School Bus Driver Trainee

Position

The purpose of the recruitment is to attract applicants for the District's School Bus Driver training program. This unpaid training program runs from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Successful trainees will receive the credentials required to apply for a School Bus Driver position with Rowland Unified School District. The program is free; candidates only pay licensing fees totaling approximately $299.00 (DMV, CHP, DOT Medical, Department of Justice Fees).

NOTE: By applying you are enrolling in the Bus Driver Training program which may ultimately lead to employment as a substitute or permanent bus driver.

Applications are accepted online only from Friday, January 9, 2026 to Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 4:30 pm.

Applicants will be notified by e‑mail only.

Under the supervision of the Bus Driver Instructor, trainees receive instruction to acquire the skills needed to operate a school bus over designated routes within established time schedules; transport students to and from school and on special event trips; perform daily inspections of a school bus or other vehicle; and prepare reports concerning repair needs.

The School Bus Driver Trainee class is distinct from the fully‑qualified School Bus Driver class in that the former is still in training and has not yet obtained all required licenses and certifications.

High‑school graduation or equivalency desirable.

No experience required.

Possession of a valid California Driver License is required. Applicants must provide the District a copy of the following at the time of application:

• Valid CA Driver License
• Current DMV Official Driver Record (dated within the last 30 days)

Documents may be uploaded to your application or emailed to amanda.arias. For questions call 626‑854‑8577. Applications without supporting documents will be disqualified.

All school bus driver trainee positions are designated safety‑sensitive and require pre‑employment drug testing and a continued drug‑free lifestyle.

Training will take place both inside and outside, in varying temperatures, and in contact with fuel and exhaust fumes, dust, odors, moving vehicles, and direct contact with District personnel.

Extended sitting, pushing, pulling, stair climbing, stooping, repetitive finger use, twisting, operating hands and legs simultaneously, clear speaking and hearing, depth perception, color vision or ability to distinguish shades, seeing small details at long distances, operating mobile motorized equipment, and driving.

The training is conducted in person at the Rowland Instructional Center, 1006 South Otterbein Avenue, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. Classroom training is tentatively scheduled to begin Friday, February 6, 2026. Behind‑the‑wheel training is tentatively scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The course prepares trainees to take the DMV test for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Trainees must attend a minimum of 20 hours of classroom training, obtain First Aid Certification (not included in the 20 hours), and pass a final exam. The District provides all materials and covers training costs; trainees must attend all classes.

After completing the classroom course, trainees who successfully complete the CHP knowledge exam will be selected for behind‑the‑wheel training. This portion requires a valid Class B California Commercial Learner's Permit with Passenger, School Bus, and Air Brakes endorsements prior to start. It consists of a minimum of 20 hours of one‑on‑one training. Sessions will accommodate your schedule as far as possible.

Upon completion, the instructor will take you to the CHP to take the performance exam.

All bus driver trainees are responsible for covering the cost of obtaining their CA Commercial Driver License and CA Special Driver Certificate (approximately $299) from the DMV/CHP at the appropriate time in the training schedule.

• Have a genuine care and concern for children
• Be a positive role model
• Be a defensive driver and always put safety first
• Remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately in an emergency
• Understand the role of a school bus driver in the educational system
• Maintain a good driving record
• Stay drug‑free at all times and alcohol‑free on the job

Selected substitute School Bus Drivers are paid at $24.04 per hour on an "on‑call, as‑needed" basis. They may also be eligible to test for permanent positions as they become available.

Permanent School Bus Drivers receive $24.04–$29.31 per hour, health and welfare benefits, and a guaranteed minimum of six hours of work per day.