Louisiana Bus Driving Opportunities

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

Becoming a school bus driver in Louisiana requires meeting several specific criteria set by the state to ensure safety and responsibility in transporting students. Below, I’ve outlined a step-by-step guide to help you understand the requirements and the process to become a certified school bus driver.

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply for training or a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must meet some basic qualifications:

  • Age: You must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus in Louisiana.
  • Driving Record: You need a clean driving record. Any major offenses (like DUIs) or a pattern of frequent traffic violations could disqualify you from becoming a school bus driver.
  • Physical and Mental Fitness: School bus drivers must pass a medical exam to demonstrate physical and mental fitness. You’ll need a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a licensed examiner.

2. Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Louisiana requires school bus drivers to have a Class B CDL with specific endorsements. The process to obtain a CDL involves:

  • Pass the CDL Written Test: You’ll first need to pass a written exam at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The CDL written test covers general knowledge, air brakes, and specific school bus operations.
  • Take CDL Skills Tests: After passing the written exam, you’ll need to complete a skills test that includes:
    • Pre-trip inspection: Demonstrate that you understand how to inspect a bus for safety.
    • Basic vehicle control: Demonstrate control over the bus, including backing up and maneuvering in tight spaces.
    • On-road driving test: You’ll be tested on real-world driving situations like turning, merging, and stopping.

3. Obtain a School Bus Endorsement (S Endorsement)

In addition to obtaining your CDL, you must complete the following steps to get a school bus endorsement:

  • Pass the School Bus Endorsement Exam: This is a written exam that covers specific regulations and safety protocols for transporting children.
  • Passenger Endorsement (P Endorsement): You’ll also need to pass an exam for transporting passengers in larger vehicles, which includes a written and practical test.

4. Complete Required School Bus Driver Training

Louisiana requires that all school bus drivers undergo specialized training:

  • Initial Training Course: This includes at least 30 hours of instruction covering:
    • State and federal regulations for school bus operations.
    • Student behavior management techniques.
    • Emergency evacuation procedures and vehicle safety.
    • Best practices for loading and unloading students.
  • Behind-the-Wheel Training: In addition to classroom learning, you will need practical, on-the-road training under the supervision of a certified instructor.

5. Pass Background and Health Checks

  • Criminal Background Check: As you’ll be working with minors, you must pass a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. A history of certain offenses (e.g., violent crimes or sex offenses) will disqualify you from the role.
  • Drug and Alcohol Testing: You will need to pass a pre-employment drug test, and you will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing once employed.

6. Maintain Certification and Licenses

  • Regular Medical Certification: You are required to keep your medical certification current. This means regular renewals and health exams.
  • CDL and Endorsement Renewals: CDLs and endorsements need to be renewed regularly, with periodic retesting or training refreshers.
  • Continuing Education: Many districts and companies may require ongoing safety and skill training.

Additional Tips:

  • Check with Local School Districts: School districts often have their own additional requirements or training programs. It’s wise to reach out to your local school district’s transportation department for more specific guidance.
  • Paid Training: Some districts may offer paid training programs where you can earn while you train to get your CDL and endorsements.

What is the bus driver salary in Louisiana?

The salary of a bus driver in Louisiana can vary depending on several factors such as experience, type of bus driven, and the specific employer. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Average Salary

  • School Bus Drivers: The average salary for a school bus driver in Louisiana is around $32,000 to $38,000 per year. This can translate to approximately $15 to $18 per hour depending on the district and the driver’s experience.
  • City Bus Drivers: For city or transit bus drivers, the average annual salary is typically between $36,000 and $45,000. This is roughly $17 to $22 per hour.

2. Factors Influencing Salary

Several factors can affect the salary of a bus driver in Louisiana:

  • Experience: More experienced drivers often earn higher wages. Entry-level positions may start on the lower end of the pay scale.
  • Location: Salaries can vary based on location within the state. Urban areas like New Orleans or Baton Rouge might offer higher wages compared to more rural areas.
  • Type of Bus: Drivers operating larger buses or those with more complex routes may earn more.
  • Additional Benefits: Many positions include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, which can enhance the overall compensation package.

3. Additional Compensation

  • Overtime: Drivers who work overtime can increase their earnings significantly.
  • Bonuses: Some employers offer performance or safety bonuses, which can add to the total compensation.

4. Finding Local Salary Information

To get a more precise understanding of bus driver salaries in specific areas or with particular employers, you can look at:

  • Job Listings: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter often provide detailed salary information for bus driver positions.
  • Local Transit Authorities: Contacting local transit authorities or school districts can provide specific salary information and job benefits.

For more details, you might want to explore job boards or salary surveys specific to Louisiana. Here are a couple of links to check for updated salary information:

Where are the best bus driver jobs in Louisiana?

Finding the best bus driver jobs in Louisiana involves considering factors such as salary, benefits, job stability, and work environment. Here’s a guide to help you identify some of the top opportunities:

1. Public Transit Agencies

Public transit agencies often offer stable employment with competitive wages and benefits. Some notable agencies in Louisiana include:

  • New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA): Offers bus driver positions with competitive salaries, benefits, and the opportunity to work in a major city.
  • Baton Rouge Bus Service (CATS): The Capital Area Transit System provides bus driver positions with competitive pay and benefits.
  • Shreveport Area Transit System (SporTran): Offers opportunities to work in Shreveport with a focus on public transportation.

2. School Districts

School bus driver positions in various districts often come with good benefits and job stability. Some notable school districts include:

  • Jefferson Parish Public Schools: Known for providing competitive salaries and benefits for school bus drivers.
  • Louisiana School Districts: Many districts across the state offer competitive pay and benefits. It’s beneficial to check individual district websites for job openings and requirements.

3. Private Bus Companies

Private companies often offer competitive salaries and various benefits. Some notable companies in Louisiana include:

  • Louisiana Motor Coach: Provides charter services and often has openings for experienced bus drivers.
  • Greyhound Lines: Although not specific to Louisiana, Greyhound operates in the state and offers driver positions with competitive salaries and benefits.

4. Job Boards and Career Websites

For a broader search, use job boards and career websites to find bus driver positions across Louisiana:

5. Local Networking

Networking with local industry professionals and attending job fairs can also help you find the best opportunities in your area.

Which schools offer bus driver training in Louisiana?

For aspiring bus drivers in Louisiana, several schools and programs offer specialized training. Here’s a list of notable options to consider:

1. Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS)

Many campuses within the LCTCS system provide commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, which includes bus driving. Programs vary by location.

2. Local Driving Schools

Specialized driving schools often offer courses tailored to bus driving. Here are a few options:

  • All Star Driving School: Offers CDL training with a focus on school bus driving.
  • American Truck Training: Provides a range of CDL training programs, including school bus training.

3. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Schools

These schools offer comprehensive CDL training, which includes bus driving as part of the curriculum:

  • Louisiana CDL School: Offers programs specifically for obtaining a CDL, including bus endorsements.
  • Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI): Accredited training programs that may include bus driving as part of the curriculum.

4. Bus Companies Offering Training

Some bus companies offer in-house training for prospective drivers, including:

5. Job Search and Industry Websites

Job boards and industry websites can also help identify training programs and schools:

6. Local School Districts

Some school districts offer their own training programs for school bus drivers. Contact local districts directly for more information.