How easy is it to become a bus driver?

School bus drivers are in high demand and becoming one is easier than you might think. The high demand for drivers is due to a nationwide shortage and the severity of the situation has increased dramatically since the COVID pandemic.

School bus companies, in particular Long Island bus companies are looking for drivers to obtain their CDL licenses from all different backgrounds such as retirees, stay at home moms and those simply looking for flexible and rewarding work.

Driving a school bus is important work and there are many rewards including flexible hours, summers off and a chance to give back to the community.

The process to become a driver and obtain your CDL Class C license (with P&S endorsement) is simpler than you think. Read on for more info!

What does it take to get  your CDL License?

Simply follow a few steps in order to obtain a CDL License to become a driver. First you must have a NYS driver’s license (Class D, Class E, or Non-CDL C) or a valid CDL from another state.

Next, you must prepare for a written exam by studying the CDL Driver manual which can be obtained online on the DMV website or at your local DMV office. You can then apply for your commercial learner’s permit at your local DMV.  Note that there are three parts to the written test that will assess your general knowledge, passenger, and school bus knowledge.

After you go for your CDL permit you are eligible to start the process for the ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) online class.

While taking the online theory class you can start the paid Behind the Wheel training program at Suburban Bus with one of our registered ELDT trainers.

After you finish the ELDT Theory Course and the Behind the Wheel Training your information is entered into the ELDT website. Your training details must be entered 7 days prior to your road test which is three parts: pre-trip, maneuvers, and driving.

Helping You Prepare
At Suburban Bus, once you have your permit, and to help you prepare for the upcoming road test, we let you get behind the wheel to practice.   You drive with one of our CDL licensed drivers and get real hands-on training from our team.

For those folks looking to become a school van driver, the “P” (passenger) endorsement and the ‘S’ (school) endorsements are required. We will go into more details on these endorsements below.

Because of the shortage of drivers, NY state has made the process even easier to apply by removing the 14-day waiting period between the permit test and the road test.

In addition to the process above, bus driver candidates must also pass a physical and background check due to federal law.

What does a Passenger “P” Endorsement mean?

A “P” endorsement on your CDL authorizes you to have knowledge and skills to operate a vehicle with fifteen passengers or more. A “P” endorsement ensures that you have been evaluated via written and skill tests on knowledge designed to keep drivers safe behind the wheel.

The endorsement covers vehicle inspections (such as checking emergency exits and seats being secure), safe loading and unloading practices, driving technique and passenger management (like how to deal with disruptive passengers, and emergency situations).

It is highly recommended that you use the “P” endorsement practice test before going to the DMV. While there are fees for getting a CDL license and additional endorsements, you are then able to begin a rewarding career as a bus driver working for suburban bus company!

What does an “S” Endorsement for  school bus drivers mean?
In the state of NY, a school bus driver must have an “S” endorsement as well. This is required to drive specific types of school buses. A driver cannot apply for the “S” endorsement unless they already have a “P” endorsement, or you can apply for both endorsements at the same time.


Where to start?

Hopefully, you found the above information helpful, and you are excited to obtain your CDL. Make your life easier with Suburban Bus Transportation’s earn-while-you-learn program. We are currently recruiting CDL licensed drivers and are always open to new trainees!

Start your adventure by giving us a call today!