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 it take a higher class CdL or certification to drive a Flat noes bus. Some subs wont drive them. They will take a regular bus and stick numbers on them. Or is it personal preference that they just don’t feel comfortable driving them?

Asked by D838373 about 5 years ago

Not to my knowledge. Some buses are still not automatic, though most buses made today are automatic, and unless the driver has trained on a stick shift bus, then they can't drive it. There is extra training required for buses higher than 72 passenger because of the length of the bus.

Flat nose buses are unique in that the driver sits in front of the front wheels so it takes a little extra awareness to make turns around corners. Some drivers get spooked by the feeling of driving a vehicle like that and prefer a traditional style. Personally, I've driven both.

Is Billy Maddison on your sub list?

Asked by Job over 5 years ago

Lol no.

Okay why in the movies can someone wait in their house for the bus and the bus driver will honk to tell the kids it’s time to get on the bus. Then in real life you have to stand outside no matter if it is raining or cold, etc and the bus does not even usually pick you up at your house. Why? Why do movies do this and why is it like this in real life? I hate movies they never get anything right. Their like a parallel universe.

Asked by Dndnnd about 5 years ago

Every district runs their buses differently as do drivers run their routes differently. Lots of things that happen in movies are unrealistic to the "real" world as you put it but movie directors aren't thinking about reality, only the fantasy they are creating for the viewer to see. In a fantasy world, all students would sit down, behave, and not bully each other but we both know that's a fantasy too!

Does the driver get to choose his or her route and stop times? Or does it distract/company do that?

Asked by Really man over 5 years ago

It depends on the district's policy and practices what routes are what.

Is it a good tactic to intimidate and scare the kids into behaving?

Asked by Job over 5 years ago

No

Stop spamming you bastard

Asked by Dan almost 5 years ago

Thanks for noticing it. I just deleted the spam questions and will be addressing the other questions later today.

Do you think more buses should have jake brakes? I know some do but it is rare. What do you think?

Asked by Lennard over 5 years ago

Most school buses are now automatic shifting so jake brakes are not necessary or needed.