How to become A School Bus Driver

A School Bus Driver safely and calmly transports the most precious cargo in this world to and from school and other activities in all kinds of weather.

• School Bus Operator

What do School Bus Drivers do?

A School Bus Driver would typically need to:

• Bring children and school staff to and from school, ensuring a timely and safe pick-up and drop-off; drive students to field trips, sporting events, and other activities
• Run a predetermined route in the mornings and the afternoons; drive safely in all types of weather, traffic and student behaviour
• Maintain order on the bus; understand and enforce school policies and standards during the ride; report disciplinary issues to the school or parents
• Assist students with loading and unloading onto the school bus; take care of the needs of children with disabilities; build rapport with parents and students
• Perform pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections; ensure their school bus is clean and well-maintained; obey all traffic laws; attend monthly safety meetings
• Resolve emergency and non-emergency situations that occur on the way to and from school; verify permissions for children who ride home with friends

Bus routes may range from highly-populated, high-traffic urban areas to rural areas with poor road conditions. Some School Bus Drivers may also work on the school premises as janitors, cafeteria workers or mechanics between designated trips. They report to parents, teachers, school authorities, and transport authorities.

School Bus Drivers work when their school is in session; they might need to make multiple runs during a school day or stick to just two. They might need to work late into the evening and over weekends to transport children and school staff to and from field trips and sporting events.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. School Bus Drivers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting schools directly, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

School Bus Drivers are generally employed by:

• Private Schools
• School Districts or Divisions
• Third-Party Private Contractors

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for School Bus Drivers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Need to remain calm and composed while transporting students to designated locations no matter what the circumstances
• Need to stay on schedule despite adverse weather or traffic conditions; probability of working long hours during sporting events and field trips
• The danger of potential road accidents

Generally, School Bus Drivers go through a one- to three-month training period before getting their CDL. It may include practising bus driving manoeuvres, learning about and driving on a designated route, and taking supervised drives.

You may also spend time in a classroom to review the traffic laws and safe practices and general school policies, rules and regulations and learn how to interact with passengers.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession, talking with a high school coun­selor, and interviewing those working as bus drivers are other important ways to explore your interest.

All School Bus Drivers should be over 18 years; most have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

You must earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Requirements may vary across different locations but usually include passing health, vision, hearing, knowledge, and driving tests. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles whether a criminal background check is also essential.

You may also need to undergo random drug and alcohol tests. You may find it challenging to obtain a CDL from another location if your original one has been suspended. Schools will also check bus driver’s records and run a background check before hiring them.

Although there are limited opportunities for promotion, School Bus Drivers with excellent records and significant experience may be promoted to a supervisor, dispatcher, or instructor position.

School Bus Drivers willing to work part-time or irregular shifts will have the best job prospects.

Most School Bus Drivers receive on-the-job training on how to safely operate a bus and keep a record of passengers and miles logged. You will also need to memorise bus routes from the school to various neighbourhoods.

Regular physical exams are mandatory to ensure you meet the health, hearing, and vision requirements to maintain your license to drive a school bus. Expect random drug and alcohol tests.

Safest Means of Transportation

School buses must meet higher construction, equipment, and inspection standards than any other vehicle on the road; their drivers must meet higher qualifications, training, and testing standards than any others.

School buses have compartmentalisation seats which are placed very close together and covered in energy-absorbing foam. If an accident happens, the students do not get displaced easily, even if they are not buckled in. For, school buses don't come equipped with seat belts.

In most school districts, the face that parents get to see more often than that of the school principal or the teachers is that of the School Bus Driver.

An individual with exceptional driving skills, a patient and calm personality, and an abiding love for children won’t just drive; they care.

Have a genuine smile for every student and parent, try to learn their names and build a bond. They will remember and appreciate your kindness.