Every day, millions of children across the country board a bus to go to school. School bus drivers are important in ensuring that children arrive at school and back home safely. 

While the demand for school bus drivers has steadily increased across the country, especially in suburban areas, the current nationwide shortage makes qualified school bus drivers even more in demand. 

School Bus Driver Qualifications: Do you need a CDL? Yes.

In Alabama, to qualify as a school bus driver, you’ll need to be at least 21 and you must obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Additionally, a certification is needed through the Alabama Department of Education. 

3 Steps: How to Obtain Your CDL and Become a School Bus Driver in

Step 1: Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License

The first step in becoming a school bus driver is obtaining a CDL. Getting this license from a reputable school will set you up for a successful career. The course generally includes a four-week in-person training where you’ll learn theory, vehicle inspection, braking and safe road training. Most reputable schools will train students on manual transmissions so students are not limited to one specific type of vehicle after graduation. 

Following the four-week instruction, you’ll put what you learn to the test with skills tests. The Federal Government also requires all license holders to undergo a DOT physical, a pre-employment drug screen and Medical Certificate. A reputable school will be able to conduct these tests and refer you to a proper physician. 

Step 2: Complete Training with Local School System

After receiving your CDL, you’ll need to complete a minimum of four hours of training from local school system transportation officials. This step is completed after obtaining your license, but before you enroll in the State Department of Education School Bus Driver Certification Course. You’ll need to produce a signed certificate from completing this training before you are scheduled for a performance test. 

Step 3: Attend the State Department of Education Bus Driver Certification class

Next, you’ll need to attend a 12-hour new State Department of Education Bus Driver Certification class. This class is taught over the course of three days with a portion of the fourth day dedicated to performance testing. At the end of the three-day course, a written exam is given. A score of at least 80% is needed to pass. 

The school bus driver performance test covers three areas:

#1 Pre-trip inspection of bus

#2 Basic skills control test. This covers straight-backing, off-set backing and alley docking

#3 Road test with at least 80% mastery

All bus driver certificates expire annually on December 31. 

In order to keep your license, and be recertified for the next year, you’ll need to attend a four-hour recertification class. All school systems schedule these courses, and they take place between January 1 and November 15. It’s a good idea to ensure you complete this course, because if not, you’ll have to repeat the new driver training. 

Ready to Take the First Step to Become a School Bus Driver?

If you are interested in starting the process of becoming a school bus driver, attending a reputable truck driving school is the first step. CDL of Alabama has years of experience and qualified instructors ready to help you succeed. If cost is a concern, many of our students pay nothing out of pocket. One popular option for our students is the Income Share Agreement, where students agree to pay small portions based on their income. If you’re ready to advance your career, fill out our form online or call us at 251-989-0740. 

When you’re considering earning your CDL and getting on the road to a new career, one of your biggest questions besides “How much is it going to cost,” is likely “How long will it take?”

We get it. You’re excited about a new career path and ready to get started as soon as possible. 

Well, we have good news for you! Within weeks, you can earn your CDL and even have a job lined up! 

How long is CDL School?

While it can depend on a number of factors, earning your CDL will typically take about 4 weeks depending on the program you choose and the availability. Some CDL schools, like CDL of AL, also offer a fast-track two-week course for students who already meet certain requirements, but these often have limited availability with spots going fast.

For most, including those who don’t meet the required prerequisites, the traditional four-week course is the way to go. Even then, you can still earn your CDL within weeks.  

CDL of AL’s 2 Week Skills-Only Course 

The 2-week course is a limited time course that is offered during certain times of the year to individuals who have already completed the required prerequisites. This is perfect for those who are looking to improve their skills without needing the full 4-week course. This course is offered Monday through Friday and will be completed in 2 short, high-paced weeks. Once you finish the course, you will be eligible to take the skills test and earn your  CDL, which is included in the cost. 

Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect for any student who already has a permit and wants to grow their skills. After you take this course, you will take the class A CDL exam and will be ready to go. 

The Full 4-Week Course

The 4-week full course is for any entry level driver who is looking to take a driver training course. This course is to earn your commercial learner permit and commercial drivers license. Your course will include 4 weeks of hands-on training including theory, vehicle inspection, backing maneuvers, manual or automatic transmission training and safe road training. 

Is This Class Right For You?

If you want to have companies running to hire you, this is the right class for you. Most of our students get jobs lined up as they are still in this course with us. Even if you think that you live too far away from our course, this class can still be right for you. We will include lodging if you live outside of 30 miles of the campus. 

No matter what kind of course you are looking for we have you covered. If you are new to commercial driving, or if you want to improve your skills with the skills course, the experts at CDL of AL will be happy to help! Reach out to us with any questions, or apply online today! 

The Class A CDL exam is a test that you can easily pass – just as long as you’ve done the preparation. There are many training techniques to consider when getting ready to take your exam, and throughout this article, we’ll go through a few helpful tips that should make acing the exam a good bit easier.  

Take a Reputable Course

Attending a reputable CDL training course is very helpful because you can sit down and learn from someone who knows the test well. You will also be able to talk to others who are preparing for the same test. Most classes also offer hands-on training which can go a long way when you are preparing. Make the most of your class and pay attention to each lesson. Even when you might think you know something there is always more to learn when preparing.  

Study, Study, and Study More

The number one thing that you can do to best prepare for your exam is study. Be sure to get the manual and try to know it forward and backwards. Find a place where you are not distracted and sit down with your book. Take notes and review the notes each day for about 30 minutes on top of your studying. This will help you remember what you learned in the past as well as learning new material each day. Take plenty of notes and do not be afraid to read your manual out loud. Find out how you study best and take your time and learn the material.

Understand the Material

There is a difference in knowing and understanding the material. Knowing the material means that you have memorized a definition and could find it on the exam. While understanding the material means you can apply it as well as knowing the definition. Being able to apply material is crucial to passing the CDL exam. So when you are studying be sure to do more than just memorize terms and definitions. Know when and how each term is used and you will surely be ready for the exam.

Go Ahead and Book Exam Date

We recommend that you go ahead and book the date of your exam in advance. This way you know that you can see the end goal as well as when you need to be ready. If you don’t do this it is easy to get off track and put it aside. When you set your date be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study and be prepared. As the exam date is coming closer you will be ready because you gave yourself time and knew when it was coming. 

Stay Calm and Confident

This is something that not everyone is able to do but you should be able to. As long as you have done the preparation then you know you are going to do good. As long as you stay calm and trust what you have studied you will remember and do well. Being confident can also go a long way on this exam so don’t lack confidence. Trust yourself and do not overthink things like simple questions that you know the answers. Do not get tripped up if you don’t know one question just move on to the next. 

These are just a few suggestions that we have seen work in the past that should be able to help you. Passing the CDL exam is very doable with the right practice and studying. If you put in the effort and do the things listed above you will surely be able to pass the exam.

When considering obtaining your commercial drivers license, you may have a hard time deciding exactly which CDL you want to obtain. Some of the most common questions we get are about Class A versus Class B commercial drivers licenses. 

Why choose Class A or Class B CDL? What’s the difference anyway? Is one better than the other? 

Class A CDL vs. Class B CDL

Keep reading to learn the difference between a Class A CDL and a Class B CDL and find out which commercial drivers license is the best option for your career.

What is a Class A CDL?

If you are looking for a fulfilling career driving a semi-truck, a Class A CDL may be the best choice for you. A class A CDL is the most common type of commercial drivers license. A Class A license is required to operate a wide variety of vehicles that have a gross weight of over 26,000 pounds and a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds. Class A CDL allows for the operation of 18-wheelers, flatbeds, livestock carriers and more.

With a Class A CDL, you may drive interstate or locally, long-haul or over-the-road. You must be over 21 years of age to receive your Class A license. Because Class A can be an all-encompassing license if you have the right endorsements, it allows for the operation of Class B vehicles as well. 

What is a Class B CDL?

A Class B CDL allows for the operation of a single vehicle with a gross weight of over 26,000 pounds but a towing capacity of no more than 10,000 pounds. Examples of vehicles you can drive with a Class B license include buses, garbage trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks and more.

For a Class B CDL, you must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, a Class B CDL only allows drivers the ability to operate within the state in which they obtained their license. 

Which CDL is right for you?

There are advantages to having both a Class A CDL and a Class B CDL. 

A Class A CDL allows you to have more opportunity and variety in your career and is the best choice if you are looking for a long-term career as a driver. 

If traveling the country appeals to you, Class A CDLs allow for interstate travel. Additionally, Class A CDL jobs typically have a higher starting salary and earning potential.

On the other hand, a Class B CDL is a great option for those who see truck driving as a short-term job rather than a career. 

This license is a great choice for those looking for a job as a delivery driver, bus driver or other local trucking jobs.

Ready to take the next step in your truck driving career? 

CDL of AL is Alabama’s top driving school offering superior Class A CDL training at low cost or no cost at all. 

Still not sure which option is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to CDL of AL with any more questions you may have about obtaining your CDL.

For more information on obtaining your Class A CDL, check out our blog, How do you get an Alabama Class A CDL?

Are you interested in furthering your career by obtaining your commercial driver’s license? Obtaining your CDL from CDL of AL is a great way to advance your career while ensuring you have the job security you need in these uncertain times. 

If obtaining your CDL is something that interests you, keep reading to learn the basic requirements necessary to obtain your CDL so you can hit the road as soon as possible!

Alabama CDL Requirements: Let’s look at the basics

To begin the CDL process, you must have a valid US driver’s license for at least a year. You must also be able to prove that your ability to drive any form of motor vehicle is not disqualified, suspended, revoked or cancelled. We’ll also note that having a felony will not prevent you from attending training—all applications will be considered. 

Drug Screen Requirements

You will be required to pass a drug test in order to attend CDL training. The test can detect even the smallest traces of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, amphetamines and more. Furthermore, some employers administer random drug tests throughout the licensed driver’s employment.

DOT Medical Card

You will need a Department of Transportation medical card. You can obtain this by passing a physical exam by a licensed medical examiner. This exam may include screening of any current medications, blood pressure, blood sugar, cardiac, hearing and even sleep issues. You must also pass a vision test and a color blindness test in addition to a physical exam. 

Age Requirement

To obtain your CDL in Alabama, you must be at least 18 years old. If you intended to drive commercial vehicles across state lines or haul hazardous materials, then the age requirement increases to 21.

Necessary Documents

To get your CDL, you will need to provide certain personal documentation. This may include but is not limited to:

• Proof of identity and U.S. legal presence
• Proof of age
• Proof of residency
• Social security card
• Driving history

These requirements may seem excessive, but they are all to ensure your safety as well as others on the road. In order to attend training, we must make sure that you’re perfectly capable of operating these large commercial vehicles, and that includes having good vision and being in good health. 

Once we confirm that you meet all of the above requirements, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your course with CDL of AL before taking both a written and skills test. Once passed, you will receive your CDL and begin your trucking career!

If obtaining your CDL is a top priority, contact us to get started today. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CDL of AL with any more questions you may have about training or the requirements for earning your CDL in Alabama.