Driver Certification Process

New School Bus Driver Certification Process

The following is a list of required procedures for becoming a School Bus Driver for the Transportation Services Department of San Diego City Schools:

Complete application for School Bus Driver.
Successfully complete pre-employment orientation and driving history review.
Successfully complete mandated school bus driver classroom instruction (36 hours).
Pass required California Department of Transportation physical exam to obtain commercial instruction permit.
Succesfully complete CHP interview process.
Succesfully complete CHP and district fingerprinting requirements.
Successfully complete DMV written testing for a commercial instruction permit.
Successfully complete pre-employment controlled substance testing.
Successfully complete mandated behind-the wheel instruction (28 hours).
Receive and sign completed training certificate from Safety & Training.
Successfully complete CHP written testing.
Successfully complete CHP driving examination.
Receive temporary Special Driver's Certificate upon completion of background checks.
Obtain interim commercial driver's license, properly endorsed, from DMV.
Complete final district and department processing for employment.
Receive a permanent commercial driver's license and special driver certificate from DMV.

This entire process will take a minimum of six weeks.