“Do you need a CDL to drive a bus” is one of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring bus drivers. The answer is yes! To legally operate a qualified large commercial vehicle such as a school or passenger bus, you must obtain a CDL license, along with endorsement and several eligibility standards. These requirements and processes involved can make you confused and overwhelmed if not having the right guidelines.
Therefore, this post breaks down all key requirements as well as detailed guidelines on how to earn a bus driver’s license. By the end of this post, you have everything you need to get started on your way toward a bus driver career. Keep reading for more!
Do you need a CDL to drive a bus?
Yes, you do need a CDL to operate a bus. A CDL, at least Class B, with passenger and/or school bus endorsements, is mandatory to drive large commercial vehicles, including school buses and passenger buses. The requirement for a CDL attempts to ensure that drivers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to operate a bus safely and responsibly. By preparing for bus driver CDL requirements and going through several steps to obtain CDL and endorsement, you can maintain a high standard of safety for both yourself and passengers, ensuring everyone reaches their destination securely.
What are the Bus driver CDL requirements?
To be qualified to become a bus driver, you must meet several bus driver CDL requirements. These requirements can vary from state to state, nevertheless, the basic standards are listed below:
Age requirement
- You have to be 18 years old to drive intrastate.
- Be at least 21 years old to drive across state lines.
Documentation
Ready to prepare the following documents before applying for a bus driver CDL:
- Proof of identity: Provide your primary form of identification, which should be either a passport or birth certificate.
- Proof of U.S. legal residency: Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence in your location.
- Proof of social security: Provide your social security number to confirm your identification and to check on child-support enforcement.
- Valid non-commercial driver’s license.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
If you apply for a bus driver CDL for the first time, you must obtain a CLP before taking any skills tests. This permit is valid for six months, providing you the qualification to practice driving under supervision. Before you get your CLP, you will be required to pass written tests, including:
- General knowledge test.
- Air brake test.
- Combination test.
- Endorsement tests.
To learn more about these tests and how to ace them, refer to our post on How to study for the CDL permit test.
Entry Level Driver’s Training (ELDT)
As required by the FMCSA, you must take ELDT before applying for Class A or B CDL and other endorsements or upgrading from Class B to Class A. The training covers:
- Theory lessons which can be taken either online or in the classroom
- Behind-the-wheel training with an approved FMCSA training provider
You must pass both two parts to obtain your bus driver’s license.
Commercial driving license (CDL)
To become a bus driver in the U.S., you typically must obtain at least Class B CDL. This license is used for the operation of commercial buses that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or more. You will be issued this license after passing the skills test.
Endorsements
Getting a CDL is not enough. You must obtain a specific endorsement based on the type of vehicle you desire to operate. Specifically:
- The passenger (P) endorsement is needed if you drive a bus carrying more than 16 passengers (including the driver).To know detailed steps on how to add P endorsement to your CDL license, read our post on CDL passenger endorsement.
- If you are going to drive a school bus, you will need a school bus (S) endorsement. Follow step-by-step guides to add an S endorsement to your license on CDL school bus endorsement.
Medical requirements
All bus drivers driving interstate are required to undergo a DOT medical examination to prove they have the physical fitness to handle issues that arise when driving. This normally includes intensive health checking from a certified medical examiner, ensuring you meet federal standards.
Background check
Getting a bus driver CDL requires a clean driving record. Serious infractions, such as DUI convictions or license suspensions, should not occur in your record. Some states require a criminal background check to ensure you are qualified to be in charge of the safety of passengers.
Transporting passengers is a very important responsibility. Therefore, these requirements ensure you are competent enough to face the challenge of safely transporting passengers. It is also recommended that you check your federal and state regulations for extra requirements of your state.
How to get bus driver CDL
To obtain a bus driver CDL, follow our step-by-step guidelines below:
Step 1. Choose the vehicle type
The first step is to choose the class of CDL and decide whether you will drive interstate or intrastate. DOT physical examination is required depending on your choice.
Step 2. Obtain your CLP
You must pass the above-listed written tests to obtain a CLP for applying for CDL and necessary endorsements. You must obtain your CLP at least for two weeks before you take the CDL skills test.
Step 3. Complete ELDT program
All first-time applicants of a CDL must receive an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training program on the required safety and operational standards. After completing the theory part, you can move to the BTW training to obtain hands-on experience in hauling passenger vehicles.
Step 4. Take the skills tests
You must take a CDL skills test, including:
- Vehicle inspection
- Basic control
- Road test
Additionally, you are required to take skills tests in passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements.
Step 5. Get your CDL with the necessary endorsements
Once you have passed all the tests and fulfilled all required qualifications and documents, you will get your CDL with the addition of P and S endorsements, allowing you to hit the road as a bus driver.
To learn more about the detailed process to obtain a CDL, you can check our post on How to get a CDL.
FAQs
1. Do you need a CDL for a short bus?
Yes, you would need a CDL with passenger (P) endorsement if the short bus is designed to carry more than 16 passengers. This CDL with P endorsement ensures you have attained certain standards of safety and operating passengers safely.
2. Do you need a CDL to drive a party bus?
Yes, you are required to have a CDL with a P endorsement to drive a party bus since it usually carries more than 16 passengers. With a CDL and P endorsement, passengers in party buses can reassure the drivers have the critical knowledge and skills to drive them to their destination safely.
3. Do you need a CDL to drive a shuttle bus?
Yes, if the number of passengers in the shuttle bus exceeds 16 people including the driver, you must obtain a CDL with a P endorsement. This is necessary to prove to passengers that you are qualified under the parameters of a CDL.
4. Do you need a CDL to drive a minibus?
If the minibus is designed to carry more than 16 passengers, you will need to get a Class B CDL with a P endorsement. This qualification ensures that the driver is able to handle added responsibility and consider safety when entrusted to carry groups of people safely.
5. Do you need a CDL to drive a shuttle bus for personal use?
A CDL may not be required if the shuttle bus is not used for commercial purposes and transports less than 16 passengers. However, it is recommended you check your local regulations carefully.
6. What qualities do you need to be a bus driver?
To be a great bus driver, you should have the following abilities:
- Good physical health to qualify for the DOT medical examination
- Industriousness to study and practice for required tests to get a bus driver CDL license
- Patience and attention to detail for safe operation
- Caml is under pressure to handle traffic passengers, and any emergencies that may arise
- Good verbal communication skills to communicate with passengers.
Final thoughts
Now you have the answer to the question “Do you need a CDL to drive a bus”. Becoming a bus driver offers a wealth of job opportunities with high-paying and several benefits, which in turn, requires dedication, study, and focus on safety. However, by fulfilling all the bus driver CDL requirements listed above and following our step-by-step guidelines, you can confidently embark on this rewarding career. Do not waste any more time, start your bus driver career today!
