Have you ever considered a career that combines community impact, a sense of responsibility and the rewarding experience of connecting with students? Becoming a Dean School Bus Driver might be the perfect fit for you! Here is an overview of what it takes to get behind the wheel.
The Essential Requirement: A Commercial Driver’s License
To drive a school bus, you’ll need a Michigan Chauffeurs license and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with a Passenger (P) endorsement and a School Bus (S) endorsement. Typically, this will be a Class B CDL, which relates to the type and weight of the vehicle.
If you don’t already have a CDL B, with a P & S endorsement, no problem – Dean will assist you in getting one. You’ll first obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit from the State of Michigan. Dean will be there to help you study for the required tests.
The Dean START Program: A Comprehensive Training Process
The landscape of commercial driver training changed in 2022 with the introduction of the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. Before this, there were no explicit federal training requirements for commercial drivers. Now, specific Theory classroom and Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) training are mandated.
The good news? Dean Transportation was already ahead of the curve, providing almost all of what is now required. We’ve built upon this foundation with the Student Transportation Academic Requisite Training (START) program.
When you join Dean, you’ll receive a START workbook and benefit from a unique training that goes beyond the basics, integrating Dean’s own rules of the road, starting with a code of conduct and respect for one another.
What’s truly unique is how we contextualize learning. For example, when a new “Deaner” completes the section on child checks, this is directly linked to policies and procedures on passenger compartment inspection and preventing children from being left on the bus. We weave the theory with real-world practices, ensuring you understand not just the “what” but the “how” we do things at Dean. This comprehensive approach extends to all areas of training, including applicable rules and regulations, vehicle familiarity, defensive driving skills, health care management, passenger management, risk management, and local district policies.
Weeks of Real Training
At Dean, we don’t cut corners. Even if you already possess a CDL, we put all new drivers through the START program. This ensures everyone operates with the same safety and knowledge standards.
Even Dean attendants and monitors receive the entire theory portion of the START program. This provides them with a strong understanding of what is required of a driver and their crucial role in ensuring a safe and positive environment on the bus.
Comprehensive Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Training
The training involves in-depth classroom instruction and extensive behind-the-wheel practice. Dedicated Regional Trainers and Regional CDL Training Assistants work closely with trainees, focusing on crucial skills like vehicle inspection, range skills and on-road driving, where you learn to execute student stops and navigate railroad crossings safely and legally.
We provide trainees with the necessary resources to succeed, including manuals, study materials and ample practice opportunities. You’ll typically have 10-20 days to complete the initial classroom portion and 20-30 days to complete the behind-the-wheel portion.
Dean also offers additional training in school bus health care/first aid through Lansing Community College (16 hours) and Crisis Prevention Institute training (six hours, refreshed biennially), focusing on de-escalation and safe interaction with passengers.
Dean’s customized third edition of the Crisis Prevention Institute training, specifically tailored for the unique environment of a school bus, highlights a commitment to preparing you for the realities of the job, including understanding and managing unsupervised activity time with students of all ages.
Why Choose to Become a Dean Bus Driver?
While it takes time and dedication to learn the ropes, the rewards and sense of personal satisfaction of being a bus driver are immense.
Dean also offers a degree of flexibility for many drivers, with time available for personal appointments or other pursuits.
Ultimately, becoming a Dean bus driver offers a satisfying career path where you’re paid to train, both initial and ongoing training, and develop valuable skills.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Dean today to learn more about the application process and take the first step toward a rewarding career behind the wheel!
