CDL Trainee - Commercial Driver's License Earn while you learn! SafeStart CDL's paid training program is one of the only programs in NYC that pays you to become a licensed school bus driver.
Salary Range:
$20.00-$35.05 8-Week Structured Program Intensive but manageable. Full days of classroom instruction, yard training, and road work designed to get you licensed fast. Weekly Stipend — Paid While You Train Unlike traditional schools, we pay you during training. You receive a weekly stipend so you can focus on learning without financial stress. $0 Tuition — Completely Tuition-Free No loans. No hidden fees. The program is fully funded — your only job is to show up and succeed. Passenger (P) Endorsement Comprehensive written and skills preparation for the Passenger endorsement — required for school bus and transit routes. School Bus (S) Endorsement Specialized training for school bus operation including student management, emergency evacuation, and route compliance. Guaranteed Employment Once you pass your road test and your background checks, you will be on the road starting your career. Start a Career With Us!
Our Mission:
Thousands of Drivers. One Mission. SafeStart CDL was built to connect hardworking New Yorkers with stable, well-paying careers behind the wheel. NYC CDL Expertise We specialize exclusively in NYC transit and school bus CDL training. Our program is built around the specific routes, vehicles, and regulations of New York State. Experienced Instructors Our team includes veteran NYC bus drivers and certified CDL instructors who've navigated every borough. They've seen it all — and they'll prepare you for it. Queens & Bronx Facilities Two fully operational training yards with real school buses, classrooms, and test routes. Both locations are subway accessible. Immediate Hiring Pipeline Our direct relationship with Logan Bus and other NYC operators means graduates get job offers — not job boards. You drive for a living starting day one post-certification.
