Bus Driver Trainee

Salary: $21.19 Hourly
Location : Student Safety & Transit Department, Simi Valley, CA
Job Type: Limited Term Assignment
Job Number: 26-140-1
Department: Student Safety & Transit
Opening Date: 07/07/2026


PURPOSE


PURPOSE: To establish a list of applicants who do NOT yet possess the required qualifications to be a Bus Driver.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job posting by the application deadline in order to move forward in the training program. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to an orientation.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Completed applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. one week before the date of the orientation. Late applications and/or certificates will not be accepted.

Orientation:
Tentatively scheduled for as early as: TBD

Training:
Tentatively scheduled for as early as: TBD
Important Notice to Applicants

The Bus Driver Trainee classification is a training position designed to prepare individuals for potential appointment to the Bus Driver classification. Trainees are expected to actively participate in all classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, vehicle inspections, safety training, and other activities required by the program. The training program consists of a minimum of twenty hours in class and twenty hours behind the wheel. Upon successful completion of the training program, trainees may be invited to apply for the Bus Driver classification. To be considered for appointment as a Bus Driver, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the Bus Driver classification and successfully participate in the Bus Driver examination process, which includes a structured interview. Completion of the Bus Driver Trainee program does not guarantee appointment to a Bus Driver position. Applicants should review the physical abilities and working conditions associated with the Bus Driver classification, as the trainee program is intended to prepare candidates to perform those duties

The Bus Driver Trainee role prepares individuals to become qualified school bus drivers through hands-on and classroom-based instruction. Trainees will learn to safely operate school buses, including vehicles equipped with specialized features for students with mobility or access challenges. The position supports the transportation needs of students, ensuring a safe and timely commute to and from schools, events, and special routes.

Successful completion of the training program will provide the trainee with all state- and federally-mandated training requirements to test with a California Highway Patrol (CHP) examiner for the appropriate licensing and certification required to operate a school bus in the state of California. Successful completion of the training program is not a guarantee of employment as a bus driver with Simi Valley Unified School District, nor a guarantee of issuance of the appropriate licenses and certificates by the CHP.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Bus Driver Trainee position is designed for individuals who have not yet met the licensing and certification requirements to become fully qualified Bus Drivers. Unlike Bus Drivers, trainees operate under supervision and cannot transport students independently until all certifications are obtained. This position focuses on training and development, preparing candidates to meet state and district qualifications. This role is distinct from the Passenger Vehicle Driver role, which involves driving smaller district vehicles and does not require the comprehensive licensing or training needed for school bus operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Training and Observation:

• Completes all required classroom and on-the-road training sessions, including observing licensed drivers and practicing driving under supervision.
• Learns to operate school buses safely and in compliance with district policies and state laws.
• Understands and practices the use of specialized equipment for students requiring accommodations (e.g., hydraulic lifts, wheelchair restraints).

Bus Operations and Maintenance:

• Assists with pre-trip and post-trip inspections under supervision, learning to identify potential safety hazards and mechanical issues.
• Gains hands-on experience with fueling, cleaning, and maintaining the bus's interior and exterior.

Safety and Behavior Management:

• Practices student behavior management techniques to maintain a safe environment during transportation.
• Observes emergency procedures, including administering first aid and evacuating the bus during drills.

Route Familiarization:

• Learns designated bus routes, including stops, traffic patterns, and potential hazards.
• Practices route driving to gain familiarity and improve time management.
• Learns basic route-management techniques; including operation of routing and passenger-management systems, basic routing concepts, and basic route-optimization techniques.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Attends safety meetings and continuing education sessions.
• Completes all required logs and reports related to training progress and safety practices.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Satisfactory driving record and restrictions as verified by K-4 Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• A valid California Driver License, Class C.
• No prior bus driving experience is necessary; previous experience in professional driving or working with children is preferred.
• Licenses and Certificates:
• Must achieve a valid First Aid and CPR certification issued by an authorized agency, during the training period.
• A valid California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) class-B Learner's Permit, with P (passenger) and S (school bus) endorsements, must be obtained by the trainee at the conclusion of classroom training and before any behind-the-wheel training can commence. The trainee will be responsible for any fees charged by DMV for the permit.
• Current Medical Examination Report (MCSA-5875) and Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5876), to fulfill federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for commercial drivers -- required for CDL.
• Trainees will be responsible for all DMV and CHP fees incurred in the licensing process.

SPECIAL NOTE
Effective January 1, 1995, all employees in these classifications are subject to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations for drug and alcohol testing as required by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Skills to:

• Operate a school bus safely under supervision.
• Perform routine vehicle checks and report issues accurately.
• Communicate effectively with trainers, peers, and supervisors.

Knowledge of:

• Basic traffic laws and defensive driving practices.
• Fundamentals of vehicle mechanics and safety inspections.
• Proper use of safety equipment for students with special needs.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply state and district regulations governing school bus operations.
• Remain patient and professional in a training environment.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to simulated emergencies during training.
• Learning to properly use a two-way radio system

Working Environment

• Work occurs in outdoor environments, including busy traffic and varying weather conditions.
• Involves exposure to loud noises, vehicle fumes, and physical activity, including sitting for extended periods and assisting with equipment like wheelchair lifts.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Simi Valley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants for employment. The application, examination, and selection process shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Salary : Five step salary range that provides annual increases of approximately five percent until the fifth step is reached. New hire initial step placement (normally up to Step 3) based on qualifying education and experience as outlined in Merit System Rule 7.20.1. An employee who is promoted to a higher class shall be placed on the step of the new salary range that is at least five percent above the current rate, excluding any differential pay.

Vacation : Earned based on assigned hours. Increased vacation allowance based on years of service with the district. Confidential employees receive an additional 3 days vacation allotment, up to a maximum of 22 days. Management employees receive 22 days of vacation (based on 12-month assignment).

Sick Leave : Earned at the rate of one day (based on the number of assigned hours) per month, and is accumulative from year to year.

Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year (based on 12-month assignment).

Insurance and Credit Union : The District offers a competitive Health and Welfare plan for employees and dependents, based upon the number of hours worked; employees who are placed in a regular assignment of 20 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits. The Ventura Schools Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services.

Retirement: Employees are covered by Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) Social Security and Medicare. Contributions are made by both the employee and employer. Click to visit website.
01


Please describe your experience working with, supervising, supporting, or interacting with school-age children (ages 5-18) through employment, volunteer service, coaching, tutoring, community programs, childcare, or similar activities.

• No Experience
• Less than 1 Year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

02


Please describe your experience transporting individuals, other than family members or personal acquaintances, as part of employment, volunteer service, or participation in an organized program.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 to less than 3 years
• 3 to less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

03


School bus drivers are responsible for student safety, following procedures, maintaining schedules, and responding calmly in unexpected situations. Please describe an example from work, volunteer service, school, or community activities where you were responsible for the safety or supervision of others.
04


I understand that the Bus Driver Trainee program is intended to prepare participants for potential appointment to the Bus Driver classification. I understand that trainees are expected to fully participate in all classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, vehicle inspections, safety training, and other required program activities. I further understand that successful completion of the training program does not guarantee appointment to a Bus Driver position. To be considered for appointment as a Bus Driver, I must apply for the Bus Driver classification, meet the minimum qualifications of that classification, and successfully complete the applicable examination process, including a structured interview. I understand that the Bus Driver classification includes physical abilities and working conditions associated with safely operating a school bus and transporting students, and I have reviewed and considered those requirements before applying.

• Yes
• No

Required Question