If you’ve ever thought about how long it takes to become a school bus driver in New York, we have the answers. At Suburban Bus, we know our drivers do more than just operate a vehicle—they play an important role in keeping kids safe and on time every day. That’s why our process is designed to prepare you thoroughly, while still moving quickly so you can get behind the wheel in just a few months.
Here’s what you can expect when you begin your journey with us.
Step 1: Apply with Suburban Bus (1–2 Weeks)
Your first step is filling out an application with us. Once you do, our team will:
- Review your driving history and qualifications
- Help schedule your Department of Transportation (DOT) physical
- Guide you through fingerprinting and background checks (a requirement since you’ll be transporting students)
We work hard to keep this step moving so you don’t feel stuck waiting.
Step 2: Earning Your CDL with School Bus Endorsements (2–6 Weeks)
To drive a school bus in New York, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with both a Passenger (“P”) endorsement and a School Bus (“S”) endorsement.
This process includes:
- Studying and passing a written CDL permit test at the DMV
- Training with a commercial learner’s permit
- Taking the CDL road skills test
- ELDT Entry Level Driver Training
- Completing knowledge and skills tests specific to school bus driving
At Suburban Bus, we’ll walk you through each step so you feel fully prepared.
Step 3: Paid Training with Suburban Bus (2–4 Weeks)
Once your licensing is underway, you’ll begin our paid training program. This combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on instruction:
- Classroom sessions: safety regulations, student management, emergency procedures, and company policies
- Behind-the-wheel practice: driving a school bus in a variety of real-world settings
- Route familiarization: practicing the actual school bus routes you’ll be driving so you feel confident from day one
This is where you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to transport students safely and responsibly.
Step 4: Orientation and First Routes (About 1 Week)
After training, you’ll go through orientation to cover final details. From there, you’ll start driving routes—often with support and supervision at first—before transitioning to your own schedule.
The Full Timeline
From the time you apply to the time you’re driving a school bus route, the process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. Some drivers move through faster, especially if they already hold a CDL, while others may take longer depending on DMV scheduling or background check clearances.
Either way, Suburban Bus is here to support you through every step.
Why Drive a School Bus with Suburban Bus?
Being a school bus driver is more than just a job—it’s a chance to make a difference in your community. Every day, you’ll be trusted to bring students to and from school safely, and you’ll become a familiar, reliable face in their day.
When you join Suburban Bus, you’ll enjoy:
- Paid training and support throughout the licensing process
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Flexible schedules that fit around family life
- A rewarding role where you contribute directly to the safety and success of local students
Start Your Journey Today
The process to become a school bus driver may take a couple of months, but the result is a stable, rewarding career with real purpose. At Suburban Bus, we’re proud to help our drivers build a career they can be proud of—while serving families in our community. Ready to get started? Apply today with Suburban Bus and be on the road in just a few months!
