Program Overview
This course prepares commercial drivers to earn the School Bus and Passenger endorsements, in accordance with the Entry-Level Driver Training requirements in 49 CFR Part 380 Appendix D, 49 CFR 380.609, and WAC 308-100-033. It is built for drivers who already hold — or are working toward — a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver License and need additional training to safely transport passengers in a school bus or commercial passenger vehicle.
What You'll Learn
- ELDT passenger-specific theory per 49 CFR Part 380 Appendix D — vehicle inspections, loading and unloading, and passenger safety
- Emergency procedures, use of safety equipment, and evacuation drills
- Hours-of-service considerations and defensive driving strategies for passenger operations
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections specific to passenger vehicles, in the bus configuration used by the school
- Safe passenger loading and unloading procedures, including use of designated stops
- Behind-the-wheel practice focused on smooth acceleration and braking, wide turns, and space management
- Risk reduction when transporting passengers
Training Hours Breakdown
| Classroom / Theory Instruction | 20 hrs |
| Proficiency Training | 10 hrs |
| Total Hours | 30 hrs |
Minimum training time required by WAC 308-100-033.
Combine and Save the Registration Fee
Taking this course alongside a CDL program waives the School Bus and Passenger registration fee. You can add it before class starts or while you are actively attending — but not after the other course is complete.
| Class A | 1.0SB |
| Class B | 2.0SB |
| Class C or B to Class A Upgrade | 3.0SB |
If you are combining with Class B: completing your Class B training and testing in the automatic-transmission bus means your CDL will carry an automatic-transmission restriction. Training and testing in a manual bobtail Class A truck avoids that restriction, but requires a second skills test in the school bus to add the endorsement — which adds testing cost. Talk to our office and we will walk you through which route fits your goals.
Your Investment
| Registration Fee | $100.00 |
| Tuition | $2,348.83 |
| Course Materials and Books | $100.00 |
| Drug Test | $50.00 |
| Skills Test (2 attempts) | $100.00 |
| Sales Tax | $191.17 |
| Total | $2,890.00 |
Not included above: the WA State Skills Test Payment Fee of $5.25 per skills-test payment — Washington charges the School Bus skills test as $100 for up to two attempts, so one payment covers both and this fee applies once, not per attempt. Course Catalog v5.2 v3 lists it under Other Costs, outside Total Paid to School.
Registration fee is waived when this course is combined with a Class A, Class B, or Upgrade program.
Comparing Schools?
Make sure you're comparing total cost — not just tuition. Our fee table itemizes this program's total line by line, and lists separately what is paid direct to WA DOL, a testing vendor, or a medical provider, so you can see the whole picture before you enroll.
Required Background Check
Anyone transporting school children in Washington must clear a Washington State and FBI background check under RCW 28A.400.303. The fee is $51.00, paid direct via the vendor website and not included in the tuition above.
Other Costs Paid Direct to WA DOL
These fees are not included in the tuition above. They are paid directly to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
| WA Driving Record (MVR / full abstract)paid direct to WA DOL | $15 |
| Final license fee (CDL card)paid direct to WA DOL after passing skills test; exact amount set by DOL based on license expiration date | ~$37 – $130 |
See current WA DOL fee schedules: driving records · commercial driver licenses.
If Additional Time Is Needed
Retest fees ($175/attempt skills test · $35/attempt knowledge test), makeup sessions for unapproved absences, and 1:1 tutoring are billed separately. Most students complete the program without these — they depend on individual progress.
Additional Charges (Only If They Apply to You)
These are not included in the tuition above and do not apply to every student.
| Fuel Surchargecharged for any week your class is running while diesel is above $6.00 a gallon, and not otherwise. Check the current price before you enroll — the link below is the index we use.Diesel price tracked against the U.S. EIA weekly West Coast (PADD 5) ultra-low-sulfur on-highway diesel price, published weekly. | $30.00/week |
| Lodgingoptional, and only if you need it. Call the office and we can arrange a room at our negotiated rate. | varies |
Ways to Pay
There may be funding support available. Employers cover it for some students. Others qualify for state or federal programs. Some use a 529 plan. Check out our funding page for options to explore.
Prices reflect Burlington location (8.9% sales tax). Ferndale rates may vary slightly.
Prerequisites include a current WA DOL motor vehicle abstract. The DOL charges a $15 fee paid direct to WA DOL for this record — not included in tuition above.
Traveling From Out of Town?
Preferred hotel partner from $68/night — 5 minutes from campus.