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 7 things we look at when we review 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 5 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 if work-related accidents are on your abstract as well.
- Suspension or Revocation of License: If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked for any offense within the last five years, your application will not be considered.
- Reckless or Negligent Driving Convictions: If you have been convicted of any 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:
- Previous Experience: 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.
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.