Contact Steel City
Health & Safety
Our Hours
Mon 9A-6P Tues 1P-6p
Wed 9A-6p Thurs 9A-12P
Location
440 Constitution Blvd
New Brighton PA 15066
- Same Day Appointments
- New Brighton, PA 15066
A predictable schedule, steady demand, and the chance to make a real difference are all benefits of driving a school bus in your community. So it’s no wonder so many New Brighton locals are exploring how to become a school bus driver.
From the required physical and CDL basics to training and school bus endorsements, here’s what you need to legally get behind the wheel. Once you’ve got the steps down, contact Steel City Health & Safety to schedule the medical exam that’s a required part of the process.
Specific requirements can vary slightly by school district. However, you must meet baseline school bus driver qualifications established by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to legally drive a school bus within the state.
Qualifications include:
After you confirm that you hold these basic qualifications, learning how to become a school bus driver involves several steps. You’ll need to complete a physical exam, pass required testing and training, and obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL) with proper endorsements.
Each step is outlined below.
A school bus driver physical is a required examination that helps determine whether you’re medically fit to operate a school bus.
It typically evaluates your:
Be sure to take the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Physical Examination (form DL-704) to your appointment for your medical examiner to complete.
When you’re ready to book a bus driver physical in New Brighton, PA, contact Steel City Health & Safety. Our occupational health clinic offers a certified medical examiner, efficient exams in a welcoming environment, and late hours Monday through Wednesday to help you fit this important exam into your busy schedule. Plus, same-day appointments are often available for added convenience.
The next step for anyone wondering how to become a school bus driver is applying for your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
To apply, submit the following documentation to PennDOT:
These PennDOT school bus driver forms are required before the state can issue your CLP.
After receiving your CLP, you’ll need to pass applicable written CDL knowledge tests.
Knowledge tests for PA school bus drivers include:
Passing demonstrates that you understand applicable rules and requirements and are ready to move forward with school bus driver training.
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is a federal requirement for entry-level applicants taking one of these actions for the first time:
If needed, you can complete this training through a provider listed in the Training Provider Registry from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Next up is school bus driver training. Bus drivers in Pennsylvania must complete a minimum of 20 hours of instruction— 14 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of in-bus training.
This training covers:
Many school districts and transportation companies provide training for qualified applicants.
The on-road CDL skills test evaluates your ability to safely operate a school bus.
It typically includes:
Passing the skills test proves that you have the commercial driving skills necessary to safely transport and discharge students. Note that PennDOT requires you to wait at least 15 days before taking the school bus skills test if you’re upgrading or adding a commercial class.
Pennsylvania also requires three specific clearances before working as a school bus driver:
Your future employer or training program can help guide you through this process if needed.
If you don’t already have a job lined up, this is the point where you’ll start applying. There are lots of opportunities for bus drivers across Pennsylvania, so check with both school districts and transportation companies. Once you’re hired, you will attend orientation before your first day on the job.
Now that you know how to become a school bus driver in PA, you can start working on obtaining your CDL and endorsements and finding a job.
Good luck with your new career!
Mon 9A-6P Tues 1P-6p
Wed 9A-6p Thurs 9A-12P
440 Constitution Blvd
New Brighton PA 15066