Washington State Bus Driver Training

The Washington State Department of Licensing reports that bus drivers in Washington state must complete the training to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). Any person at least 18 years old and with a valid Washington driver's license can apply for a instruction permit to complete CDL training.

Types

Washington state bus drivers are split into two driver's license endorsements: passenger and school bus. Each type of endorsement is divided into Class B for vehicles more than 26,001 lbs. that carry more than 16 passengers, and Class C for vehicles 26,000 lbs. or less that carry fewer than 16 passengers.

Class B Training

According to the Department of Licensing, Class B endorsement training has a minimum requirement of 48 hours of total training. This training includes 20 hours of classroom training, 14 hours of street driving, four hours of backing maneuvers, four hours of proficiency development and six hours of observational and range training.

Class C Training

The class C endorsement follows a similar pattern to Class B but requires 36 hours of total training. This training is split into 20 hours of classroom training, eight hours of street driving, two hours of backing maneuvers, two hours of proficiency training and four hours of observational and range training.

References

• Washington State Department of Licensing: Special Endorsements
• Washington State Department of Labor: CDL Minimum Training Requirements
• Washington State Department of Labor: CDL Instruction Permit