OPT Bus Driver Jobs
Bus Driver jobs on OPT are available through public transit agencies, school districts, and private operators. Most roles require a Commercial Driver's License, which takes time to obtain, so starting that process early is critical for OPT students managing authorization timelines.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Are you looking for the perfect combination of Pay, Benefits, and Flexibility? Look no further!
Join WE Transport as a School Bus or Van Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus, you’ll make a positive impact on the lives of children in your community by ensuring they get to school safely.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WE Transport is currently hiring in Westchester County. A CDL license is a plus, but if you don't have one, we offer FREE CDL training once you obtain your permit!
What We Offer:
- Flexible Schedule: Split-shift with morning and afternoon shifts
- Guaranteed Hours: 30 hours per week
- FREE CDL Training with CDL B Permit with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement
- $2,000 Bonus upon completion of CDL training and certification
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus SUV Drivers: $21.21 per hour
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus Van Drivers: $24.40 per hour
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus Drivers: $26.52 per hour (CDL A or B with P and S Endorsement Required)
- Earned Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- 401(k) with company match
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Optional Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Job Responsibilities:
- Operate a school bus or van to transport students to and from school safely and on time.
- Monitor traffic, road conditions, and student behavior to ensure a safe ride.
- Comply with all federal, state, and local traffic laws, as well as district requirements and standards.
- Perform pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and report any issues.
- Assist passengers with boarding and exiting the vehicle when necessary.
Job Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.
- Possess a valid NYS CDL Class A or B with P & S endorsements for buses, or a Class C with P & S endorsements for vans (or willingness to obtain through our free training).
- Ability to pass a drug test, background check, and maintain compliance with state and federal CDL guidelines.
- Non-CDL drivers must hold a valid driver’s license with CDL B Permit with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement to complete CDL training.
ABOUT WE TRANSPORT
Since 1959, WE Transport has been a leading provider of school transportation services across Long Island, Bronx and Westchester. We specialize in home-to-school transportation for public, private, parochial, and special needs students.
Beacon Mobility is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Beacon Mobility makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for the perfect combination of Pay, Benefits, and Flexibility? Look no further!
Join WE Transport as a School Bus or Van Driver and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. Plus, you’ll make a positive impact on the lives of children in your community by ensuring they get to school safely.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WE Transport is currently hiring in Westchester County. A CDL license is a plus, but if you don't have one, we offer FREE CDL training once you obtain your permit!
What We Offer:
- Flexible Schedule: Split-shift with morning and afternoon shifts
- Guaranteed Hours: 30 hours per week
- FREE CDL Training with CDL B Permit with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement
- $2,000 Bonus upon completion of CDL training and certification
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus SUV Drivers: $21.21 per hour
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus Van Drivers: $24.40 per hour
- Starting Pay Rate for School Bus Drivers: $26.52 per hour (CDL A or B with P and S Endorsement Required)
- Earned Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- 401(k) with company match
- Company-Paid Life Insurance
- Optional Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Job Responsibilities:
- Operate a school bus or van to transport students to and from school safely and on time.
- Monitor traffic, road conditions, and student behavior to ensure a safe ride.
- Comply with all federal, state, and local traffic laws, as well as district requirements and standards.
- Perform pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and report any issues.
- Assist passengers with boarding and exiting the vehicle when necessary.
Job Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old with a minimum of 1 year of driving experience.
- Possess a valid NYS CDL Class A or B with P & S endorsements for buses, or a Class C with P & S endorsements for vans (or willingness to obtain through our free training).
- Ability to pass a drug test, background check, and maintain compliance with state and federal CDL guidelines.
- Non-CDL drivers must hold a valid driver’s license with CDL B Permit with Passenger and School Bus Endorsement to complete CDL training.
ABOUT WE TRANSPORT
Since 1959, WE Transport has been a leading provider of school transportation services across Long Island, Bronx and Westchester. We specialize in home-to-school transportation for public, private, parochial, and special needs students.
Beacon Mobility is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Beacon Mobility makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Bus Driver
Start your CDL before your OPT begins
A Commercial Driver's License is required for nearly all bus driver positions. Begin CDL training and testing while still in school so you're job-ready on day one of your OPT period, not weeks into it.
Target public transit agencies first
Municipal and regional transit authorities like city bus systems frequently hire on OPT because they're familiar with federal work authorization. They often have structured onboarding that accommodates documentation requirements more smoothly than private operators.
Confirm your OPT EAD covers your start date
Bus driver hiring often moves quickly once you pass background and road tests. Verify your Employment Authorization Document is valid before your first day, since driving routes without active authorization creates serious immigration compliance risks.
Disclose your work authorization early in the process
Background checks and CDL verification already make bus driver hiring thorough. Raising your OPT status early avoids late-stage delays and shows professionalism. Most transit employers appreciate transparency over last-minute documentation surprises during onboarding.
Check whether your degree field supports this role for STEM OPT
STEM OPT extension requires a direct connection between your degree and your job. Transportation management, logistics, or engineering degrees may support a STEM extension argument for certain bus operations or fleet management roles.
Track your OPT end date against probationary periods
Many transit agencies have 90-day probationary periods before confirming permanent placement. Make sure your OPT authorization extends well past that window, or begin H-1B visa or other visa discussions with your employer before probation ends.
Bus Driver OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a bus driver on F-1 OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in positions related to your field of study. Bus driver roles can qualify depending on your degree, particularly for students with backgrounds in transportation, logistics, or related fields. Your Employment Authorization Document must be valid before you begin driving any route.
Do bus driver employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Public transit agencies are generally more accommodating of OPT work authorization than private employers because they operate under structured HR processes familiar with federal documentation requirements. School districts and regional transit authorities are good targets. Browse open positions on Migrate Mate to find employers actively open to OPT candidates in transportation roles.
Does a bus driver role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. A standard bus driver position alone is unlikely to qualify, but roles with a logistics, transportation engineering, or fleet operations component may support a STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field. Your DSO and employer must both agree the job is directly related to your program of study.
Can I get a CDL while on F-1 status before OPT starts?
Yes, obtaining a Commercial Driver's License while on F-1 status is legal because holding a license is not the same as working. You can complete CDL training and pass the licensing exam before your OPT period begins, so you're fully qualified to start driving the moment your Employment Authorization Document becomes valid.
What happens to my bus driver job if my OPT expires before I get an H-1B?
You must stop working the day your OPT authorization expires. If your H-1B wasn't selected in the lottery or your petition is still pending, you'll lose work authorization. Some transit employers will hold positions for cap-gap periods if an H-1B petition was filed on time. Discuss this scenario with your employer well before your OPT end date.