Tennessee Bus Driving Opportunities

What are the requirements to be a school bus driver in Tennessee?

Becoming a school bus driver in Tennessee requires meeting several key requirements, including age limits, licensing, and background checks, all aimed at ensuring the safety of children. Below is a step-by-step guide that outlines these requirements and how to fulfill them:

1. Age Requirement

  • Minimum Age: You must be at least 25 years old to become a school bus driver in Tennessee. This is slightly higher than the federal minimum of 21, but Tennessee mandates a higher age for school bus drivers.

2. Valid Driver’s License

  • Standard License: You need a valid Tennessee Class D driver’s license before you can apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  • Experience: Some school districts may prefer candidates who have had a clean driving record for a certain number of years.

3. Obtain a CDL with Proper Endorsements

To drive a school bus in Tennessee, you need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with specific endorsements. Here’s how to obtain one:

a. CDL Application

  • Medical Examination: Complete a DOT medical exam and provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). This ensures that you’re physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle.
  • CDL Learner’s Permit: You must pass the General Knowledge Test at a Tennessee Driver Service Center to obtain a CDL learner’s permit, allowing you to practice driving a school bus.

b. School Bus Endorsement (S)

  • Test Requirements: Pass the Passenger (P) Endorsement and School Bus (S) Endorsement tests. These tests evaluate your knowledge of safely transporting passengers and handling school-specific situations.

c. CDL Skills Test

  • After holding the permit for at least 14 days, pass the CDL Skills Test, which includes a road test, basic vehicle control, and a pre-trip inspection test.

4. Background Check and Fingerprinting

  • Criminal Background Check: All applicants must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting, conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Convictions for certain crimes (especially those involving violence or endangering children) will disqualify you from driving a school bus.

5. Drug and Alcohol Testing

  • Pre-Employment Drug Test: Federal regulations require you to pass a drug test before being hired as a school bus driver. You will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing while employed.

6. School Bus Driver Training

  • School Bus Driver Certification: In Tennessee, you must complete a state-approved school bus driver training program. This training includes safe driving practices, emergency procedures, student management, and proper loading and unloading techniques.
  • Ongoing Training: You may be required to undergo additional training or refresher courses periodically to maintain your certification.

7. Safe Driving Record

  • You must have a clean driving record. Any history of reckless driving, DUI, or frequent traffic violations may disqualify you from becoming a school bus driver in Tennessee.

8. CPR and First Aid Certification

  • Some school districts may require you to have CPR and First Aid certification, though this can vary by employer.

9. Apply with Local School Districts

  • Once you meet all the requirements, apply for positions through local school districts. Each district may have specific hiring processes, so it’s essential to check their job listings or contact them directly.

What is the bus driver salary in Tennessee?

The salary of a bus driver in Tennessee can vary depending on factors like the type of bus driven (school bus, transit, or charter), experience level, and the specific employer (public vs. private sector). Here’s an overview of bus driver salaries in Tennessee, broken down by category:

1. School Bus Drivers

  • Average Salary: School bus drivers in Tennessee earn an average of $32,000 to $36,000 per year, which translates to roughly $15 to $17 per hour.
  • Factors Affecting Pay:
    • Location: Salaries can be higher in urban areas like Nashville or Memphis compared to rural districts.
    • Experience: More experienced drivers, or those with additional responsibilities (e.g., supervising other drivers), may earn on the higher end of the scale.
    • Hours: School bus drivers often work part-time, primarily during school terms, which can impact the annual salary. Some may work additional shifts or drive for special school events for extra pay.

2. Transit Bus Drivers (Public Transportation)

  • Average Salary: For public transit bus drivers working in cities like Nashville or Knoxville, the average salary ranges from $38,000 to $48,000 annually. This equates to $18 to $23 per hour.
  • Job Details:
    • Public transportation drivers typically work full-time and have more consistent hours than school bus drivers.
    • These jobs often come with benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, particularly for drivers employed by city or state governments.

3. Charter and Private Bus Drivers

  • Average Salary: Charter and tour bus drivers can earn between $35,000 to $50,000 annually, or around $17 to $24 per hour.
  • Variability in Pay:
    • Pay can fluctuate based on the company, length of trips, and whether drivers are paid hourly or by mileage.
    • Long-distance or specialized charter drivers may earn more due to the additional responsibilities and time on the road.

4. Additional Factors Influencing Bus Driver Pay

  • Overtime and Bonuses: Some drivers, especially those in public transit, may have opportunities for overtime, which can significantly increase their earnings. Some districts or companies also offer sign-on bonuses or annual incentives to retain drivers.
  • Cost of Living Adjustments: Drivers in metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher (like Nashville) may be compensated more to offset expenses.

Salary Resources:

To explore current job openings and salary ranges, you can check these job listing websites:

Where are the best bus driver jobs in Tennessee?

Finding the best bus driver jobs in Tennessee depends on a combination of factors like pay, benefits, work schedule, job security, and the type of driving you’re interested in (e.g., school, transit, or charter buses). Here’s a breakdown of where to find the best bus driver jobs in Tennessee, with different job categories in mind:

1. Public Transit Bus Driver Jobs

Public transit jobs often come with solid benefits, reliable hours, and competitive pay, especially in larger cities. Transit authorities are typically government-run and offer long-term job stability.

  • Best Locations: Large cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Chattanooga have well-established public transit systems with frequent bus routes.
  • Pay and Benefits: Average pay ranges from $38,000 to $48,000 per year, with potential for overtime and full-time benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
  • Top Employers:

2. School Bus Driver Jobs

School bus driving jobs are great for those looking for part-time hours with consistent work throughout the school year. These jobs may also offer flexibility if you’re interested in working mornings and afternoons with time off in between.

  • Best Locations: School districts across the state, particularly in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, offer good opportunities. Rural areas might have fewer positions but often come with less competitive hiring processes.
  • Pay and Benefits: Average pay is $15 to $17 per hour, or $32,000 to $36,000 annually for full-time work. Benefits vary by district but can include healthcare, retirement plans, and summers off.
  • Top Employers:

3. Charter and Private Bus Driver Jobs

These jobs are perfect for those who prefer longer trips, often with more flexibility in schedules. Charter bus drivers may work for companies that serve sports teams, private events, and tour groups.

  • Best Locations: These jobs are widely available across Tennessee, particularly in cities with large tourism sectors like Nashville and Pigeon Forge.
  • Pay and Benefits: Charter bus drivers can earn anywhere from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on mileage and trips taken. Benefits may vary by company, but larger charter firms often provide health insurance and retirement options.
  • Top Employers:

4. Private Shuttle and University Bus Driver Jobs

Some private companies and universities employ shuttle bus drivers for student transport, special events, and employee commuting services.

  • Best Locations: University towns like Knoxville (University of Tennessee) and Murfreesboro (Middle Tennessee State University) often hire shuttle drivers.
  • Top Employers:
    • University of Tennessee, Knoxville offers driving jobs on campus: https://hr.utk.edu
    • Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU): Murfreesboro-based campus shuttle services: https://www.mtsu.edu
    • Large companies with corporate shuttles, such as Amazon and FedEx, may also have positions available.

Job Search Resources

You can find bus driver jobs in Tennessee using these platforms:

Which schools offer bus driver training in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, several institutions and organizations provide bus driver training programs to help you get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the necessary endorsements for driving a school or transit bus. To become a bus driver, you typically need to complete a combination of classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and pass specific tests.

Here’s a list of schools and organizations that offer bus driver training in Tennessee:

1. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

TCAT schools across Tennessee offer CDL programs that include bus driver training. While some locations focus on truck driving, they may offer specialized endorsements and training for school and transit bus drivers.

  • Locations: TCAT schools are found in cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Chattanooga.
  • Program Details: These programs usually offer comprehensive training that covers both classroom instruction and hands-on driving experience.
  • Website: https://www.tbr.edu/institutions/colleges-applied-technology

2. Durham School Services

Durham School Services operates school buses throughout Tennessee and provides training programs for individuals who want to become school bus drivers. They often offer paid training, which means you can start your job while undergoing training to meet the state’s requirements.

  • Locations: They operate in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and other cities.
  • Program Details: Includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and mentorship during the certification process.
  • Website: https://www.durhamschoolservices.com/careers

3. First Student

First Student is a leading school bus company that provides CDL training for bus drivers. They offer paid training and support in getting your CDL with the proper endorsements (like Passenger and School Bus endorsements).

  • Locations: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and other parts of the state.
  • Program Details: Their training includes classroom instruction, driving practice, and behind-the-wheel assessments.
  • Website: https://www.firststudentinc.com/careers

4. Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)

Metro Nashville Public Schools provide bus driver training for individuals interested in working for the school district. MNPS often offers paid training and covers the cost of CDL testing and endorsements.

  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Program Details: Training includes classroom learning, hands-on driving practice, and passing the required state tests.
  • Website: https://www.mnps.org/transportation

5. Greyhound

If you’re more interested in long-distance or charter bus driving, Greyhound provides CDL training programs for bus drivers, often focusing on obtaining the necessary endorsements to drive passenger buses.

6. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT)

KAT is Knoxville’s public transportation provider and often hires bus drivers, offering training for new hires. They provide in-house training to help employees get the required certifications.

  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Program Details: On-the-job training with an emphasis on urban transit driving and the necessary CDL endorsements.
  • Website: https://katbus.com/Jobs.aspx

7. Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA)

MATA offers bus driver positions with training provided for new hires. They often cover the cost of obtaining a CDL, including training to earn the passenger and air brake endorsements required for transit buses.

  • Location: Memphis, TN
  • Program Details: Comprehensive training for city bus drivers, including safety protocols, route navigation, and bus maintenance.
  • Website: https://www.matatransit.com/careers

8. Local School Districts

Many local school districts across Tennessee provide their own training programs for school bus drivers. These programs often come with the benefit of paid training and may cover the cost of obtaining the required CDL endorsements. Examples include:

Requirements for Bus Driver Training

To enroll in any of these training programs, you’ll typically need to meet a few basic requirements:

  • Valid Tennessee driver’s license
  • Clean driving record
  • Pass a background check (required for school bus drivers)
  • DOT medical certification (Department of Transportation physical exam)
  • Obtain a CDL permit before you start driving training

Final Thoughts

When looking for the best bus driver training in Tennessee, you have options ranging from state-sponsored programs (TCAT), private companies like First Student and Durham, and public transportation authorities like MATA or KAT. Choosing the right program depends on whether you prefer to drive school buses, transit buses, or long-distance charter buses.

I recommend reaching out to the program that best fits your career goals to get specific details on costs, schedules, and job placements. You can also visit Indeed or Glassdoor to compare current job opportunities and feedback from current drivers: