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Becoming a School Bus Driver

  • You must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • You must obtain a School Bus Driver's Physical Examination Form (DL-704) from your prospective employer.
  • Upon passing the physical examination, you will need to submit Form DL-704, Form DL-31CD, "Application for Commercial Learner's Permit," and the appropriate fee to PennDOT.
  • You will be required to pass a vision screening and Knowledge Tests, including (but not limited to) the Commercial General Knowledge Test, Passenger Endorsement, School Bus Endorsement, and Air Brakes, if applicable.
  • You will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of school bus specific instruction, which includes at least 14 hours of classroom training and at least 6 hours of in-bus training.
  • You will be required to pass a Road Test consisting of a pre-trip inspection, performance of basic maneuvers and an on-road driving test. You will also be required to execute a simulated student discharge and a simulated or actual railroad crossing.

Please note that Pennsylvania law requires you to pass both a criminal history check conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and a child abuse history check conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Maintaining School Bus Endorsement

In order to maintain a school bus endorsement, every four years, a school bus driver must:

  1. Complete a minimum of 10 hours of refresher training, which includes at least 7 hours of classroom training and at least 3 hours of in-bus training.
  2. Pass the School Bus Knowledge Test.
  3. Pass a Road Test in a school bus.

For additional information relating to the school bus licensing process, please read the School Bus Driver Licensing Process Fact Sheet (PDF).