Community Transit Bus Driver in training

How does the hiring process work?

The road to our Bus Driver Trainee program has a few steps along the way. The average time from application to the classroom is four weeks or less. You can help keep the process rolling smoothly by watching your email for updates and completing steps quickly. We can't wait to welcome you aboard! 

Step 1: Apply!

  • Create a profile and answer a few questions.
  • You will be emailed a form to add your last 5 years of job history.
  • Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment (school, unemployed, etc.).

Step 2: Online Assessment

  • The online assessment takes about 15 minutes.
  • Take the test as soon as you are receive the invitation. You'll have two days to take it.
  • Take the test in a location where you can limit interruptions and distractions.

Step 3: Introductory Zoom Meeting

  • Answer a few pre-screening interview questions.
  • Learn more about what it means to be an essential worker and what schedules for bus drivers look like.

Step 4: Interview

  • Interviews are scheduled one to two weeks out.
  • Plan on attending the interview through Zoom for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Learn more about the Training Academy, work schedules, acquiring a CLP, and CDL requirements.

Step 5: Reference Check

  • You will need at least 4 references from current or former supervisors within the last 5 years.
  • Let references know in advance that they will be contacted.
  • Start studying for your CDL tests to earn your CLP.
  • The reference check process take about one week following a successful interview.

Step 6: Contingent Offer

  • We will call you to walk you through the next steps and we will discuss together the best start date.
  • We will follow up with a written contingent offer email that outlines the process steps.
  • You will need to pass a physical and drug test and a criminal background check.

Step 7: Obtain CDL Permit

  • The Commercial Learner’s Permit requires passing three knowledge tests — general knowledge, passenger, and air brake.
  • Check with your local Department of Licensing for permit testing days and times.
  • Visit the Department of Licensing site for more information on CDL tests.
  • Complete all tests to receive your final offer.

Step 8: Final Offer

  • Congratulations! You will receive your final written offer.
  • Your offer letter will include instructions for your first day as a Community Transit Bus Driver Trainee.

Step 9: Class Begins

  • Review your offer letter and prepare what you need to bring to class.
  • Be on time and be prepared to become a member of a great team!
Step 1: Apply now!
  • Create a profile and answer a few questions.
Step 2: Online Assessment
  • After creating a profile, you will be emailed a link to complete an online assessment.
  • The assessment takes about 15 minutes.
  • We encourage you to take the online assessment as soon as you are invited.
Step 3: Complete application
  • You will be emailed a form to complete about your job history for the past five years. 
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Step 4: Driving record review
  • Complete and online form to allow us to review your driving record.
Step 5: Interview event
  • Interviews are scheduled weekly.
  • Plan on attending through Zoom for two hours.
  • Learn more about the Training Academy, work schedules, acquiring a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and the hiring process.
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Step 6: Reference check
  • You will need at least three references from current or former supervisors that you have had within the last seven years.
  • Please let references know in advance that they will be contacted.  
  • Begin studying for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) tests.
Step 7: Contingent offer
  • Expect to receive a call from an Employee Engagement representative to walk you through the next steps.
  • You should receive a contingent offer via email.
  •  You will need to obtain a CDL permit and pass a pre-work safety assessment, a physical, a drug test, and a criminal background check before you receive a final offer. 
Step 8: Obtain CDL Permit
  • The Commercial Learner’s Permit requires passing three knowledge tests — general knowledge, passenger, and air brake.
  • Visit the Department of Licensing website for more information on CDL permits.
  • Complete all contingent items to receive your final offer.
Step 9: Final Offer
  • Congratulations! You will receive your final written offer.
  • Your offer letter will include instructions for your first day as a Community Transit Bus Driver Trainee.
Step 10: Class Begins
  • Review your offer letter and prepare what you need to bring to class.
  • Be on time and be prepared to become a member of a great team!

Steps in the hiring process

What do I need to apply?

Do I need a CDL or previous bus driving experience?

No previous bus driving experience is required to apply. Our paid training will prepare you for the job.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is not required when you apply. However, you will need a current Washington State Driver’s License and a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To get your CLP, you will need to pass the CDL General Knowledge, Passenger, and Air Brake tests before starting Coach Operator training.

Check with your local Department of Licensing for permit testing days and times. You are responsible for any associated fees. We can help you with any questions you may have about this first step of the hiring process.

During our paid training, we will prepare you to take the Skills Test to get your CDL Class B.

Washington State Commercial Drivers Guide PDF
This test includes:
  • Pre-trip inspection
  • Basic controls (backing)
  • Road test
We will also:
  • Pay for this portion of your CDL testing
  • Schedule your test
  • Provide you with a vehicle for testing purposes

We will provide you with an “Employer Certificate of Training Completion" which you will need in order to obtain your CDL.

If you have a current CDL from another state, it’s transferable! Get the transfer process underway by visiting the DOL website.

We welcome applicants who are coach operators from other agencies. However, please note that regardless of length of service or experience, you must complete all pre-employment requirements, including our bus driver training course.

What about my driving record?

Our application review includes a look at an applicant’s driving record over the last ten years from all states in which they have been licensed.

Here are the things we consider when reviewing your application:

Application review

How does the bus driver training work?

Our training is led by professionals who have been on the journey you are about to begin. We pride ourselves on providing excellent training to excellent drivers and look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Phase 1: The First Eight Weeks

 Over the first eight weeks, trainees learn:

  • Basic bus driving and defensive driving skills
  • How to drive and operate equipment and the different types of vehicles at Community Transit
  • Advanced skills: emergency braking, backing an articulated coach, etc.
  • How to assist passengers, including our customer service standards and how to help riders with special needs, such as those using mobility devices
  • How to pass the CDL test (testing happens during week 5 of training)
  • All Community Transit bus routes (weeks 6–8)

Every new skill is first practiced in the bus yard. You will only move to the street once you have demonstrated readiness. We will teach you everything you need to know to pass the CDL skills exam to earn your commercial driver’s license.

Phase 2: Taking it to the Streets

During this phase, you will operate the vehicle “in-service.” This two-week-long phase includes driving a bus with another coach operator aboard to assist you.

You will apply everything you learned. You will drive safely, pick up passengers, secure mobility devices and provide the excellent customer service of which Community Transit is known.

Congrats, graduate!

At the end of your 10-week training program, we host an event to celebrate you and the hard work you’ve put in to become a Community Transit Coach Operator.

“We strive to provide safe and excellent service in all that we do — and that starts with our drivers. This is why we take the time to thoroughly vet and train each and every driver we hire. When a new driver gets behind the wheel, they are confident, prepared and ready to take on a fulfilling career.”

— Mark Holmes, Chief Operating Officer

How do bus driver schedules work?

As a new bus driver, your work schedule will likely include split shifts: a workday split into two parts.

Split shifts are required due to peak bus service during the morning and evening commutes. As the term “peak” implies, there is more service at these times than the rest of the day, so some drivers work exclusively during peak hour shifts.

Shifts are determined through a bidding process, with more experienced drivers having seniority in the bidding process. New drivers will not have a set schedule and shift assignments may be assigned on a daily basis. It may take up to a year to gain seniority in the bidding process. 

What you should know about our split shifts

  • Our peak service periods are 5:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Most of the “splits” happen in the time between the peak periods.
  • Split shifts will not be scheduled to be more than 13.5 hours. You will not be off work between shifts for more than 5.5 hours.