What is the minimum age requirement for a driver to operate a school bus?

The minimum age requirement for a driver to operate a school bus is 18. This regulation is in place to ensure that school bus drivers have reached a level of maturity and responsibility necessary for safely transporting children. At 18, individuals have usually completed high school and may have gained some driving experience, making them more capable of handling the complex responsibilities that come with driving a school bus, such as navigating safely, managing student behavior, and making quick, responsible decisions on the road.

In many states, drivers also need to obtain a specific commercial driver's license (CDL) with endorsements for school bus operation, which typically has age requirements and testing protocols designed to ensure that drivers are adequately prepared for this important role. This aligns with the understanding that operating a vehicle of that size and managing the safety of children requires a higher level of experience and maturity than what might be expected of younger drivers.