How do I get a School Bus Endorsement?
If you’re an employee or a potential employee of a school transportation provider (i.e. public, charter, private or parochial school, Head Start program, or other provider), they will need to sponsor you and refer you to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles to complete training for a School Bus Endorsement.
NCDMV is responsible for training school bus drivers and does not hire school bus drivers for any school systems.
What are the requirements for getting a School Bus Endorsement?
To become a school bus driver in North Carolina, all individuals must meet the following requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- At least six months driving experience with a full license. Time spent with graduated or provisional credentials does not meet this requirement.
- Sponsorship from a North Carolina school transportation provider (public, charter, private or parochial school, Head Start program, or other provider)
- Hold a commercial driver license based on state of residence with “S" (school bus), “P" (passenger) endorsement symbols
- Have a School Bus Driver Certificate as required by state law
There are other requirements you must meet before becoming a school bus driver.
Go to School Bus Requirements
What training and tests do I need for a School Bus Endorsement?
The training and tests you’ll need will depend on what CDL/endorsements you’ve had in the past, or if you’re completely new to driving a school bus. Which of the following apply to you?
I’m new to getting a CDL and School Bus Endorsement
I’m transferring my license with endorsements from another state
I’ve held a CDL and certain endorsements before
I'm new to getting a CDL or School Bus Endorsement
1. Get a sponsorship from your employer or potential employer
Before entering any training for a school bus endorsement with NCDMV, you'll need a sponsorship from a school system, charter school or private school. Your employer will refer you to NCDMV for training and tests.
2. Get a commercial learner permit
First, you'll need to take the federal
Entry-Level Driver Training, or ELDT, classroom theory which sets the standards for entry-level drivers. You’ll need to pass up to four different CDL knowledge tests (general knowledge, air brakes, passenger endorsement and school bus endorsement) with a score of 80 percent or better on each test.
Written test scores are good for 90 days. You must get your commercial learner permit issued before the scores expire. There are no extensions.
You'll need to pass the required pass the following as well:
- Test negative on a mandatory drug test
From there, you can go to a driver license office and get a learner permit. Commercial learner permits are good for 180 days and may be renewed once within 30 days of expiration for another 180 days. If you do not complete training before the permit expires, you will have to start the process again.
3. Get your CDL and School Bus Endorsement
Once you have your learner permit, you'll need road and range training where you'll learn how to check your vehicle before a trip, drive on the road and learn how to maneuver the bus (i.e. backing up, turning, etc.).
In addition to the training, you need to pass three behind-the-wheel tests.
Once you have successfully trained and passed the tests, NCDMV will then issue you a School Bus Driver's Certificate. This certification will then be added to your driving record, allowing you to legally operate a school bus in North Carolina.
Your certificate will need to be renewed every three years.
I’m transferring my license with endorsements from another state
1. Get a sponsorship from your employer or potential employer
Before entering any training for a school bus with NCDMV, you’ll need a sponsorship from a school system, charter school or private school. Your employer or potential employer will refer you to NCDMV for training and tests.
2. Pass training and get your endorsement
Although you already have a CDL from another state, North Carolina has strict requirements and tests for acquiring a school bus endorsement. To get a School Bus Driver’s Certificate, you’ll need to undergo training with an NCDMV representative from School Bus and Traffic Safety and pass pre-trip, backing and driving skills evaluations.
Once you have successfully passed the tests, NCDMV will then issue you a School Bus Driver’s Certificate. This certification will then be added to your driving record, allowing you to legally operate a school bus in North Carolina.
Your certificate will need to be renewed every three years.
I’ve held a CDL and certain endorsements before
If you’ve held a CDL and certain endorsements, you may be exempt from certain tests. Please
contact NCDMV for more information.
What are the requirements for driving a school activity bus?
The requirements to drive a school activity bus are the same according to the N.C. State Board of Education Policy , which also requires both “P" (passenger) and an “S" (school bus) endorsement symbols.
Driving a school or activity bus without a certification is a Class III misdemeanor and is a punishable offense.
How many times can I train and test to be a school bus driver?
NCDMV policy limits school bus applicants to two training attempts and six testing attempts every calendar year.
What are the fees?
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