Training As A New Bus Operator – What To Expect

When you are in training, you should expect to commit a considerable amount of time to the program.

The training program can feel similar to taking on an extra course load and you should consider this when looking at your school schedule and other obligations before submitting an application.

Entry Level Driver Training Requirements

In 2022 FMCSA put forth minimum training requirements for Entry Level Driver Training that all applicants must meet in order to test for a commercial drivers license. ECU Transit is an approved training provider through the Training Provider Registry.

Requirements For Entering The Training Program

ECU’s minimum requirement for employment is that all new applicants be able to commit 15-20 hours per week. This training takes approximately 77-96 hours to obtain a CDL. Followed by an additional 20-30 hours of on-the-job route and passenger training specific to being an bus operator. For most student operators, this takes approximately 1-2 months to complete.

You are paid through training and reimbursed for the cost associated with obtaining a CDL from the DMV. Because of the time and commitment ECU Transit puts forth for you obtain your CDL, you are also asked to commit to work a minimum of 1 year following completion of the training program. If you cannot commit to working a minimum of 1 year, then you would typically not be considered for this role.

You must be able to obtain a Class B Permit without an air brake restriction, and with a passenger endorsement from the DMV. You will be expected to study the NC CDL Manual and permit knowledge resources on your own prior to testing at the DMV. Tutoring resources are available if requested.

You must also be able to obtain a DOT Medical Certificate, which can be obtained from ECU Student Health or a registered DOT medical examiner of your choosing.

Without a permit and a medical card, training cannot take place and it is recommended that students obtain these before their hire date but will be given a 2-month grace period after hire to obtain a permit and medical certificate.

You will additionally have to pass a pre-employment drug screening and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout training and employment.

ECU’s Entry Level Driver Training Consists of the following parts

• Theory Instruction – Online/Hybrid Course
• Defensive Driving – Van Instruction
• Hands-On Bus Training – With a TAPTCO Certified Trainer
  • Pre-Trip Inspection – Learning how to inspect a commercial vehicle
  • Basic Vehicle Control Skills – Cones Course
  • Public Road Driving – one-on-one training behind the wheel

After hire, you will be enrolled in our Canvas Course for ELDT Theory Instruction to begin your training. This course generally takes around 30-40 hours to complete and satisfies FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training Requirements.

Theory Instruction is laid out between 11 modules and 5 in-person classroom sessions. You must score a minimum of 80% on theory instruction to meet Entry Level Driver Training Requirements.

Theory Instruction Curriculum Includes

After completing the Theory Instruction portion, you will move on to learn about ECU Transit’s Van Service and defensive driving techniques. This is completed throughout 5 in person behind the wheel sessions which take approximately 3-4 hours to each session. Totaling around 15-20 hours.

After Successful completion of the Theory Instruction and Van Training, you will now understand the basic necessary concepts required to operate a Class B Commercial Passenger Vehicle. You will begin hands-on behind the wheel training on an ECU Transit Bus with a TAPTCO Certified Trainer. Throughout this portion you will learn about pre-trip inspections, basic control skills for handling a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), and how to drive a CMV on public roads. In this portion, you will learn each skill throughout 9 sessions, each taking approximately 3-4 hours, totaling 32-36 hours to complete. This portion meets ELDT training requirements for Range and Public Road Driving.

Behind The Wheel Instruction Curriculum

Following completion of this hands-on training with a TAPTCO Certified trainer, you will now be ready to test for your CDL License. For CDL testing, ECU Transit is an approved third-party administrator with the DMV, allowing you to test on the same vehicles you trained on and with our staff. You will have 2 attempts to pass the CDL exam if necessary. Upon passing the test, you will visit the DMV to pay the licensing fees and obtain your new license.

CDL Testing Pass Rates

Of those that complete ELDT requirements, ECU Transit has observed the following CDL Test passing rates:

Fiscal Year 2022-2023:
From July 1^st, 2022, through June 30th, 2023

31 individuals tested for their CDL

97% passed the exam on the first attempt
3% passed the exam on the second attempt
0% failed both attempts

Fiscal Year 2021-2022:
From July 1^st, 2021, through June 30^th, 2022

39 individuals tested for their CDL

74% passed the exam on the first attempt
26% passed the exam on the second attempt
0% failed both attempts

After obtaining your license, you will undergo additional behind-the-wheel training to learn ECU Transit specific job functions. This will get you comfortable driving with passengers onboard with the supervision of an experienced driver. This final portion of the training takes approximately 20-30 hours to complete.

Then, after completing all of the above, you will be graduate from the program and transport passengers on your own.

For questions or concerns about our program please reach out to us at TransitTraining@ecu.edu