How to Obtain a Bus Driving License

A bus driving license requires more steps than a driver's license for a regular automobile. The bus driving license is a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement. There are state-specific as well as federal requirements that must be met before a bus driving license can be issued by the state.

Instructions

1. Check the age requirements. You must be 21 years old if driving across state lines; otherwise, you must be at least 18 unless otherwise specified by state laws.

2. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for state-specific requirements on obtaining a bus driving license.

3. Enroll in a bus driving school. Many people who apply for bus driving jobs without experience receive bus driving training from their new employers.

4. Begin the state's application process for a commercial driver's license with a passenger endorsement. In most cases, a written knowledge test for commercial vehicles with passenger endorsement must be passed to get a learner's permit.

5. Pass a vision and medical exam as required by the state. Continue learning at the bus driving school.

6. Pass a state driving test, which includes the pretrip inspection, a skills test around a course and actual driving. In some cases, the state driving test is given by the bus driving school, which must have the same standards as the state-given test. The bus used for the test should be the same as the type that will be used on the job; otherwise, the license may not have all of the endorsements needed.

7. Undergo a satisfactory background check with the Department of Justice for a school bus driver endorsement. There are also school-bus-specific training, knowledge, testing and driving skills needed.