The Process at Nelson Training Academy
After your application, references and driving record is reviewed. We will give you a medical form and instruct you where to go for your DOT (Department of Transportation) physical. We only accept certain Facilities. The physical is not difficult, you will not have to remove clothing/put one of those nasty tissue paper gowns on neither. The Physician will test the normal, temp/blood pressure and glucose level, and your reflexes, vision, hearing, pushing/pulling, lifting of 30-40 lbs. The cost will be $45 self pay at time of appointment but you will get that back after you start driving for the Bus Contractor (usually at 30 days on the job).
Next will be fingerprints $60, self pay. I will send you information on how to schedule this and where. (Most Contractors reimburse, not all).
While you are scheduling/doing your physical and fingerprints, you can start studying sections 1-3 General Knowledge, section 4 passenger, section 5 Air brakes and section 10 school bus in the MVA CDL manual (pick one up from Mva).
You can take practice tests online, as well download the app, “cdl prep” to prepare to take your CDL B learners permit with school bus, passenger and air brakes.
Once your DOT Physical and Fingerprints are done you will go to MVA and take the computer tests, mentioned above to obtain your learners permit. It will cost $90 for the learners permit which is reimbursed after you have been on the job (at 30 days, or on your 1 yr anniversary).
When you have your learners permit we start the fun and exciting part, on bus training! The Bus Contractor will pay for a pre-employment drug test and add you to their “Safe Sensitive Job Drug Roster”. (You will receive a separate email along with your application with the policy information for you to sign).
Contractors will pay for me to train you for your CDL B training which consists of a pre-trip of the vehicle, driving skills & a driving rd course. They pay for the use of the Training bus that you will be training on. The average cost is approximately $800-1,000).
You are not paid for these hours due to the cost mentioned above. Your training can take from 8 hrs to 25 hrs or more, it all depends on your learning needs and availability.
You will be required to take classes at the Harford County Transportation office to be certified to drive HC students. You will be paid for your classes once you start on the job (30 days usually). You will also complete 9 hrs behind the wheel certification with a County Driver Instructor.
It sounds like a lot, I know, but I promise to help you get through it, one step at a time. Hope to hear from you soon and help get you started on an adventurous career as a School Bus Driver!
