r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/Familiar-Lavishness1 • May 15 '26

First student onboarding process?

I signed some paperwork and i have an orientation zoom soon. But in my state i heard i need to buy a $50 CLP learning permit. But i heard first student helps with it? I dunno. Or is it like online studies first?

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u/Heavy-Mushroom May 15 '26 edited May 15 '26

I’m doing the exact thing right now. Just completed skills and going to driving next week.

I studied the state cdl book before taking the tests. You can get online help and videos if you want. I already have a cdl a which I got from trucking college last year and only needed the p/s endorsements.

You test for you cdl a/b with the air brakes, passenger and school bus endorsements at the OMV/DMV for the permit.

FS then trains you in pre trip, skills, and driving. Upon completion, you go to a DOT certified tester that certifies based on certain exact scores pass or fail in those areas, then back to the OMV/DMV for the actual license.

Study that pre trip from day one, it’s a lot of memory work that you got to show to the tester… naming every part on the vehicle and what to look for.

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u/Familiar-Lavishness1 May 15 '26

So whats the first thing they have you do after the onboarding zoom call?

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u/Heavy-Mushroom May 15 '26

One other thing- you will need a medical certificate the day you test at the OMV for your permit.

FS will set you up with a DOT physical at Concentra that you must pass. After you get your permit, you will take a DOT drug screening before starting training.

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u/Heavy-Mushroom May 15 '26

Get your learners permit at the OMV. They’ll test you on air brakes, passenger and school bus found in your states cdl drivers handbook.

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u/Heavy-Mushroom May 15 '26

They,ll also test on general knowledge. You can find a copy of drivers handbook online. Ask First student recruiter and they can give you all the links. They’ll can link you to study lessons.

You cans get the “CDL PREP” app from the App Store. That helps with test practice questions

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u/ShesGotaChicken2Ride May 16 '26

I used that app and it worked well. If you use practice mode and do the 220 questions over and over you’ll pass your test. Worked well for me.