Become a Bus Driver

New Hanover County Schools' Transportation Department offers the safest mode of transportation for students driven by a team of professional and dedicated school bus drivers. We can help you have a rewarding career and will support you every step of the way to becoming a bus driver.

The journey begins by attending free online classes offered by NC Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV and New Hanover County Schools teach drivers how to operate a school bus safely, perform vehicle inspections, and manage student behavior. Our recruitment team will guide you through the process and once hired, partner you with a mentor to ensure your success.

We offer a competitive wage starting at $18.87 per hour and a full scope of benefits. Current school employees can earn a $1000 referral bonus, too!

In addition to obtaining a Commercial Driver's License with Passenger and Bus endorsements, prospective candidates must complete an online School Bus Driver Application at Applitrack.

Upcoming Virtual Classes

January 12-14, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on December 31

January 26-28, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on January 15
February 9-11, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on January 29
February 23-25, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on February 12
March 9-11, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on February 26
March 23-25, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on March 12
April 13-15, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on April 2
April 27-29, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on April 16
May 11-13, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on April 30
June 1-3, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on May 21
July 6-8, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on June 25
July 20-22, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on July 9
August 3-5, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on July 23
August 17-19, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on August 6
August 31-September 2
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on August 20
September 14-16, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on September 3
September 28-30, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on September 17
October 12-14, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on October 1
October 26-28, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on October 15
November 16-18, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on November 5
November 30-December 2, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on November 19
December 14-16, 2026
7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Must register no later than
noon on December 3

*Contact Cholly Farrow at 910-254-4154 or carole.farrow@nhcs.net for additional information regarding bus driving classes above.