Sign Up For News And Updates

Your Contact Information
First Name:
Last Name:
E-mail Address:
Sign up for the following:



Your Address
Address:
City:
State:
ZIP:
Mobile Phone:
Learn more about opt-in
By checking this box, you agree to receive email and text message updates from us. By checking this box, I consent to receive event and news updates via email and SMS. Unsubscribe anytime via provided links. Your information is safe with us and used solely for providing our News and updates. Standard Msg & Data rates may apply.
Early Childhood Professionals Needed - Join our team !
 Banner Image

Head Start Bus Driver

Interested in becoming a bus driver?

Northern Panhandle Head Start, Inc. offers a CDL training program to parents of enrolled children and also people from the community that will help you obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Beginning with classroom instruction, permits, testing and ending with a road exam.

Here’s what it takes:

  • Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger and School Bus Endorsements. (For further information on Commercial Driver’s License go to West Virginia Department of Transportation Website,
  • To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License you must have a DOT Physical,
  • Pass a drug and alcohol screening,
  • Have a clean driving record,
  • Send an application to the DMV,
  • If cleared by the DMV you will receive a test card,
  • You will have to take and pass a written exam which covers, general knowledge, air brakes, passenger vehicles and school bus,
  • Once you receive you permit you will then begin behind the wheel training on a school bus,
  • You will need 40 hours of training on the bus which includes: pre-trip inspections, air brake checks, basic vehicle control, maneuvering, night time driving, loading and unloading passengers, railroad crossings, and emergency stops, and
  • When you have completed the required training you will then be scheduled with a state examiner for the road test, if you pass the road test you will then receive your CDL.

A Day in the Life of a Head Start Bus Driver:

  • Your day begins between 6:30-7:00 a.m. with a pre-trip inspection.
  • Complete your morning bus run (you may have more than one).
  • Drop children off at their classroom (you may do a fire drill-required each month).
  • Complete a post-trip inspection.
  • Clean your bus.
  • You may be required to spend part of your day in the classroom with children.
  • Help with meals, check the playground for safety, and do a monthly safety checklist.
  • Teach a monthly bus safety class for children and parents.
  • Then you will have to prepare to take the children home.
  • Start with a pre-trip inspection of the bus.
  • Transport children home.
  • Return to center (you may have another group of children going home).
  • Complete a post-trip inspection.
  • Go home, get some rest and get ready for another busy day.

For more information please contact:

Transportation Coordinator
1 Orchard Road, Wheeling, WV 26003
304-233-3290