School Bus Driver / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia School Bus Driver License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Transports students to and from school safely.

What the District of Columbia data shows for School Bus Drivers

To practice as a school bus driver in District of Columbia, the state licensing board requires 86 documented education or training hours, a passing score on CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The regulation sits under District of Columbia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "School Bus Driver Training".

Budget $94 to get started, plus $66 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in District of Columbia, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
School Bus Driver Training
86 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
Required
Initial License Fee
$94
Renewal Fee
$66
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Bus Driver in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia's requirements cover 86 hours of education or training, the CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements exam, and an initial fee of $94. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Bus Driver in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia licenses school bus drivers who complete its requirements (86 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Bus Driver license to District of Columbia from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for school bus drivers: Federal CDL recognized nationwide. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the District of Columbia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for School Bus Driver licensing?
Background screening is part of the school bus driver licensing process in District of Columbia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites