What is the required license class for driving a school bus?

To operate a school bus, a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. This is because a Class B CDL is specifically designed for vehicles that are heavier than 26,000 pounds, capable of carrying 24 or more passengers, including the driver, or are designed to transport hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding under federal regulations. School buses fall within these parameters, as they are intended for the transportation of students and generally meet the weight and passenger criteria.

While other classes of CDLs exist, they do not pertain to the operation of a school bus. For instance, a Class A CDL allows for operating vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, which typically includes tractor-trailers. A Class C CDL, on the other hand, is for smaller, less complex vehicles but does not cover the specific requirements for driving a school bus either. Lastly, a Class D license is generally for non-commercial passenger vehicles and does not meet the criteria for driving a school bus. Thus, a Class B CDL is the correct and necessary licensing requirement for safely operating a school bus.