School Bus Driver / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas School Bus Driver License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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What the Texas data shows for School Bus Drivers

To practice as a school bus driver in Texas, the state licensing board requires 82 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 Texas's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "School Bus Driver Training".

The initial price tag is $89, and renewal costs $62 every 4 years. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Texas, 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 Texas

Education / Training Hours
School Bus Driver Training
82 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
Required
Initial License Fee
$89
Renewal Fee
$62
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

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Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Bus Driver in Texas? ▼
Texas's requirements cover 82 hours of education or training, the CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements exam, and an initial fee of $89. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Bus Driver in Texas? ▼
Texas licenses school bus drivers who complete its requirements (82 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Texas licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Bus Driver license to Texas 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 Texas licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Texas require a background check for School Bus Driver licensing? ▼
Yes, Texas requires a criminal background check as part of the school bus driver licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by 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.