Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Passenger vehicle drivers operate buses, taxis, and other modes of transportation to take people from place to place.
Work Environment: Most passenger vehicle drivers work full time, but part-time work is common. Drivers’ schedules may vary, and some work weekends, evenings, or early mornings. School bus drivers work only when schools are in session.
How to Become One: Bus drivers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; other types of passenger vehicle drivers typically have no formal educational requirements. Most passenger vehicle drivers get brief on-the-job training. Additionally, all drivers need a regular driver’s license. Some may need a special license, depending on the type of vehicle they drive.
Salary: The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity is $48,620. The median annual wage for passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity is $36,080.
Job Outlook: Overall employment of passenger vehicle drivers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of passenger vehicle drivers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as a Passenger Vehicle Driver with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 Bus Driver Jobs
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School Bus Driver
- MV Transportation
- Hanford, CA
School Bus Driver Job Locations US-CA-Hanford ID 2024-8932 Position Type Regular Full-Time Overview If you reside in California, please see our California Applicant Privacy Policy for more ...
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Drivers Needed in Milwaukee
- Lyft
- Waukesha, WI
... bus driver , taxi driver or cab driver .
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Bus Driver Aide
- Queensbury Union Free School District
- Queensbury, NY
Bus Driver AideRequired Application TypeSchool Related PersonnelSalary/Pay Scale$16.90 per hourJob DescriptionSchool Bus Driver AideSalary: Starting at $16.90 per hour with benefits and NYS ...
Top 3 Taxi Driver Jobs
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Drivers Needed in Milwaukee
- Lyft
- Rubicon, WI
... taxi driver or cab driver .
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Home Delivery Driver
- Slumberland Furniture
- Hayward, WI
Home Delivery Driver Job Benefits * Up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year, plus 24 hours of PTO given on first day * Full Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more * 401K ...
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Driver
- MV Transportation
- Cornelius, NC
Driver Job Locations US-NC-Cornelius ID 2024-8558 Position Type Regular Full-Time Overview If you reside in California, please see our California Applicant Privacy Policy for more information about ...
What Passenger Vehicle Drivers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Passenger vehicle drivers transport people, sometimes across state and national borders. Some drive regular routes, while others’ destinations vary daily. They operate a range of vehicles, from small cars with limited seating to 60-foot articulated buses (with two connected sections) that can carry more than 100 passengers.
Duties of Passenger Vehicle Driver
Passenger vehicle drivers typically do the following:
- Pick up and drop off passengers at designated locations
- Follow a planned route or drive to a requested destination
- Help passengers, including those with disabilities, get into and out of the vehicle
- Obey traffic laws and state and federal transit regulations
- Follow procedures to ensure passenger safety
- Keep passengers informed of possible delays
- Maintain vehicle by checking tires, lights, and oil
- Keep the vehicle clean and presentable
- Help passengers load and unload belongings
Passenger vehicle drivers must stay alert to ensure their passengers' safety, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
The following are examples of types of passenger vehicle drivers:
School bus drivers transport students to and from school and other activities, such as field trips and sporting events, when the academic term is in session. School bus drivers also maintain order on the school bus and report disciplinary problems to the school district or parents.
Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs take passengers on planned trips. Shuttle drivers often drive large vans between airports or train stations and hotels or other destinations. Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans, or private cars and are hired to transport clients either for single trips or on a regular basis. Some chauffeurs do the duties of executive assistants, acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary planner.
Taxi and ride-hailing drivers pick up and drop off passengers, for a fare, on an unplanned basis. Both are summoned, taxi drivers—also called cabdrivers or cabbies—via a central dispatcher or at a designated pickup location and ride-hailing drivers through a smartphone app. Taxi drivers use a meter to calculate the fare; ride-hailing drivers are paid by a credit card that is linked to the app that passengers use.
Transit and intercity bus drivers usually follow a daily schedule to transport people on regular routes. They ensure that passengers pay the required fare, either by managing the fare box or collecting tickets, and answer questions about schedules and routes. Drivers of local transit buses travel city or suburban streets and may stop frequently. Drivers of intercity buses travel between cities or towns, sometimes crossing state lines. Motor coach drivers transport passengers on chartered trips or sightseeing tours and sometimes act as tour guides.
Work Environment for Passenger Vehicle Drivers[About this section] [To Top]
Passenger vehicle drivers hold about 832,600 jobs. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up passenger vehicle drivers is distributed as follows:
| School bus drivers | 354,700 |
| Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs | 189,500 |
| Transit and intercity bus drivers | 159,900 |
| Taxi drivers | 128,500 |
The largest employers of passenger vehicle drivers are as follows:
| Educational services; state, local, and private; local | 24% |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 16% |
| Self-employed workers | 15% |
| School and employee bus transportation | 14% |
| Other transit and ground passenger transportation | 7% |
Driving through heavy traffic or bad weather and dealing with unruly passengers can be stressful. Some passenger vehicle drivers may have to pick up heavy luggage and packages, so they must take care to prevent strain or injury.
Some taxi drivers own the cab they drive; others lease it from a dispatch company. Regardless of whether they own or lease their vehicle, taxi drivers may contract with a dispatch company to use its passenger-referral service or facilities for a fee. Ride-hailing drivers typically operate their own vehicles. Taxi drivers and ride-hailing drivers usually pay expenses, such as fuel and maintenance, on their vehicle.
Injuries and Illnesses for Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Transit and intercity bus drivers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Other passenger vehicle drivers also sometimes get injured on the job. Most injuries result from traffic accidents.
Passenger Vehicle Driver Work Schedules
Most passenger vehicle drivers work full time, but part-time work is common. Drivers’ schedules may vary, and some work weekends, evenings, or early mornings.
School bus drivers work only when school is in session, so their work hours are often limited. Some make multiple runs if schools in their district open and close at different times or if students need transportation to other activities.
Chauffeurs' work hours are based on client needs. Some chauffeurs must be ready to drive their clients at a moment’s notice, so they remain on call throughout the day.
Taxi drivers' and ride-hailing drivers' work schedules are often flexible. They can take breaks for a meal or rest whenever they do not have a passenger.
Intercity bus drivers may work all hours of the day, including weekends and holidays. Some spend nights away from home because of long-distance routes. Others make a round trip and go home at the end of each shift.
Bus drivers who cross state lines must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations. Bus drivers are allowed 10 hours of driving time and 15 hours of total on-duty time before they must rest for 8 consecutive hours. Weekly maximum restrictions also apply but may vary by employer schedule.
How to Become a Passenger Vehicle Driver[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Passenger Vehicle Drivers near you!
Occupational entry requirements vary for different types of passenger vehicle drivers. In addition to education, training, and licensing requirements, some drivers must meet additional standards.
Drivers usually need to have a clean driving record and may be required to pass a background check; they also might need to meet physical, hearing, and vision requirements.
Education for Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Bus drivers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Other types of passenger vehicle drivers typically do not need any formal education; however, many of these drivers have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Passenger Vehicle Driver Training
Bus drivers typically get 1 to 3 months of on-the-job training, but those who already have a commercial driver's license (CDL) may have a shorter training period. For part of the training, drivers may practice various maneuvers with a bus on a driving course. They then begin to drive in light traffic and eventually make practice runs on the type of route that they expect to drive. New drivers make regularly scheduled trips with passengers while accompanied by an experienced driver who gives tips, answers questions, and evaluates the new driver's performance.
Most taxi and limousine companies provide new drivers with a short period of on-the-job training. This training usually takes from 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on the company and the location. Some cities require the training, which typically covers local traffic laws, driver safety, and street layout. Taxi drivers also get training in operating the taximeter and communications equipment.
Ride-hailing drivers receive little to no training beyond how to work the electronic hailing app so they can pick up customers.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Passenger Vehicle Drivers
All bus drivers must have a CDL. Some new bus drivers can earn their CDL during on-the-job training. Qualifications vary by state but generally include passing both knowledge and driving tests. States have the right not to issue a license to someone who has had a CDL suspended in another state.
Drivers can get endorsements for a CDL that reflect their ability to drive a special type of vehicle. All bus drivers must have a passenger (P) endorsement, and school bus drivers must also have a school bus (S) endorsement. Getting the P and S endorsements requires additional knowledge, which is assessed through passing a driving test administered by a certified examiner.
Many states require all bus drivers to be at least 18 years old and those who drive across state lines to be at least 21 years old. Most bus drivers must undergo a background check before they are hired.
Federal regulations require interstate bus drivers to pass a physical exam every 2 years and to submit to random drug or alcohol testing. Most states impose similar regulations. Bus drivers may have their CDL suspended if they are convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle or of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Actions such as excessive speeding or reckless driving also may result in a suspension.
Other types of passenger vehicle drivers must have a regular automobile driver's license. States and local municipalities set additional requirements; many require taxi drivers and chauffeurs to get a taxi or limousine license. This normally requires passing a background check, testing free of drugs, and passing a written exam about regulations and local geography.
Regulations for ride-hailing drivers vary by state and city. Check with your local area for more information.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires limousine drivers who transport 16 or more passengers to hold a CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement.
Advancement for Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Some taxi drivers start their own cab service by purchasing a taxi rather than leasing one through a dispatch company. Chauffeurs may advance with increased responsibilities or experiences, such as driving high-profile clients or different types of cars.
Important Qualities for Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Customer-service skills. Drivers regularly interact with passengers and must be courteous and helpful.
Dependability. Customers rely on passenger vehicle drivers to pick them up on time and safely transport them to their destination.
Hand-eye coordination. Drivers must watch their surroundings and avoid obstacles and other hazards while operating a vehicle. Federal regulations require bus drivers to have normal use of their arms and legs.
Hearing ability. Passenger vehicle drivers need good hearing. Federal regulations require bus drivers to have the ability to hear a forced whisper in one ear at 5 feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
Patience. Drivers must remain calm and composed when driving through heavy traffic and congestion or when dealing with rude passengers.
Physical health. Some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or epilepsy, may interfere with the safe operation of passenger vehicles.
Visual ability. Passenger vehicle drivers must be able to pass vision tests. Federal regulations require bus drivers to have at least 20/40 vision with a 70-degree field of vision in each eye and the ability to distinguish colors on a traffic light.
Passenger Vehicle Driver Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for bus drivers, transit and intercity is $48,620. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,640.
The median annual wage for passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity is $36,080. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,260.
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $60,670 |
| Urban transit systems | $46,210 |
| Interurban and rural bus transportation | $45,990 |
| Charter bus industry | $37,560 |
The median annual wages for passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity in the top industries in which they work were as follows:
| School and employee bus transportation | $38,890 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $37,580 |
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | $36,570 |
| Other transit and ground passenger transportation | $30,280 |
Most passenger vehicle drivers work full time, but part-time work is common. Drivers’ schedules may vary, and some work weekends, evenings, or early mornings.
School bus drivers work only when school is in session, so their work hours are often limited. Some make multiple runs if schools in their district open and close at different times or if students need transportation to other activities.
Chauffeurs' work hours are based on client needs. Some chauffeurs must be ready to drive their clients at a moment’s notice, so they remain on call throughout the day.
Taxi drivers’ and ride-hailing drivers’ work schedules are often flexible. They can take breaks for a meal or rest whenever they do not have a passenger.
Intercity bus drivers may work all hours of the day, including weekends and holidays. Some spend nights away from home because of long-distance routes. Others make a round trip and go home at the end of each shift.
Some passenger vehicle drivers receive tips. Those who provide good customer service are more likely to receive good tips than those whose customer-service skills are poor.
Job Outlook for Passenger Vehicle Drivers[About this section] [To Top]
Overall employment of passenger vehicle drivers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next ten years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 131,100 openings for passenger vehicle drivers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Passenger Vehicle Drivers
Some of the projected employment growth in these occupations is due to recovery from the COVID-19 recession of 2020. Projected employment varies by occupation.
Employment of taxi and ride-hailing drivers is concentrated primarily in large metropolitan areas, where people are more likely to use these forms of transportation. Most of the job growth is projected to be from the increasing demand for ride-hailing services, the providers of which are typically independent contractors.
Demand for special-needs transportation will continue to rise because of an increase in the number of older adults, who may be more likely than young people to require these services.
Employment of transit and intercity bus drivers is expected to increase as public authorities continue to upgrade their public transportation networks to accommodate a growing population. These upgrades include redesigning bus networks, expanding bus services, and rolling out bus rapid transit (BRT) systems. In addition, intercity bus travel should continue to grow because its inexpensive fares and passenger amenities, such as Wi-Fi, are expected to maintain its popularity as a transportation option.
An increasing population of older adults and people with disabilities will place demand on rural transit services, contributing to a need for drivers of these bus routes.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Passenger vehicle drivers | 832,600 | 931,600 | 12 | 98,900 |
| Bus drivers, school | 354,700 | 378,200 | 7 | 23,400 |
| Bus drivers, transit and intercity | 159,900 | 173,000 | 8 | 13,100 |
| Shuttle drivers and chauffeurs | 189,500 | 215,200 | 14 | 25,800 |
| Taxi drivers | 128,500 | 165,100 | 28 | 36,600 |
More Passenger Vehicle Driver Information[About this section] [To Top]
For more information about school bus drivers, visit
National School Transportation Association
National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services
For more information about transit bus drivers, visit
American Public Transportation Association
For more information about motorcoach drivers, visit
For more information about taxi drivers and chauffeurs, visit
Taxicab, Limousine, and Paratransit Association
For more information about limousine drivers, visit
National Limousine Association
For more information about ride-hailing drivers, visit
For more information about commercial licensing, visit
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.