How to Become a School Bus Driver

Every Monday through Friday morning and afternoon between the months of August and June, school bus drivers take students of all ages to and from school. Many people enjoy being school bus drivers because they enjoy working with the students and they enjoy driving the big, yellow buses around town. Here are a few steps to follow if you want to drive a school bus.

Instructions

1. Complete high school. All applicants must show their high school diploma before being hired.

2. Be a minimum of 24 years of age. In addition to age requirements, many districts also require that the applicants have some form of experience in driving buses, big trucks or other large vehicles.

3. Hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). All districts require their bus drivers to have a CDL. This is a license for driving a bus that is obtained from the local department of motor vehicles. Pass a written test and an ability test to earn the CDL.

4. Pass a written test with the district where the bus will be driven. Some districts may require an ability test as well. Regardless, you should be ready to pass a district-issued test before being hired as a school bus driver.

5. Go through a criminal background check. All applicants must pass this background check before they can be hired. This includes obtaining a set of fingerprints at the local police station and completing and signing a release of information permission.

6. Love working with kids. All school bus drivers must be aware of the children, monitor their behavior, and always be courteous and kind to the kids. School bus drivers also need to make sure that all riders follow the school bus rules.

7. Apply at the local school district's Board of Education office. To become a bus driver after getting a CDL, complete an application and an interview with the person in charge of school bus drivers and with the district superintendent.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain calm in all situations. No matter if it is a fight among students, a wreck, a traffic jam or some other situation, the school bus driver must always remain calm and collected.

• School bus drivers must always follow all traffic and school rules.