Frequently Asked Questions
Qualifying- What are the prerequisites to become a shuttle bus driver trainee?
- Can I become a shuttle driver if I have an accident or violation on my driving record?
- How do I get a DMV printout if my driver’s license was issued by another state?
- How old do I have to be to become a shuttle driver?
- How do I get started?
- Will I be thoroughly trained?
- How long does training take?
- How many chances do I get to pass the driving test?
- If I become a student shuttle driver, can you work around my class schedule?
- Aside from giving you my class schedule, do I have any say in determining my work schedule?
- Will I have to work during academic breaks?
- How long are the shifts?
- How much do you pay?
- Do I get paid sick days, holidays, or vacation days?
- Why do I have to pay $64 out of my pocket to take the written DMV test?
- Where can I get more information about being a shuttle driver?
Q: What are the prerequisites to shuttle bus driver training?
A: To be considered for the training process, you must have a valid class C (regular) driver�s license, a good driving history and be physically capable of driving a bus safely.
Q: Can I become a shuttle driver if I have an accident or violation on my driving record?
A: Accidents and tickets are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, but violations such as DUI, evasion, hit and run, racing or other serious convictions disqualify you from being a shuttle driver.
Q: How do I get a DMV printout if my driver’s license was issued by another state?
A: You should check with that state’s DMV, but you must be a California resident in order to apply for a commercial driver's license that authorizes you to drive a shuttle.
Q: How old do I have to be to become a shuttle driver?
A: You must be at least 18 to obtain a commercial driver’s license from the state of California, and we require that you have at least two years verified good driving record to drive UCSD shuttles.
Q: How do I get started?
A: After you’ve read through this Web site, download the application, fill it out and bring it to the shuttle office (map) with your DMV printout. Call the shuttle training office, (858) 822-5098, to get more information.
Q: Will I be thoroughly trained?
A: Yes, we train and test all shuttle driver candidates on campus. Trainees allowed to drive a bus only after passing the DMV test for the commercial class B license. Contact the shuttle training office, (858) 822-5098, to get more details on the training process.
Q: How long does training take?
A: It varies, but you can expect to finish in about four weeks.
Q: How many chances do I get to pass the driving test?
A: You are allowed three attempts to pass the written and driving portions of the test.
Q: If I become a student shuttle driver, can you work around my class schedule?
A: Yes, we make sure your shifts do not conflict with your classes. UCSD shuttles operate Monday thru Saturday during the academic year, starting as early as 5:30 a.m. and ending as late as 1:30 a.m., depending on the route.
Q: Aside from giving you my class schedule, do I have any say in determining my work schedule?
A: Student drivers bid on shifts based on seniority. You must be available to work a minimum of 12 hours per week for three academic quarters.
Q: Will I have to work during academic breaks?
A: Only if you want to and shifts are available.
Q: How long are the shifts?
A: Most shifts are three hours, and students sometimes pull a double shift at their discretion.
Q: How much do you pay?
A: Student shuttle driver trainees are paid $8 per hour during the training process, and fully trained and licensed student shuttle drivers earn $12.85 per hour.
Q: Do I get paid sick days, holidays, or vacation days?
A: No, there is no paid time off.
Q: Why do I have to pay $64 out of my pocket to take the written DMV test?
A:As a trainee, you receive the equivalent of $2,000 of free classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and then can take as many as three on-campus driving tests lasting 2–3 hours, during which you are paid. Paying for the written test gives you a vested interest in passing and attending training on time.
The written test is also a filter for this job. If you can’t pass the written test, we don�t waste time and money with behind-the-wheel training. Furthermore, we do not keep students locked in. You can quit whenever you want and take all the training and a commercial license with you.
Q: Where can I get more information about being a shuttle driver?
A: If you still have questions after reading through this Web site, e-mail, call (858) 822-5098, or stop by the shuttle training office in the trailer at the back of the Campus Services Complex for more information on being a shuttle driver.