Albertville City Schools | How to Become a Bus Driver

Anyone twenty-one years old or older wishing to drive a school bus in the state of Alabama must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) and an Alabama School Bus Driver Certificate issued by the Alabama Department of Education.

How to Get A CDL

In order to receive a CDL to drive a school bus, a prospective school bus driver must secure a Third Party Tester Form. This form can be secured from any CDL office in Alabama. The form is given to drivers who do not currently hold a CDL, need to upgrade their CDL, or need to add passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsements. In order to be issued this form, prospective school bus drivers must pass four written CDL tests at the CDL office. These tests include General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Transporting Passengers, and School Buses.

Perspective drivers may call Bobbi Hill at 256-891-3620 for the information you will need to prepare for your written exam. Jacksonville or Huntsville offers the written exam at a cost of $25.00. Directions are available at the Bus Shop (404 Highland Ave., Albertville, AL 35950)

Background Check

A background check is required for every employee of Albertville City Schools. The cost is $49.00. It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for this process to be complete. You may pick up an application packet from the Central Office, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

How to Get an Alabama School Bus Driver Certificate

In order to receive an Alabama School Bus Driver certificate, a prospective school bus driver must meet the following requirements:

1. Receive a minimum of 4 hours of training from local school system transportation officials before enrollment in the SDE School Bus Driver Certification Class. Contact Bobbi Hill at 256-891-6320 to schedule this training. Only drivers who receive this training and produce a properly signed training certification form will be scheduled for performance testing.

2. Attend a 12-hour SDE New School Bus Driver Certification Class taught over a period of three days.

Normally, a portion of a fourth day is required for performance testing.

3. Score at least 80% on a written test given at the conclusion of the three-day class.

4. Pass a three-part performance test including:

(A) Pretrip inspection of a school bus with at least 80% mastery.

(B) Basic Control Skills Tests. These are backing and forward stop-line tests.

When you have completed and passed the class for new drivers, you will return to the site that you took the written exam (Jacksonville or Huntsville) and obtain the necessary paper work to apply for your license.

You will begin work with Albertville City Schools as a substitute driver. It will be to your advantage to schedule a time to ride with other drivers to become familiar with different routes and routines.

Who To Contact

ZC Sparks, Transportation Supervisor, or Bobbi Hill, Transportation Secretary, Albertville City Schools, at 404 Highland Ave. or by phone 256-891-6320.