School Bus Driver Trainee

Dattco•Pawtucket, RI

About The Position

DATTCO is hiring a School Bus Driver Trainee and provides training, support, and guidance for candidates to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and become licensed School Bus Drivers. Trainees participate in classroom and behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors, learn school transportation regulations and safety practices, and prepare for the required CDL endorsements and CCRI Yellow Card. The hourly training rate is $18. After completing training and licensing requirements, trainees transition into a School Bus Driver role. Trainees may also have the opportunity to work as a School Bus Monitor during training, with AM and PM student pickups. Availability depends on school bus routes and should be discussed with the hiring manager. The role offers flexible schedules, weekends, holidays, and school breaks off, with opportunities for additional hours through field trips and charter work. DATTCO describes the position as meaningful part-time work serving the local community.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have a valid driver's license with a clear driving record.
Be able to obtain a CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements.
Be able to obtain a Yellow Card through CCRI.
Pass required background checks, drug screening, and DOT physical requirements.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to safety and customer service.
Be reliable, punctual, and professional.
Be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Be able to enter and exit the vehicle repeatedly and perform required vehicle inspections.
Be able to bend, kneel, reach, climb stairs, and use vehicle safety equipment.
Be able to assist passengers during boarding, exiting, and emergency evacuations.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a classroom or working with students.
Interest in part-time work, supplemental income, or serving the local community.

Responsibilities

Complete classroom and behind-the-wheel training with certified instructors.
Learn state and federal school transportation regulations.
Prepare for and obtain a CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.
Obtain a Yellow Card through CCRI.
Learn defensive driving techniques and student management skills.
Conduct vehicle inspections and safety checks.
Develop the skills necessary to safely operate a school bus.
After successfully completing training and licensing requirements, transition into a School Bus Driver role.
Potentially work as a School Bus Monitor during training, providing AM and PM student pickups, subject to route availability.

Benefits

CDL permit and licensing support.
Experienced trainers dedicated to your success.
Flexible schedules that work around your life.
Weekends, holidays, and school breaks off.
Opportunities for additional hours through field trips and charter work.
Opportunity to work as a School Bus Monitor during training, subject to route availability.
Job stability and longevity.
401(k) with company match.
Career growth opportunities, with promotion from within across DATTCO company brands.
Employee Referral Program.