School Bus Driver / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana School Bus Driver License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Transports students to and from school safely.

What the Montana data shows for School Bus Drivers

Becoming a licensed school bus driver in Montana means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 101 training hours, a passing score on CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 21. Montana regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "School Bus Driver Training".

Upfront cost is $118, with renewal running $81 on a 4-year cycle. Montana doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

For school bus drivers, the reciprocity picture is: Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
School Bus Driver Training
101 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
Required
Initial License Fee
$118
Renewal Fee
$81
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

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Compare all states for School Bus Driver All Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Bus Driver in Montana? ▼
Montana's requirements cover 101 hours of education or training, the CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements exam, and an initial fee of $118. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Bus Driver in Montana? ▼
To become a licensed school bus driver in Montana, you must meet the state's requirements including 101 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Montana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Bus Driver license to Montana 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 Montana licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Montana require a background check for School Bus Driver licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for school bus driver licensing in Montana. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.