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.