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Bus and Truck Driving Overview

Bus and truck driver courses teach individuals how to manage and operate these vehicles. Due to the size and weight of Buses and Trucks, and the awkward turns and various other issues with driving large machinery, licensing is required to be able to drive a truck. Schools that specialize in such education as well as local community colleges may have the courses necessary to train and prepare an individual for a highly lucrative career in driving.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$33,760

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

-9.80%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

684,690

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Bus and Truck Driver Training

Rosedale Technical Institute has been providing excellent hands-on technical training programs for more than 70 years. Located in Pennsylvania, it aims to prepare students for professional development by providing the appropriate equipment and knowledge required in their field.  The college offers a 10-week bus and truck driving program that focuses on safety and driving operations, vehicle systems and preventive maintenance, and driving skills. They have well-equipped facilities that enable students to use a variety of vehicles to get a real driving experience and provide risk-free simulators. The college also partners with local companies to help the graduates have a rewarding career.

Acceptance Rate

60.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Welcome to the Institute of Science & Technology (CPI) of Central Pennsylvania, an educational organization committed to developing today's workforce and creating the leaders of tomorrow.   This top ranked truck driving program is designed to provide the student with learning that includes vehicle safety instruction, driving procedures and safety, trip planning, log book procedures, and public/employee relationships. Also, it provides students with training and knowledge to help them obtain a CDL certification and attain entry-level employment as a CDL operator. In addition to classroom training, it also includes driving skills tests and practical tests.

Acceptance Rate

89.77

Tuition

$15,340 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Institute of Advanced Technology in Virginia Beach is a medium-sized institution that can accommodate approximately 600 students. It was founded in 1975 and was granted a master certification for its automotive program in 1998.   It offers a professional truck driving program in the institute. This course covers the topics of basic operation, safe operation specifications, vehicle maintenance, and non-vehicle activities, and provides school bus certification and approval for those who complete it. They currently offer two Type B CDL training programs, such as school bus driving and commercial driving courses, which last for 160 hours and 80 hours, respectively.

Acceptance Rate

47.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

New Castle School of Trades is a high-end career college accredited institution by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges for over 41 years. Their acceptance rate is 100%, and their graduation rate is 73%.   The agency provides good courses in bus and truck driving, so that their students understand how to properly manage and operate different vehicles. This idea is very useful for students seeking a successful driving career, especially local community colleges. Newcastle Business School has efficient and professional faculty and staff, which provides students with a portal to drive opportunities to guide its members to find their own future destination.

Acceptance Rate

100

Tuition

$20,736 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Penn Commercial Business – Technical School was launched in 1929 as a business school with the objective to enhance an individual’s career by providing high-quality education. The programs offered by the school continue to grow over the years to level with the needs of today’s in-demand careers.  They offer a six-week Commercial Driver’s Licensed Program and the students enrolled in the training will go through various discussions and practical examinations that focus on maneuvering and driving skills, 6-point air brake test, navigation of road map, and rules and regulations of driving commercial vehicles. They also do hands-on tutoring and prepare students for practical examinations. The school provides assistance for their graduate students and helps them find a career in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Abraham Baldwin School of Agriculture is located in Atlanta, Georgia and can accommodate 3,400 students from all over the world. They provide excellent training to prepare students for careers in their respective industries.  Their CDL program teaches the student the skills they need as a commercial truck driver such as transporting cargo, handling hazardous materials, operating commercial vehicles, and increasing the student’s employability. They ensure that every student will obtain a driver’s license once they complete the program. The course lasts for 160 hours and can be accessed online through the desktop for 6 months.

Acceptance Rate

73.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Fred W Eberle Technical Center has been providing excellent vocational training programs and adult courses. It was founded in 1968 and is known as the first multi-county career center in West Virginia.  Their courses are guided by experienced faculty members that work diligently to help the students succeed in the truck driving industry. The set up requires the student applicants to have a valid West Virginia driver’s license with a two-year driving experience and be at least 18 years old. The classes they offer can last from eight to ten weeks between 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM during weekdays. Once the student finishes the course, they will take a Class A or B CDL license with a state-certified tester.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,500 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Washburn Tech is a provider of high-quality and affordable courses that are recognized by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. It provides high-demand skills, thereby bringing good career and employment opportunities to their students.

The institute is recognized as an innovator in technical education and teaches students how to become professionals in the industry. Applicants can take and complete a commercial truck driving course, which covers classroom training, such as conducting emergency drills and vehicle inspections, learning about potential driving hazards, identifying federal motor vehicle regulations, and explaining control systems. During the four-week course, students will also learn from industry professionals from large trucking companies.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology-Memphis has a permit rate of more than 95% and a completion rate of 65%, and is committed to providing competitive training to enable its students to better adapt to the demanding industries. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the school stands ready to help promote higher education to students who offer full-time courses, online degrees and industry training.

TTC Memphis has been honed by experienced faculty and staff to become a way for students to become experienced driving professionals in a highly competitive field while meeting local and regional economic needs. The school ensures their careers by providing students with high-quality training, thereby providing them with a highly profitable driving career.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Washington Holmes Technology Center in Florida first opened in 1967 to meet the educational needs of its community and surrounding areas. The college started with only 9 courses, has grown over the years, and changed its name to Florida Panhandle Technical College, which now offers more than 30 courses to students.

They are known for their excellent 320-hour CDL program, which can last up to 8 weeks. During the course, they provide high-quality training that prepares the students to be professional trailer-truck drivers. Their full-time and experienced coaches guide and teach students various techniques for developing their driving skills and customer relationships.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

TDDS Technical College is a professional institution dedicated to providing effective learning and education for students in Lake Milton and its surrounding areas. It holds a graduation rate of 84%. It focuses on bus and truck driving procedures and diesel engine repair procedures.  

It offers a truck driver program, which provides different teachings and seminars with topics such as proper logbook skills, accident prevention, trip planning and map reading, and safety and mechanical issues. Students are required to perform and practice proper shifting techniques, backing and turning, as well as proper pre-trip inspection of the truck. It offers three distinct types of truck driver training programs. This covers an externship program, residency program, and a residency program with a passenger endorsement for a flexible choice of schedules.

Acceptance Rate

68.23

Tuition

$8,480 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Douglas Education Center is a private institution dedicated to provide students with learning opportunities in different fields and expertise. As an institution, its mission focuses on providing a platform for excellent learning and creating individuals who are competent and eligible to work in their chosen field.            

Many industries are looking for skilled workers who have a Commercial Driver’s License. The program not only meets the classroom requirements, but also meets the needs of cross-country practice. The program provides a truck driving simulator to help students become familiar with driving skills prior to driving a car. A quality education from a school of driving lessons approved by the government would seek to teach the fundamentals and intricacies of driving. They try to make you a cautious and safe driver, not only paying attention to your own car, but also to all other cars on the road.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson is a highly accredited institution by the Council on Occupational Health. It holds a graduation rate of 80% and a student faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring a hands-on career development education to its members.   It offers a program in truck and bus driving that is designed to provide different educational techniques and learnings to its students. This course provides students with appropriate procedures for operating machinery and vehicles at a professional level. The course admission requires medical examinations and drug tests in order to qualify the program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology-Memphis has a permit rate of more than 95% and a completion rate of 65% and is committed to providing competitive training to enable its students to better adapt to the demanding industries. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the school stands ready to help promote higher education to students who offer full-time courses, online degrees and industry training.

TTC Memphis has been honed by experienced faculty and staff to become a way for students to become experienced professionals in the driving field while meeting local economic needs. The school ensures their careers by providing students with high-quality drivers training, thereby providing them with a highly profitable driving career.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Flagler Technical College, located in Palm Coast, Florida, has been recognized by the Council of Vocational Education (COE) and has been providing excellent programs for vocational and community education. The set-up is equipped by professionals that help develop the student’s skills with their intimate learning environment.  It provides tractor-trailer transportation procedures, which include courses and training on dangerous driving skills, accident prevention, operating regulations, safety, maintenance and mobility. They also teach students about math, communication, and entrepreneurship to prepare them in the industry. After 320 course hours are completed, students will be awarded a certificate of completion and permit requirements for work.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,039 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Central Florida campus of Orange Institute of Technology offers tailor-made courses suitable for high-volume driving occupations because the institution has reliable coaches and rich practical knowledge. The agency provides safe places by building relationships with community-based employers.  

Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), Mid Florida Campus transforms students to become technically advanced in their driving pursuits. The training includes operations of trucks, handling of the logistics process, transporting of goods and passengers, record keeping. In addition, the agency also insists on ensuring high communication, leadership and mathematical skills with interpersonal relationships. The program is entitled Commercial Class "B" Driving program that aims to prepare students for employment as bus and straight truck drivers.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,240 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Fortis Institute was formerly known as Allied Medical and Technical Institute and its mission is to provide high-quality education to students seeking better career opportunities. They are located in Fort Forty, Pennsylvania, and have been providing excellent health and technical training courses.

As the leading post-secondary institute, Fortis designed a top rated commercial truck driving program to enhance the learner’s skills to maneuver a tractor-trailer successfully and enhance their driving abilities. They provide in-depth classroom materials and develop the road-skills and technical knowledge of the students. After the completion of the program, the graduates will be capable of operating ten to eighty thousand pounds of vehicles as well as possessing a Commercial Driver’s License.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Community and Adult Education Center provides 21 high-quality programs and social opportunities to serve the citizens of Marion County, Florida. Their training is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing industry and global market.  With a ratio of 6 students per faculty member, the institute guides the students to graduate and start a rewarding career in their field of industry. Their courses include 320 hours of Class A and 150 hours of Class B CDL, which focuses on preparing students for transportation and logistics knowledge and imparting knowledge of vehicle safety, accident prevention, cargo handling and dangerous driving skills to them. Applicants of the program can register online and submit the required documents and can also apply for financial assistance.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,055 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology in Shelbyville for many years has reigned as the leading suppliers of workforce development throughout the state of Tennessee since its becoming. It aims to commit to its mission in providing excellent quality, traditional, and remote learning instruction methods that qualifies completers for employment opportunities and job advancement.

They offer a distinct program in truck driving that is designed to provide classroom work, yard, and road driving experiences and techniques. Students are taught to drive professionally and responsibly and to gain the proper education necessary to operate the vehicle in accordance with the local, state, and federal regulations. The completion of the program provides a certificate and license for the program, thereby increasing career opportunities, thereby promoting aspiring professionals.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,605 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Since its establishment in 1968, the Mitchell Institute of Technology has been committed to providing excellent technical education to cultivate local labor. The school invests in seeking professional and skilled teacher professionals to seek high-quality and unique training experience. 

Mitchell Technical Institute understands that the trucking industry is the bloodline of the U.S economy and how the country is facing a serious shortage of drivers. Therefore, the college provides a high-quality professional bus and truck driving program that uses effective and detailed methods to train students, including reading maps, safety regulations, route selection, cargo restrictions and legal weight distribution. The program also develops operational skills and enables students to become responsible employees in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Securing employment while meeting the demands of the local industry, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Crossville becomes an avenue of high yield driving education courses accredited by different institutions such as the Tennessee Board of Regents and outside organizations like Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and the Regents Online Campus Collaborative.

TTC-Crossville has a high graduation rate of 71% and is the gateway to high-paying driving jobs. The center offers a variety of courses to meet the needs of the local industry. This school is the best choice for an advanced truck driving training program as the school’s credible instructors will prepare aspiring students with the unique challenges faced by commercial drivers.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville offers to provide excellence in instilling classroom instructions to programs that are related to highly in-demand industries. It is an accredited institution by the Council on Occupational Health.  

It offers a program in truck driving that focuses on preparing its students to qualify and pass the test for Commercial Driver’s License. The curriculum consists of instructions, procedures, and different rules and regulations as required by the Department of Transportation and procedures on logging and the trucking industry. The course provides experience in driving on secondary roads, backing, interstate roads, highways, and city streets.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,929 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Salina Tech is committed to promoting the improvement of the quality of life by providing the technology and general skills necessary for personal growth and employment. Since its establishment in 1965, the institution has always valued diversity, excellence, innovation, collaboration and lifelong learning.  

It provides an 8 to 16-week course designed to teach students everything they need to know about commercial truck driving. The program uses a broad curriculum of classroom instruction and road driving lessons, and what's more, the students will also learn about how to interpret vehicle control systems, execute the coupling and uncoupling of the tractor, identify and avoid driving hazards, and managing vehicle speed. Applicants of the program are required to be at least 18 years of age, must possess a Kansas driver’s license, and a clean driving record.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Pittsburgh Aeronautical Institute is ranked as the number one two-year business school by Forbes. Its programs mainly operate in the fields of aviation technology and electronics, which opens up an exciting future for learners and graduates.  PIA is not only known for its unparalleled first-class aviation courses, but also for its solid and comprehensive CDL program. It provides students with a unique way to improve their skills and equips them with the necessary tools and knowledge to take the qualification exam. In addition, graduates of the program are expected to be ready for entry-level employment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Sheridan Technology Center provides students with an academically capable and skill-oriented approach, providing students with a safe working position in their driving career. Offering post-secondary workforce development, this institution will provide integration of academic theories into a technical application, under Commercial Class “B” Driving the students will be prepared for employment as a professional local truck driver at an entry-level.  With their vision to provide optimal teaching in setting high standards, the students are expected to reach their maximum potential and best occupation education possible. Through this mantra, students will become productive members of the workforce and community. Make this an opportunity to better your truck driver career by earning more while achieving professional achievements.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,375 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Bus and Truck Driving Qualifications

Though a formal education may not be necessary to enter the industry, some employers require at least two years of related experience or a minimum of a high school education. As the industry becomes more regulated the demands for trained individuals will increase. This will particularly be true for interstate drivers who may in the future be required by the U.S. Department of Transportation to take courses in truck driving.

An education in truck driving is valuable for multiple reasons, it educates individuals on how to operate a large vehicle in a variety of situations, provides an education in maintenance, allows access to vehicles for practice and helps individuals develop skills necessary for successful transit through training by experienced instructors.

School Bus Courses & Classes

Bus and Truck driving are heavy vehicles and require a lot of attention and patience. A truck driver must be able to maintain his or her vehicle, operate it with established safety standards and arrive to his or her destination in a timely manner. The cost to entry is minimal, and work hours are varied depending on the class enrolled. Some truck driver training class programs are a few weeks while other driver training class setups are months.

A vehicle training curriculum may include:

  • Basic Operation
  • Equipment Checks
  • Bus Driver Training Course
  • Safety Log Completion
  • Local Ordinance Requirements
  • GPS and Computer Knowledge
  • Safety Practices
  • Advanced Operation
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Non-Vehicular Activity

Truck driving is a dangerous profession, especially for interstate truck drivers, as fatigue can set in unexpectedly. Individuals pursuing a career in truck driving must have good hand eye coordination, excellent hearing, strong vision, and in good physical shape. A truck driver must also recognize when rest is needed, pulling over or finding a rest stop in order to recover. Likewise, school bus training must be taken seriously as attention to detail and safety are paramount regardless of cargo.

CDL Training & Drivers License Endorsements

The bus and truck driver courses and certifications are abounding when considering driving for a living. In some cases, your state's department of transportation will mandate a specific certification or commercial driver license while other times employers will dictate a set of requirements. Make sure to check with your county or state to determine which of the following endorsements and certifications you will need to comply with the law when driving a variety of motorized vehicles. A quick list of driving training certifications and endorsements are listed below:

  • Class A CDL
  • Class B CDL
  • Class C CDL
  • CDL Continuing Education
  • CDL Permit Course
  • CDL Training Class
  • Fleet and Industry Training
  • HazMat Endorsement
  • Double/Triple Endorsement - allowing drivers to pull two and three trailers.
  • Passenger Endorsement
  • Liquid Bulk/Tank Cargo Endorsement
  • School Bus Endorsement
  • Activity Bus Endorsement
  • Taxi Endorsement
  • Motor Bus/Motor Coach Endorsement

Types of Driver Courses & Driving Schools

Bus Drivers

Hazmat Endorsement Training

Learning how to safely transport hazardous material requires special training and often a designated endorsement. Having hazmat endorsement training special endorsement can lead to greater job stability and higher pay if the supply and demand curve bends in your favor.

Class Timing & Accredited CDL Schools

Classes will start on a predictable school schedule to give students ample time to prepare for the course. The class you enroll with and school will dictate the schedule and course contents. Some driver training class programs start monthly while other roll every 8 weeks. Same thing with truck driving programs curated by an accredited truck school. Class schedules are set and you will need to prepare to attend all requires sessions for truck driving or for a CDL training program.

Truck Divers Job Outlook

Truck drivers are in high demand due to the limited number of drivers due the dangerous nature of the work. Over the next decade demand is expected to grow for truck drivers as more goods will need transit across short and long distances. Some jobs may be lost to rail transport, and others may be cut due to better tracking technology creating more efficient routes and reducing the need for large fleets of trucks. Intrastate jobs should see a much larger increase as they are most efficient form of delivery for short distances.

A bus driver will have more standard hours, though will usually make less than a truck driver, though many of the skills necessary for operating a large vehicle are the same. Bus drivers typically operate on specific routes and have set periods for breaks along those routes. A bus driver will be responsible for him or herself and the passengers the bus carries, and as such an emphasis of safety is placed on bus driving that exceeds that of truck driving.

Bus & Truck Drivers Salary

The national average salary for a truck driver is approximately $41,340 per year and the average annual pay for a bus driver it is about $31,920. The job growth rate for truck drivers and bus drivers is on par with the national average at around 6% growth projected through 2024. Given the size and scope of the driving industry, a six percent growth rate will translate to around 145,000 new jobs during this same reporting period.

Feature: City Trucking School

Our feature school in the trucking and bus driving domain is City Trucking School.  They came to our attention year before last when the student reviews and industry feedback swelled.  CTS has been found to be a reliable educational partner with solid curriculum to help students understand, remember, and apply critical course material.

Additional Information for Truck and Bus Drivers

Individuals interested in bus or truck driving may also be interested in auto repair or diesel repair.  The SBDA and the NTA help promote the truck and bus vocation industry from coast to coast.  Members gain access to unique tools and resources only found with powerful organizations focused on these career paths.

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