New York State Department of Labor Labor Statistics

Bus Driver

Description

Bus drivers operate a motor vehicle, defined as a 'Bus' in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, to transport passengers to pre-planned destinations.

Bus drivers must pass a qualifying physical examination, and be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye. Bus drivers must demonstrate good eye-hand-foot coordination, and good spatial (three-dimensional) perception to enable good judgment of distance for safe and precise passing, braking and parking. Bus drivers must be able to interact well with both adults and children.

License Requirements

Bus drivers must possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with a Passenger (P) endorsement (certain school bus drivers also need a School Bus (S) endorsement). The motor carrier company that employs a bus driver must file an application for qualification on behalf of the prospective bus driver with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Applicants to drive school buses may also be required to be fingerprinted and pay a processing fee, so that a criminal background check may be performed.

Age Requirements

New York State bus drivers must be 18 years of age. Bus drivers that drive interstate and school bus must be at least 21 years of age.

Education Requirements

Non-mandatory training is available from commercial driving schools.

Experience Requirements

No minimum work experience is required to become a licensed bus driver in New York State.

Fees: (as of August 1, 2012)

$40 -- Skills test
License -- Up to $164.50, depending on exact type, and up to $180.50 for an 8-year renewal.

Examination Requirements

Written Examination -- Multiple choice; 80 percent passing criteria.
Vision Examination -- Standard Snellen; 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses.
Skills Examination -- On-the-road Driving Skills, plus Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection.

A waiver of the Skill and Written Examinations is granted if a domestic, out-of-state license is surrendered for reciprocity.

Article 19-A of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law

Article 19-A of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law requires employers of bus drivers to obtain the following from bus driver applicants: a current physical exam, an employment background check, a current abstract of driving record. For questions regarding Article 19-A, contact the NYS DMV Bus Driver Unit at 518-473-9455 or via mail at:
Bus Driver Unit
6 Empire State Plaza, Room 220C
Albany, New York 12228

Licenses Issued and Active

In 2011, there were 9,107 licenses issued for Article 19-A Bus Driver.
As of August 1, 2012 there were 82,749 active licenses in New York State.

Licensing Authority

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Various state and county Motor Vehicle Offices located throughout New York State.

For Locations, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site at: http://www.dmv.ny.gov/ or contact the NYS DMV Call Center at:

Standard Occupational Classification

53-3021 - Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
To learn more about this occupation search the Occupational Information Network (O*Net).

Disclaimer:

Fees stated and other information contained in this report are subject to change. Please contact the licensing authority listed above for the most current information.

This page was last updated on 8/13/12.