV

Convictions & Violations that will Prevent you from Becoming a School Bus Driver:

  • Under the Influence within 3 years: DMV shall deny a certificate

  • Reckless Driving within 3 years: DMV shall deny a certificate
  • Any Sex Crime (Rape, Lewd and Lascivious Conduct, Child Molestation, Prostitution, etc.,) throughout your whole life: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Any Offence Relating to the use, sale, possession or transportation of narcotics, habit forming drugs or dangerous drugs, within 7 years: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Any Felony within 7 years: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Cruelty to Spouse or Child throughout your whole life: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Domestic Violence throughout your whole life: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Violent Crimes throughout your whole life: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Most Assaults within 3 years:DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Most Assaults within 5 years: DMV shall deny a certificate.
  • Any Crime that Questions your Character (Moral Turpitude) throughout your whole life: DMV may deny a certificate. (most of the time “shall”)
  • Any Violations with a count of two points within 3 years: DMV may deny a certificate.
  • Suspensions within 3 years: DMV may deny a certificate.
  • 3 Accidents within 12 months: DMV may deny a certificate.
  • Within 24 months, Caused or Contributed to the Cause of an Accident Resulting in a Fatality or Serious Injury or Serious Property Damage in Excess of Seven Hundred & Fifty Dollars ($750): DMV may deny a certificate.
  • Has Knowingly Made a False Statement or Concealed a Material Fact on an Application for a Certificate or Endorsement: DMV may deny a certificate.
  • Does Not Meet the Minimum Medical Standards: DMV shall deny or cancel a certificate.
  • Dishonored Check: a fine will be collected, certificate confiscated and denied.

Driver Training Costs

Step Action Cost
1st Call Mission Trails ROP at 831.753.4307 to sign up for the School Buss Training Class $125.00
2nd Go to the CHP to purchase the handbook 82.7
  • Begin a minimum of 20 hours Classroom at Mission Trails ROP (see schedule)
 $5.50
3rd Go to a doctor and get a DMV physical. avg. $100.00
4th Go to DMV
  • Take 4 written tests:
    • General Knowledge
    • Commercial
    • Passenger Transport
    • Airbrakes
This will get you a Commercial DL Instruction Permit.
At the conclusion of the class- Go to the DMV get your H-6.		 $73.00
5th Go to CHP
  • Take 2 written tests:
    • Rules & Regulations
    • First Aid Practices
 $57.00
if waived $75.00
6th Complete a minimum of 20 hours Behind the Wheel with the School District that you will be employed by.  
7th Go to CHP office for the pre-trip inspection and drive test.  
8th Return to DMV to complete your Commercial License process

Total Cost: $435.50

 

Check with the school district you will work for about reimbursement.