RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles works throughout the year to certify as many school bus drivers as possible. 

Spectrum News 1 caught up with one classroom of future bus drivers over the summer in Greensboro, including student Jimmie Watts. “I retired back in 2017. I’ve worked at various small jobs, but I’ve always wanted to be a school bus driver,” Watts said. 

What You Need To Know

  • The NCDMV trains bus drivers throughout the year

  • There are currently 29,225 certified school bus drivers in North Carolina

  • The NCDMV reports more than 19,000 drivers have been trained since 2020

The DMV said there are currently 29,225 certified school bus drivers in North Carolina.

"It takes a lot of dedication, it takes a lot of commitment, getting up early in the morning and being out at stops when they are supposed to is a really high-functioning job, and we really appreciate them," said Barbara Allen, district supervisor for school bus and traffic safety at NCDOT.

The DMV reports more than 19,000 drivers have been trained since 2020. 

“If you like being around kids, I think it is the ideal job,” Watts said.

Visit NCDOT.gov for more information on school bus training and information.