Your Driving Record

An Applicant's Driving Record: What We Review

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 five years from all states in which s/he has been licensed.

Here are 10 things we look at when we review your Coach Operator application:

  1. Age: You must be at least 21 years of age before you start your Coach Operator Training.
  2. License and Experience: You must have a current Washington State Driver’s License when you start Coach Operator Training and have at least five years experience legally operating a motor vehicle.
  3. Moving Violations:
    No moving violations for the past two years, and
    No more than two moving violations within the last five years.
  4. Accidents: No more than two accidents (“fault” or “not at fault”) within the last five years.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. Alcohol and Drug Related Convictions: An applicant who has any alcohol or drug-related convictions within the last 10 years (even if they are not in a motor vehicle) will not be considered.
  8. 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).
  9. Drug Testing Requirements: Before you can become a Coach Operator trainee for Community Transit, you must:

    10. 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 Coach Operator 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.

  10. 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 Coach Operator training course.