About School Bus Drivers

For people who prefer to work part-time hours or a non-traditional work schedule, driving a school bus may be a consideration. An adequate driving record and the mental clarity to deal with the extra stressors of traffic and a bus load of precious school children are definite prerequisites for the position. The job outlook for school bus drivers is ongoing, and employment can be sought through the desired school district, or through the bus company that the school district is contracted with.

Identification

A school bus driver is responsible for transporting school-aged children to and from their designated learning facilities. In some instances, school bus drivers are also designated to provide transportation to and from sporting events and field trips.

Time Frame

School bus drivers have a work schedule that is subject to the school district in which they work. Average school bus drivers work a 20-hour work week, with at least two daily runs. To supplement their schedules, some school bus driver's will substitute midday kindergarten runs when they are available, or take on bus runs for special events.

Training and Requirements

State and federal guidelines mandate that every school bus driver pass a test to acquire a commercial driver's license (CDL) before assuming a bus driving position. Classroom instruction and behind the wheel training can range anywhere from two to eight weeks, depending on the school district and its geographical location. Practice runs may consist of driving set routes through light or heavy traffic along with an experienced bus driver, parking, braking, backing up and turning, until a reasonable comfort level is achieved by the potential bus driver.

Expert Insight

All bus drivers must be over the age of 18, but inner city school districts often prefer their school bus drivers to be at least 24 years of age. Fluency in the English language, and the ability to read and comprehend road signs, is also a prerequisite. Background checks must also be conducted to rule out criminal history, drug and alcohol use or mental disorders that will make a candidate ineligible for hire as a bus driver.

Considerations

The responsibilities of a school bus driver are immense, and the families of every child who rides a school bus expect the driver to be alert and vigilant. It is important to be aware that with every stop that the bus makes, there is the possibility of danger. Drivers that do not heed the warnings of the buses break lights, put children's lives at risk. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that a school bus driver is free of distractions during the times that children are entering and exiting the school bus.

Warning

The behavior of the students who are riding the school bus plays a crucial role in the overall safety of the bus ride. A bus driver who is heavily distracted by disobedient students or violence that has been incited on the school bus, can make maneuvering down busy streets and highways a dangerous task. Therefore, it is important that a bus driver have complete control over the buses occupants at all times. In situations that pose a constant threat to the safety of the bus driver and the students, a bus aide is usually necessary.

Resources

• Bureau of Labor
• PTSI