Ohio Bus Driving Opportunities

What are the requirements to be a school bus driver in Ohio?

To become a school bus driver in Ohio, there are several specific requirements you must meet to ensure the safety of the children and comply with state and federal regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide that covers the key qualifications, certifications, and steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Basic Requirements

Before you can apply, you need to meet the following basic criteria:

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years old.
  • Clean Driving Record: You need a clean driving record with no more than six points on your license within the past two years. You should not have any DUI offenses or other serious violations.
  • Valid Ohio Driver’s License: You need to have a valid, non-commercial Ohio driver’s license before applying for a commercial license.
  • Physical Fitness: School bus drivers must be physically capable of driving safely. You’ll need to pass a medical examination.

Step 2: Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements

To drive a school bus in Ohio, you must have a CDL with the appropriate endorsements:

  • CDL Class B: A Class B CDL is required for most school buses since they weigh over 26,000 pounds.
  • Passenger Endorsement (P): This endorsement is required for drivers transporting passengers.
  • School Bus Endorsement (S): You must pass both written and skills tests to get this endorsement. It covers specific knowledge related to safely driving a school bus.

Here’s the process:

  1. Pass a Written Knowledge Test: You need to pass the CDL General Knowledge test as well as the Passenger and School Bus Endorsement tests. Study materials are available through the Ohio BMV.
  2. Obtain a CDL Permit: After passing the written exams, you will receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), allowing you to practice driving a bus under supervision.
  3. Pass a Skills Test: After holding the permit for at least 14 days, you must pass the skills test, which includes:
    • Pre-trip inspection
    • Basic control skills
    • On-road driving test

More information on the CDL requirements can be found here: Ohio BMV CDL Guide.

Step 3: Background Check

You are required to pass a criminal background check to work as a school bus driver in Ohio. The background check includes:

  • FBI Background Check: This ensures no prior criminal history that might disqualify you from working with children.
  • State BCI Check: The Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) also conducts a check for offenses that might disqualify you.

You can find more about the background check process through the Ohio Department of Education website.

Step 4: Medical Examination and Certification

You must pass a medical exam to confirm that you are fit to drive a school bus. This exam must be performed by a certified medical examiner and meets the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines. You’ll need:

  • Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876): After passing the exam, this form must be submitted to the Ohio BMV.

Step 5: School Bus Driver Training

All school bus drivers must complete pre-service training approved by the Ohio Department of Education. This includes:

  • Classroom Instruction: Covers laws, safe driving practices, and how to handle emergency situations.
  • On-the-road Training: You must complete a minimum of 12 hours of training behind the wheel, with at least 4 hours on a school bus. This will be supervised by a certified school bus instructor.

You can look for training courses provided by your local school district or other state-approved providers.

Step 6: Pass the Ohio School Bus Driver Physical Performance Test

This test evaluates your physical ability to perform tasks required for operating a school bus, such as:

  • Checking under the bus.
  • Opening and closing emergency exits.
  • Handling children and equipment in emergency situations.

Step 7: Obtain a Certificate from the Ohio Department of Education

After completing the required training and exams, you will receive a certificate from the Ohio Department of Education confirming your eligibility to be a school bus driver. You will also need to undergo annual in-service training to keep this certification valid.

Step 8: Drug and Alcohol Testing

All Ohio school bus drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing under federal and state laws. This is a critical part of ensuring driver safety and protecting the students.

Recap of Key Requirements

  1. Be at least 21 years old with a clean driving record.
  2. Obtain a Class B CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
  3. Pass a background check and medical exam.
  4. Complete school bus driver training.
  5. Pass the physical performance test.
  6. Maintain certification and participate in random drug testing.

What is the bus driver salary in Ohio?

The salary for bus drivers in Ohio varies depending on the type of bus driving job, years of experience, location, and whether the job is with a school district, public transit system, or a private company. Here’s a breakdown:

1. School Bus Drivers

School bus drivers are employed by school districts, and salaries can vary based on district funding and experience. The average salary for a school bus driver in Ohio is around $16 to $20 per hour. However, some factors that can influence this include:

  • Location: Urban districts or areas with a higher cost of living may offer higher wages.
  • Experience: Newer drivers may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced drivers can earn more.
  • Part-Time Nature: Many school bus drivers work part-time (20–30 hours per week), often only during the school year, which impacts annual earnings.

On average, a school bus driver in Ohio may earn between $22,000 and $32,000 per year for part-time work. Those with full-time positions or those working in larger districts could earn more.

2. Public Transit Bus Drivers

Public transit bus drivers tend to have higher wages compared to school bus drivers. The average hourly wage for public transit bus drivers in Ohio is about $19 to $24 per hour, depending on the city and company. Some of the major cities, like Cleveland and Columbus, might offer higher pay due to the higher demand for public transportation services.

Annual salaries for public transit drivers can range from $38,000 to $55,000 or more, depending on factors such as overtime, seniority, and the transit system.

3. Charter and Private Bus Drivers

Private companies that offer charter services, shuttle buses, or other commercial bus services tend to have varied pay scales. In Ohio, private bus drivers might earn between $15 and $22 per hour, depending on the company and the specific driving assignment. Longer routes or specialty services (e.g., tourism, corporate transport) might offer higher pay.

These drivers may work more flexible or irregular schedules compared to school and public transit drivers, and their annual salary can range from $30,000 to $45,000.

Additional Benefits

Bus drivers often receive additional benefits such as:

  • Health insurance (for full-time positions)
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid time off
  • Paid training

Many school districts and public transit authorities offer benefits packages, especially for full-time positions.

Factors Affecting Bus Driver Pay in Ohio

Several factors influence the salaries of bus drivers in Ohio:

  1. Union Membership: In many public transit systems, bus drivers are unionized, which can lead to higher wages and better benefits.
  2. Geographic Location: Larger cities and districts tend to offer higher wages than rural or smaller areas.
  3. Experience and Seniority: More experienced drivers usually earn higher pay due to seniority and their proven track record.

Where are the best bus driver jobs in Ohio?

Finding the best bus driver jobs in Ohio involves looking at a combination of factors including salary, job stability, benefits, work environment, and location. Here’s a detailed look at where you can find the best bus driver jobs in Ohio, broken down by type of employment:

1. Public Transit Agencies

Public transit agencies often offer competitive salaries and benefits. Some of the top agencies in Ohio include:

  • Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
    • Location: Cleveland
    • Details: Known for competitive pay, good benefits, and job stability.
    • Website: GCRTA Careers
  • Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)
    • Location: Columbus
    • Details: Offers good pay and benefits, with opportunities for advancement.
    • Website: COTA Careers
  • Metro Regional Transit Authority (Metro RTA)
    • Location: Akron
    • Details: Provides good pay and benefits, and is known for a positive work environment.
    • Website: Metro RTA Careers

2. School Districts

School bus drivers typically work part-time and may enjoy a good work-life balance. Some districts with notable programs include:

  • Cincinnati Public Schools
    • Location: Cincinnati
    • Details: Offers competitive pay and benefits for school bus drivers.
    • Website: CPS Jobs
  • Columbus City Schools
    • Location: Columbus
    • Details: Known for stable jobs and good benefits.
    • Website: CCS Careers
  • Cleveland Metropolitan School District
    • Location: Cleveland
    • Details: Offers competitive pay and benefits for school bus drivers.
    • Website: CMSD Careers

3. Charter and Private Bus Companies

Charter and private bus companies may offer higher pay and flexible schedules. Some notable companies are:

  • Go Bus
    • Location: Various locations across Ohio
    • Details: Provides charter bus services with competitive pay.
    • Website: Go Bus Careers
  • Hawkins Transportation

4. Regional Opportunities

In addition to the major players, consider these additional locations that offer strong job prospects:

  • Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
    • Location: Toledo
    • Details: Provides good job opportunities and benefits for bus drivers.
    • Website: TARTA Careers
  • Dayton RTA
    • Location: Dayton
    • Details: Known for competitive pay and benefits.
    • Website: Dayton RTA Careers

Tips for Finding the Best Jobs

  1. Research Local Opportunities: Look at local job boards, company websites, and regional transit authority websites.
  2. Consider Benefits: Evaluate the full benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
  3. Read Reviews: Look for employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor to get insights into the work environment.

Which schools offer bus driver training in Ohio?

If you’re looking for bus driver training schools in Ohio, you have several options to consider. These schools offer training programs to help you obtain the necessary CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with a school bus endorsement. Here’s a detailed list of some of the top institutions and programs:

1. Ohio Driving School

  • Location: Multiple locations across Ohio
  • Details: Offers CDL training programs that include the necessary endorsements for school bus driving.
  • Website: Ohio Driving School

2. Northland Driving School

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Details: Provides CDL training and specific programs for those interested in school bus driving.
  • Website: Northland Driving School

3. Southeast Ohio Career Center

  • Location: Cambridge, OH
  • Details: Offers comprehensive CDL training programs including endorsements for school bus driving.
  • Website: Southeast Ohio Career Center

4. Hocking College CDL Training

  • Location: Nelsonville, OH
  • Details: Provides CDL training with options to get a school bus endorsement.
  • Website: Hocking College

5. Columbus State Community College

  • Location: Columbus, OH
  • Details: Offers a variety of CDL programs, including those with school bus endorsements.
  • Website: Columbus State CDL Training

6. The CDL School

  • Location: Cleveland, OH
  • Details: Offers specialized CDL training with school bus endorsement options.
  • Website: The CDL School

7. The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA)

  • Location: Provides training resources and certification information across Ohio.
  • Details: Offers resources and guidance for obtaining school bus driver certification.
  • Website: OSBA

Steps to Enroll in a Bus Driver Training Program:

  1. Research and Choose a School: Visit the websites listed above and contact schools to get detailed information about their programs, costs, and schedules.
  2. Verify Requirements: Ensure you meet all state requirements for CDL training and school bus endorsements. This may include having a valid driver’s license, passing background checks, and meeting medical requirements.
  3. Apply for Training: Complete the application process for the chosen training program. This may involve submitting proof of identity, driving records, and other required documents.
  4. Attend Training: Enroll and participate in the CDL training program. This will cover classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience.
  5. Pass Required Tests: Successfully complete written and driving tests to obtain your CDL with a school bus endorsement.
  6. Seek Employment: Once you have your CDL and endorsement, you can apply for school bus driver positions with school districts or transportation companies.