School Bus Driver / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania 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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What the Pennsylvania data shows for School Bus Drivers

Pennsylvania's path to school bus driver licensure runs through 85 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 21 can be licensed. Pennsylvania folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "School Bus Driver Training".

Budget $94 to get started, plus $65 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Pennsylvania, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

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

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
School Bus Driver Training
85 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
Required
Initial License Fee
$94
Renewal Fee
$65
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Bus Driver in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania requires 85 education/training hours, passing an exam (CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements), and an initial fee of $94. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Bus Driver in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania licenses school bus drivers who complete its requirements (85 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Bus Driver license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for school bus drivers nationally works like this: Federal CDL recognized nationwide. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Pennsylvania. Verify the specifics with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for School Bus Driver licensing? ▼
Pennsylvania does require a background check before issuing a school bus driver license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

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.