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Bus Drivers: Training

Bus Drivers: Training

Join us for a FREE bus driver class!

QualificationsVirtual Training CoursesIn-Person Training CoursesTraining Materials

To operate a school bus in North Carolina, you must:  

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have at least six months of driving experience
  • Have a School Bus Driver's Certificate
  • Have a commercial driver's license with both "S" (school bus) and "P" (passenger) endorsements
  • Pass a DOT physical examination and obtain a DOT medical card
  • Pass qualifications as determined by NCDMV
  • Pass Pre-Employment drug screening

You can also take an online course from SafeMotorist to prepare for the School Bus endorsement exam. This course is approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

You can access NCDMV Bus Endorsements and Training for forms and training videos.

Virtual Training for Bus Drivers

For virtual training, it is recommended to use a tablet or larger device.

Requirements: 

  • You must have a webcam which must be turned on during the training for attendance purposes. 
  • You cannot miss more than 15 minutes of class, or you must retake the entire class. 
  • You must notify the instructor of any internet issues. 

The class can be taken anywhere with internet access. YOU CANNOT USE A CELL PHONE! You can use a tablet, laptop, or desktop. You must have access to a web cam, and it must remain on (this is how they monitor class attendance). You cannot miss more than 15 minutes of class, or you will have to retake the entire class. You must notify the instructor of any internet issues immediately. You will test here at the bus garage usually on the following Thursday or Friday.

  • August 17th-19th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: August 6th

  • August 31st - September 2nd

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: August 20th

  • September 14th-16th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: September 3rd

  • September 28th-30th 

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: September 17th

  • October 12th-14th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: October 1st

  • October 26th-28th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: October 15th

  • November 16th-18th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: November 5th

  • November 30th – December 2nd

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: November 19th

  • December 14th – 16th

    8 AM- 5 PM

    MONDAY, TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY

    DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: December 3rd

In-Person Training for Bus Drivers

 At this time, there are no in-person bus driver training courses available.

Bus Driver Training Materials

Please review the following state laws concerning driver and student crossing procedures. 

North Carolina school districts use a standard crossing signal to help protect students when they need to cross the street to board the bus or after exiting the bus. The school bus driver will first hold palm out indicating that students should WAIT before stepping into the roadway. After the driver has checked for safety, he or she will then give students a "thumbs up " indicating that the students should then check for traffic and then cross the street. The driver will indicate the direction to walk by pointing with his or her index finger.

Please review the Bus Driver Handbook. 

Then print and sign both the Bus Driver Code & Agreement and the Bus Radio Guidelines.

The bus coordinator at each site is responsible for ensuring a signed copy of each agreement is on file for each driver. A copy of each agreement is to remain in each driver's file on campus at all times. 

  • Please review the following state laws concerning driver and student crossing procedures. 

    North Carolina school districts use a standard crossing signal to help protect students when they need to cross the street to board the bus or after exiting the bus. The school bus driver will first hold palm out indicating that students should WAIT before stepping into the roadway. After the driver has checked for safety, he or she will then give students a "thumbs up " indicating that the students should then check for traffic and then cross the street. The driver will indicate the direction to walk by pointing with his or her index finger.

  • Please review the Bus Driver Handbook. 

    Then print and sign both the Bus Driver Code & Agreement and the Bus Radio Guidelines.

    The bus coordinator at each site is responsible for ensuring a signed copy of each agreement is on file for each driver. A copy of each agreement is to remain in each driver's file on campus at all times.