School Bus Driver

School Bus Driver

The Bus Driver

15 Years Experience

South, ..

Female, 37

I have been a bus driver since late 2006. I know the inside story, the scoop, the down low dirt of what it takes to be a bus driver, how to handle kids and adults, and how to survive on the "streets" so to speak. I used to have a blog, feel free to browse it or ask me a question here.

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1007 Questions

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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

does school bus drivers have to do a dot physical?

Asked by britt wise over 11 years ago

Yes.  In my district we have to pass a yearly physical by a DOT certified doctor.  They aren't anything too bad, mostly just a general physical and then questions about history and medications.  The DOT is cracking down on people with CDL licenses (both Class A and B) and are requiring some drivers to go through additional testing.  This may be anything from an extra eye exam if you wear glasses to a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea.  

Follow up to the bus driver video taping my child. Are parents allowed to request to view the bus recording for the day in question. Was told there was nothing on the surveillance tape yet they informed us they had a talk with the driver anyways. Thx

Asked by Learjet60xr almost 11 years ago

In my particular area, whether a parent views a surveillance tape is left up to the school. Due to legalities involved in the privacy of other children on the bus, my workplace does not allow parents to view videotapes, but if individual schools make that choice, then that is on those schools. As inevitably happens with kids on the bus, if a parent views the tape, they tend to focus on children other than their own. This is why we choose not to let parents view the videotapes. You are more than welcome to ask, the worst they can say is no.

When I applied for a bus driver position I put that I was wreck free for the past three years but it actually falls off in a few months. I will let them know but Could still get a bus driver position or does this factor me out?

Asked by Kayla about 11 years ago

If you lied on your application (or stretched the truth) they will still be able to see it on your DMV record if it was recorded on your license. Depending on who was at fault will determine whether they will hire you or not. If you were not up front and honest with them in the first place, they probably won't hire you. Had you spoken to the transportation director and explained that the wreck you were in was a few years ago and gave them details, then they might be willing to work with you. Good luck.

can you be a monitor and work your way up to be a bus driver? thanks

Asked by Britt over 11 years ago

There are many ways of starting out in a bus company and being a monitor is a good way to decide if you like the job before you decide to go to the training to become a bus driver.  Since becoming a bus driver requires a CDL-B license, many bus companies offer training and assistance with getting the license, though much of the responsibility falls on you as the trainee.  In this way, just being a monitor for several years does not qualify you to "move up" to be a bus driver as the requirements for the position vary.  However, if you want to start as a monitor and get your CDL license, then I am sure any bus shop would love to have you on as an employee.

Yes im a obi for school bus drivers are you allowed to drive a bus with your temps With a driver who is not an obi certified?

Asked by carol almost 11 years ago

I'm not sure what an OBI is exactly. Assuming it is similar to a driver trainer, if a driver has their temporary CDL-B license, then I would think it would be illegal for them to drive a bus without someone who is a certified trainer.

I take my road test next week and will be given my own route immediately upon passing it. As a new driver, are there any mistakes that newbie bus drivers commonly make that I should try and watch out for?

Asked by Stephanie E. almost 11 years ago

Be firm but fair. Don't let them see your weaknesses, but also realize that they are kids and will make mistakes. Try to listen to the kids. Calm bus driver = calm bus kids = easy time for all. Good luck!

Can I take my own children on my route instead of having to find alternate childcare?

Asked by SusanB over 10 years ago

That would depend on your local bus company. Different companies have different policies. In my district, as long as the children are school age, they are allowed to ride our buses. It also will depend on which schools you end up serving as to where your children can attend school within the district. Your best bet is to call the bus shop and speak to the supervisor on the bus shop's policy on the matter.