To drive a school bus, you must be at least _____________ years of age.

To drive a school bus, the legal minimum age requirement is set at 18 years. This regulation is established to ensure that drivers possess a certain level of maturity and are adequately developed to handle the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle that transports children.

Being 18 years old signifies that the individual has often reached a level of education and life experience that better prepares them for the challenges of driving a larger vehicle safely, particularly in the context of ensuring the safety and welfare of minors on board.

Moreover, many states require school bus drivers to hold specific qualifications, including passing health and background checks and acquiring the appropriate Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the necessary endorsements. These processes further underscore the importance of having a more mature and responsible driver behind the wheel, contributing to the overall safety of the school transportation system.