Alabama - Apply for School Bus Driver License

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Procedure

Apply In Person

1. To Apply for School Bus Driver's License, the applicant has to approach the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) link

NOTE: The applicant needs to select your state or territory.

1. A CDL is required to drive a school bus. If you don't already have a CDL, you will need to apply for one.
2. This involves passing a written knowledge test and a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and an on-road driving test.
3. In addition to the CDL, you will need specific endorsements to drive a school bus. The most common endorsement is the Passenger (P) endorsement, which allows you to transport passengers.
4. Some states also require a School Bus (S) endorsement. To obtain these endorsements, you will need to pass additional written knowledge tests related to passenger transportation and school bus safety.
5. School bus drivers typically need to pass a background check, which may include a review of their driving record, criminal history, and possibly fingerprinting.
6. School bus drivers are required to meet certain medical and vision standards to ensure they can safely operate a vehicle. You may need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner to assess your overall health and physical capabilities.
7. Once completed all the requirements are successful.
8. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer. The applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
9. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
10. The applicant has to attach the photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting.
11. Expect to undergo a background check, which may include a criminal record check and a review of your financial history.
12. Submit all the documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.
13. The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
14. After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
15. An acknowledgment receipt will be provided. Please save it for future reference.
16. Then the application will be processed further. All the updates on the application status will be sent via SMS to the applicant’s mobile number.
17. The applicant may need to pass a written knowledge test and/or a practical skills test to demonstrate his/her understanding of school bus operations and his/her ability to safely operate a school bus.
18. Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application.
19. If you have completed all the steps and passed the necessary tests, you will receive your School Bus Driver's License.
20. This entire process can be completed within 15 - 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

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Required Documents

• Completed application form
• ID proof (Birth Certificate, national Identity card, etc)
• Address proof – (Driving license, passbook, utility bill, etc)
• Fee receipt
• Valid driver's license
• Social security card
• Proof of citizenship or legal presence
• Driving record
• Any other documents (If required)

Office Locations & Contacts

Alabama Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division


Mailing Address:
Assessment
P.O. Box 327660
Montgomery, AL 36132-7660
Motor Vehicle Licensing
P.O. Box 327643
Montgomery, AL 36132-7643
Motor Vehicle Division
2545 Taylor Road
Montgomery, AL 36117
Contact - 334-242-9000
Contact link – link


Department of Motor Vehicles
955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Promenade Level – Suite P100
Washington, DC 20024
Contact link
State Office for Department of motor vehicle link

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for applying for a school bus driver's license in the United States

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a valid driver's license
• Passing a written test on school bus safety and operations
• Passing a driving test on a school bus
• Passing a criminal background check
• Passing a drug test

Fees

• The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.

Validity

• In general, licenses are valid for four years.

Documents to Use

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• This entire process can be completed within 15 - 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

Required Information

• Name
• Address
• Age
• Social security number
• Financial statement
• Contact details
• Email
• Fax
• Education qualification
• Location
• Zip code
• Declaration
• Date
• Signature

Need for the Document

• In the United States, a School Bus Driver's License refers to a specialized driver's license that is required to operate a school bus. It is a specific endorsement added to a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) that allows individuals to transport students to and from school and related activities.

Information which might help

• The School Bus Driver's License allows individuals to legally and safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities.
• It ensures that drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the unique responsibilities and challenges associated with operating a school bus, including the safety and well-being of the students on board.

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

Here are some of the benefits of having a School Bus Driver License:

• Increased job opportunities: There is a high demand for school bus drivers in the United States. With an SBL, you will have a better chance of finding a job as a school bus driver.
• Higher pay: School bus drivers typically earn more than other types of drivers. With an SBL, you can earn a higher salary and improve your overall financial situation.
• Job security: School bus driving is a stable career with good job security. There is always a need for school bus drivers, even during economic downturns.
• Sense of fulfillment: School bus drivers play an important role in the community. They help to ensure the safety of children and they make a positive impact on the lives of their students.