Your Driving Record
We will train you how to drive a bus (and all our other service vehicles), but we still want to start with good drivers!
Our application review includes a look at an applicant’s driving record over the last ten years from all states in
which s/he has been licensed.
Here are seven things we consider when reviewing your Bus Driver application:
- Age
You must be at least 21 years of age before you start Bus Driver Training.
- License
You must have a current Washington State Driver’s License when you start Training. If you are given a contingent offer from out of state, your Washington license must be obtained before you begin your first day.
- Experience
You must be able to account for the last five years of driving experience legally operating a motor vehicle in the United States without restriction.
- Moving Violations
You cannot have more than two moving violations within the last five years.
- Accidents
You cannot have more than two accidents (“fault” or “not at fault”) within the last five years. This includes any work-related accidents on your abstract as well.
- Suspension or Revocation of License
An applicant should have no license suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification based on a traffic or moving violation within the last 5 years.
- Reckless or Negligent Driving Convictions
If you have been convicted of any of the following items in the last 10 years, your application will not be considered:
- Reckless Driving
- Negligent Driving
- Hit and Run
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
- Vehicular Assault or Homicide
- Felony Conviction
- Alcohol and Drug-Related Convictions
If you have any alcohol or drug-related convictions within the last 10 years (even if they are not in a motor vehicle), you will not be considered.
- Medical Requirements
After an offer of employment has been made, an applicant must pass a pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam certified by a medical examiner in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations parts 391.41-391.349. A DOT Physical exam includes but is not limited to:
- Height
- Weight
- Blood pressure
- Urine sample
- Heart and lung check
- Vision exam (Reviewing distance, color and peripheral vision. Vision acuity required is 20/40 for each eye.)
- A full audiogram test (hearing test)
- Drug Testing Requirements
Before you can become a Bus Driver Trainee for Community Transit, you must:
- Take a drug test
- Receive a negative result
- Provide receipt of that result for our records.
- This is a requirement in accordance with regulations put forth by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration.
What If I Fail the Drug Test?
If you fail a pre-employment drug test, you will be disqualified for employment at Community Transit for 24 months.
If you receive a positive drug test result and want to be considered for a Bus Driver position after that 24 month period, you
can:
Have a Substance Abuse Professional confirm evidence of the absence of drug dependency (The professional must be approved by Community Transit.)
Present negative, pre-employment drug test results.
Any assessments, tests, and subsequent treatment costs accrued after an applicant has been disqualified for employment are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
- Previous Experience
We welcome applicants who are coach operators from other agencies. However, please note that regardless of the length of service or experience, you must complete all pre-employment requirements, including our Bus
Driver training course.