Bus Drivers - Lake Washington School District (2024)

Schedule
License requirements
Training and certifications
Other questions?

Schedule

When does a shift start and end?
There are two shifts daily. The shifts are generally from 6:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. but may be subject to change.

Do I have flexibility to work just in the morning or the afternoon?
Currently, the district is looking for drivers who are available for both AM and PM shifts. If you are looking to work only the morning or afternoon shifts, we do offer a substitute bus driver role. Those interested in subbing should apply to the general vacancy for bus drivers: https://www.applitrack.com/lakewashington/onlineapp/.

Do you work in the summer?
The bus driver role is a 180-day (10-month long) position. A limited number of summer school shifts may be available depending upon seniority and bus route needs of the district.

License requirements

What is the age minimum to drive a bus for LWSD?
You must be at least 25 years of age or older to be insured to drive a LWSD bus.

What license and driving experience is required?
A valid Washington State driver’s license with five (5) years of experience is required, as well as a Commercial Learner’s Permit.

What if I have a license from another country?
By law, you have 30 days after you move to Washington (WA) to get your WA driver license. For more information about how to obtain a WA state driver’s license please check with the Department of Licensing:https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html.

Do I need a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), or Commercial Driver’s License prior to applying?
A Commercial Learner’s Permit is required before starting your paid training with the district: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/cdl-training-and-testing/commercial-learners-permit-clp. You are responsible for obtaining a CLP permit, and the costs associated with it. A CDL license is not required before you apply for our bus driver role, but we do encourage you to have the license in advance.If you do not have a CDL license, the district will provide training for the CDL license.

Are there any out-of-pocket expenses?
You are responsible for costs associated with obtaining your CLP permit and your initial CDL license. The district then pays for your CDL test, annual renewal of your CDL licenseand costs associated with any of the certificates required by law that are needed to perform your work duties: https://www.dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/getting-commercial-driver-license-cdl.

Can you have a driving infraction or accident in your driving record history?
A driving infraction does not automatically preclude you from becoming a bus driver. However your ability to get and maintain a CDL license depends upon the type of infraction. Refer to the following link for more details:https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlsuspensions.html

Training and certifications

Do I need to obtain my first aid certification before I can be a bus driver?
You do not need to have first aid certification before applying to be a bus driver. The district provides first aid training as part of the comprehensive bus driver training provided.

What kind of training is available?
The district will provide paid training for classroom and behind-the-wheel training to receive the CDL class B with passengers and school bus endorsem*nts. The training may take up to 4 weeks (6 hours a day) to complete. Trainings are held throughout the school year and summer.

Are there any physical or medical tests I need to pass before becoming a bus driver?
Prior to getting CDL, you must be able to pass a Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate. This cost is covered by the district:https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/dot-medical-exam-and-commercial-motor-vehicle-certification.

Is there a contract stipulating how long you need to stay employed with the district after training is complete?
LWSD invests time and money in helping you to become a bus driver.Although there isn’t a requirement to stay employed with the district after the training, we do ask you to consider committing to at least one school year as a bus driver. The probation period for a substitute bus driver is 45workdays and 90 workdays for regular drivers: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1682958493/lwsdorg/e5ambgmbedfdp2rgyg7g/Trades_Agreement.pdf.

What happens if there is an emergency on the bus?
As part of your district-provided training, you will be given specific procedures and methods to address potential emergencies. Bus drivers are supported by district dispatchers and their supervisors. The well-being of our students and bus drivers is important to LWSD and we take every effort to ensure safety measures are identified and implemented.

What is the starting salary for a bus driver?
Starting salary for bus drivers is $35.04/hour (effective 2023-24):https://www.lwsd.org/employment/classified-employees/salary-schedules.

Am I eligible for benefits?
Classified staff working at least 17.5 hours per week are eligible for school employee benefits. Note: bus drivers will not become benefit eligible until training is complete and a route is assigned.Additional information about available benefits can be found here.

What are attendance bonuses? And how much are they?
Drivers who maintain exceptional attendance during the school year will receive a monetary bonus (i.e., attendance bonus). In order to qualify, a driver must be employed as a permanent driver on the first day of school (the only exceptions for this incentive shall be absences occurring through Discretionary, Bereavement, Military and Jury Duty Leave).

For bus drivers who work 180 days per year, the following compensation shall apply:

Days missed	Amount
0	$1,400
1	$1,200
2	$1,000
3	$800

For bus drivers who work 128 days per year, the following compensation shall apply:

Days missed	Amount
0	$1,200
1	$1,000
2	$800

In order to be compensated, drivers must be employed on the last day of school. All incentives earned are paid on the July paycheck.

Am I required to be part of a union?
Bus drivers are eligible to be a part of the Lake Washington School District Trades Bargaining Council Union. For more information refer to Trades Agreement.