Savanna Hoffman
First Student offers training programs for drivers, attendants, and monitors, which include a set of guidelines, best practices, tools, and on-the-bus instruction. However, there are mixed reviews regarding whether First Student pays for training. Some sources indicate that First Student does not pay for training and that individuals are responsible for covering their own expenses, such as license and test fees. On the other hand, a review on Indeed.com mentions that the company pays minimum wage during training, specifically in Arizona. It is important to carefully review any paperwork and understand the terms and conditions regarding training and associated costs before signing up for any program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Training paid | Minimum wage |
| License paid by company | No |
| Average hourly pay | $21.21 |
| Salary range | $15.14–$39.18 |
| Average salary | $44,113 |
| High salary range | $49,136–$59,742 |
| Fee for not completing a year | $5,000 |
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What You'll Learn
First Student pays minimum wage during training in some states
First Student, Inc. offers training programs for drivers, attendants, and monitors. While some sources indicate that First Student does not pay for training, there are varying experiences depending on location. In Arizona, for example, employees undergoing training to obtain their CDL are not paid during the 4-5 week training period. However, once they obtain their CDL, they begin receiving payment. On the other hand, a review on Glassdoor mentions that the company pays only $8 per hour during training, and if an employee quits or is fired before completing a year, they are charged a fee of around $5,000 for training.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of June 21, 2025, the average hourly pay for a First Student Driver in the United States is $21.21. The hourly wages can range from as low as $15.14 to as high as $39.18, with the majority of wages falling between $17.79 and $21.63. The average hourly pay for a First Student Driver in Chicago, IL, is $22, which is higher than the national average.
While some employees have mentioned that First Student does not pay for training, there are no explicit statements about whether the company pays minimum wage during the training period. The experiences shared by employees vary, and it is possible that the company's policies may differ depending on the location or the specific role being trained for. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official website or contact First Student directly for accurate and up-to-date information regarding their training policies and compensation.
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$117.12 $126.65
First Student does not pay for training in Arizona
First Student, Inc. is a company with locations across the United States and Canada. They offer a range of career opportunities, including bus aides/monitors, drivers, and safety managers. The company provides training for its employees, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed in their roles.
However, according to some sources, First Student does not pay for training in Arizona. One user on Indeed.com reported that they were not paid during the training process to obtain their CDL, which took 4-5 weeks. Instead, the individual had to pay their MVD fees themselves and was only paid once they received their CDL. This experience stands in contrast to First Student's overall commitment to providing the necessary training for its employees.
It is worth noting that the average salary for First Student employees in Arizona is $33,591, with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $44,000 per year. The highest-paying job in Arizona within the company is the driver/owner-operator position, which earns an average of $147,369 annually. Additionally, the highest-paying cities in Arizona for First Student employees are Phoenix, Snowflake, and Catalina.
While First Student offers a range of training programs and career opportunities, the specific experiences and compensation may vary based on location and individual circumstances. It is always advisable to seek the most up-to-date and accurate information directly from the company or official sources to understand the training and payment structures in Arizona or any other specific region.
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First Student charges for training if you leave within a year
First Student, Inc. offers on-the-job training to obtain a CDL permit. The company provides all the training you need to succeed, including safety and security, injury prevention, specialized technology and equipment procedures, and job proficiency, growth, and advancement. First Student claims that a job with them means security and stability, and they offer competitive compensation packages that include time off during school holidays and paid holidays.
However, some employees have reported that First Student does not pay for training. In some locations, such as Arizona, employees are unpaid during the entire training process, which can last 4-5 weeks. Additionally, there are reports of employees being charged a $5000 training fee if they quit or are fired before completing a year of service. This fee is mentioned in the paperwork when signing up, but employees claim that it is hidden within the documents and not discussed openly.
It is important to note that there may be variations in policies and practices across different locations, and that these reports may not reflect the experience of all employees. While First Student promotes a positive company image, individuals' experiences may differ.
As an employee, it is essential to carefully review all paperwork and understand the terms and conditions of your employment, including any fees or charges associated with training and termination. Being informed about your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions and protect yourself from unexpected financial burdens.
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First Student provides multi-module training for drivers, attendants and monitors
First Student provides multi-module training for drivers, attendants, and monitors. This training covers a set of guidelines, best practices, tools, and on-the-bus instruction. It teaches staff how to adapt and provide for individual needs, such as verbal and nonverbal communication styles, and positive strategies for addressing behavior.
First Student's training programs are developed in conjunction with leading institutions, such as the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, to ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to serve students with special needs and disabilities. The FirstServes program is a special education leadership training program that equips drivers, attendants, district partners, and families with the skills to better serve students with disabilities. It focuses on meeting the unique needs of these students and providing appropriate care.
In addition to special needs training, First Student also offers on-the-job training to obtain a CDL permit. This training covers topics such as safety and security, injury prevention, specialized technology and equipment procedures, and job proficiency. First Student provides all the training necessary for their employees to succeed and ensures that all staff are properly trained and supported.
While First Student does provide training, there are conflicting reports on whether the company pays employees during the training process. Some sources indicate that First Student offers paid training at minimum wage, while others suggest that trainees are unpaid until they obtain their CDL. It is always advisable to clarify such details with the company directly, as policies may vary depending on location and other factors.
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First Student does not pay for MVD fees
First Student Inc. offers training programs for drivers, attendants, and monitors. These training programs include a set of guidelines, best practices, tools, and on-bus instructions. However, according to a user-generated response on Indeed.com, First Student does not pay for MVD fees during the training process. The response, purportedly from an individual undergoing training in Arizona, states that trainees are responsible for paying their own MVD fees and are unpaid during the 4-5 week training period until they obtain their CDL license. Once the CDL license is obtained, the individual starts receiving payments.
While the specific MVD fees that the trainee referred to are unclear, MVD fees are typically associated with vehicle registration and renewal processes. These fees can vary depending on the state and vehicle type. For example, in Alabama, residents are required to renew their vehicle registrations regularly to avoid penalties and fines. The standard state fee for renewing a passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or motorcycle ranges from $65 to $73. Additionally, there may be agency fees for using third-party services to process online transactions with the state.
It is important to note that the information provided on Indeed.com is based on individual experiences and may not represent the universal policy at First Student. While the trainee in Arizona mentioned that First Student does not pay for MVD fees, it is possible that there may be variations in different states or that the company has different policies for employees under specific circumstances. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding First Student's policies on paying for MVD fees during training, it is advisable to contact the company directly or refer to their official website.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the same trainee also indicated that First Student does pay for mechanics' ASE testing fees. This suggests that the company may cover certain training-related expenses, but MVD fees might be excluded due to varying interpretations of company policies or regional differences in regulations. Prospective trainees and employees of First Student should carefully review the terms and conditions of their employment or training contracts to understand what costs are covered by the company and which ones they are responsible for themselves.
In summary, while First Student offers training programs for its drivers, attendants, and monitors, it is advised to clarify the financial responsibilities regarding MVD fees during the training process. Individuals interested in obtaining a CDL license through First Student's training program should inquire about the specific policies and practices related to MVD fees in their respective locations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, First Student does not pay for training. Employees have to pay for their license to sit for the written test and are unpaid during the training process.
No, employees are unpaid during the training process. However, some employees have reported being paid minimum wage during their training.
Yes, if you quit or get fired before completing a year at First Student, you will have to pay the company for your training. The fee is reportedly around $5,000.
