Can a Connecticut license holder drive a Rhode Island school bus? | Ask the DMV

Chuck Hollis
·2 min read

Q: I live on the outskirts of Rhode Island but have a Connecticut driver’s license. I want to be able to get a job as a bus driver for Westerly schools. Do I need to have a Rhode Island license to apply?

— Marzena B.

A: You can find this information on our website (dmv.ri.gov) by going to the “Licenses, Permits & IDs” tab, “Commercial” page, and then the “School Bus Transportation” page. Besides the information below, there are links to other helpful sites and links to forms you will need.

School Bus Certificate

Process: The completed “Application for School Bus Certificate” along with all required supporting documentation will be reviewed against the criteria set forth in the School Bus Regulations. If no disqualifying criteria are met, the DMV will notify CCRI that the applicant has been approved to take the CCRI 10-hour School Bus course. CCRI will coordinate scheduling the class with the terminal manager. Upon completion of the class and passing the test given at the end of the class, the applicant will be allowed to proceed to the skills test and pre-trip inspection conducted by the DMV. Upon successfully passing, the applicant will be informed that they may make an appointment at the DMV to get their School Bus Certificate.

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Licensing Requirement: In order to be employed as a school bus driver in Rhode Island, a person must maintain an active CDL with S and P endorsements, hold a current DOT medical card and hold a Rhode Island School Bus Certificate, commonly referred to as a White Card.

Minimum Requirements to Apply for a School Bus Certificate: 21 years of age, 3 years of driving experience, hold a valid CDL with S and P endorsements, and must be sponsored by a RI school bus company.

Documentation Requirements

  • Completed School Bus Certificate Application

  • RI BCI Record (issued within the last 60 days)

  • Valid DOT medical card (issued within the last 90 days)

  • Applicants who live out of state or have lived in RI for less than 5 years must also provide a BCI and Certified Driving Record from all states in which they resided within the last 5 years

  • CCRI Training Card with passing results for the course, skills test and pre-trip inspection​​​

Class Required: All applicants are required to take and pass a 10-hour course administered by CCRI.

Driving Test Required: Applicant is required to pass a skills test and pre-trip inspection using a school bus.

You can email the CDL Office if you have any further questions: DMV.SchoolBus@dmv.ri.gov

Chuck Hollis
Chuck Hollis

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How to get certified to drive a school bus in RI | Ask the RI DMV