Tuscaloosa County Schools Needs Bus Drivers, System Paying to Train New Hires

The Tuscaloosa County School System needs bus drivers and is starting a free training class later this month to help get people licensed for the job.

TCSS said the openings are immediate and come with health insurance and retirement benefits.

The system covers all the training required to earn a Class B commercial driver's license with passenger and school bus endorsements, plus a State of Alabama School Bus Operator's Certificate. Anyone interested in working as a bus aide rather than a driver can train for that instead.

The new driver training class begins next Wednesday, September 22, at the Northport Bus Shop, which is at 3700 68th Avenue in Northport.

Get our free mobile app

Classes run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 22, 23, 24, and 29th. Next month, training sessions will be held on Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 and 27.

Training on October 28 is set aside for anyone who needs extra hours before certification and will require an appointment.

The state certification class follows Nov. 2, 3 and 4, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the same location.

Testing with a state examiner is projected for Nov. 5, 6, 9, 10, 12 and 13. Those tests are done individually by appointment.

TCSS pitched the work as compatible with other jobs, since the hours follow the school calendar and drivers who make themselves available can pick up additional routes.

The Transportation Department can be reached at 205-342-2636 or transportation@tcss.net.

For more exclusive coverage of community news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.