Bus driver smiling in front of bus

Bus Driver Job Openings Are Plentiful

Bus Driver Job Openings Are Plentiful

Bus drivers are an important part of our society. From getting children to school every day to making sure adults have reliable transportation to their jobs, appointments, and other events, these positions are invaluable to our world. However, there is currently a bus driver shortage and the need to find bus drivers is higher than ever. Find out how you can take advantage of this shortage through Class B+P CDL training offered at Driving Academy.

About This Exciting Career

Bus drivers help transport people from place to place. To legally be a bus driver, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). These licenses come in different classes. A Class A license allows the driver to operate and transport a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds. Class B licenses, however, let you operate a vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds with no trailer or, if there is a trailer being pulled, it must weigh less than 10,000 pounds.

Aside from your CDL, driving a bus will generally require you to get an endorsement on your license. The Class B+P CDL includes the passenger endorsement (P), which is necessary if you are operating a vehicle that carries over a specific number of passengers. This number may vary depending on the state you are driving in.

The school bus endorsement (S) is required if your vehicle is used to transport children to and from school or to school-related events. To obtain this endorsement, you will need to first receive your passenger endorsement. Because school bus drivers work with children, drivers will need to fill out a special application and allow a background check.

What Are Some Examples of Bus Driver Jobs?

There are plenty of bus driver openings, but not all these positions are the same. With your CDL and the proper endorsements you can take on many different jobs, including:

  • Transport bus (city bus)
  • School bus
  • Charter bus
  • Tour bus
  • Coaches and motor coaches
  • Double-decker and single-decker buses
  • Sleeper buses

You could even land a job driving around a musical act or sports team or taking passengers on long trips to vacation destinations. Each of these jobs provides a unique atmosphere, so there’s likely something that will catch your eye.

Why Is This Such a Good Job?

Because of the shortage, bus drivers are in high demand. That means you’ll be able to enjoy a sense of security. Knowing you’re needed and valued can instill confidence. The shortage also makes this job rather lucrative. Today’s bus drivers are making as much as they ever have, and the field is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032.

Another reason you should consider this career is that you will make a difference in people’s lives. Taking people to jobs they would otherwise not be able to get gives you a rewarding feeling, and driving a school bus can be rewarding as well. Knowing you’re depended on to safely transport passengers is something to be proud of.

How Can Driving Academy Help?

At Driving Academy, we have highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors who help our students through every step of their journey. Whether you’re interested in getting your Class A, Class B, or Class B+P CDL, we can help. Our school provides different options to fit your needs and your schedule.

You can choose between full training courses, which help you train for your CDL permit and license over 8-hour days, or half courses, which are for those who already have obtained their permit and are ready for road training. We even offer guaranteed training courses that provide over 100 hours of training and give you unlimited attempts to pass your road test. Some of your coursework can even be done online, offering even more flexibility.

Enroll in CDL Training Today

If you’re looking for a fulfilling career, consider becoming a bus driver. Because there are so many bus driver jobs available, it’s also a career that allows security and room for growth. The expert instructors at Driving Academy can help you get your CDL and the endorsements you need. We have locations in New Jersey, with more coming soon across the nation.

We have vehicles and simulators for on-road and off-road practice. Driving Academy provides affordable plans to help you manage payments and even offers assistance once you’ve received your license, helping you find a job quickly and easily. Contact us if you have any questions or are ready to get started.