To obtain a School Bus Driver's Certificate, an individual must be specially trained and pass an examination by a Driver Education Program Specialist that demonstrates the fitness and competency required to operate a school bus.
The requirements for the driver of a school activity bus are the same except a School Bus Driver's Certificate is not required.
Requirements
Driving Record
An individual must certify at the time of application that they do not hold more than one driver license and that their license is not suspended, disqualified or revoked.
Some convictions will make a driver ineligible to operate a school bus. Individuals interested in operating a school bus should contact their local school system for further qualifications, requirements or restrictions.
The below documents and training are required. Contact the transportation department of any local school system for a list of school-bus driver training classes.
Medical & Physical
School bus drivers must meet federal qualifications to be certified as being physically and mentally competent to operate a school bus.
If questions arise about a driver's physical condition, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles may require the driver to submit a completed medical report (provided by the NCDMV Driver License Section), before or after certification.
Training & Testing
School bus drivers must:
- Successfully complete the required three-day school bus driver training class
- Pass up to four different knowledge tests with a score of 80 percent or better on each test
- Successfully complete the required behind-the-wheel training with a driver education program specialist
- Pass a skills test
Fees
Driver License | Description | Fee |
---|---|---|
Application fee | This fee applies each three attempts of knowledge tests. | $40 |
Commercial driver license endorsement | | $4 per year per endorsement |
Commercial driver license | | $20 per year |