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

Would my district change the write up system from the drivers would choose how many days off the bus change to it has to got through a administrator who may or may not do anything and could even go all out and give a extreme punishment. I know some drivers have abused the system or not used it at all but how is this better?

Asked by 933738292 over 6 years ago

I wish we had this system. It would cut out the middle man, though I think that some oversight is needed if a driver does abuse it, like if a child has been written up more than 3 times and kicked off the bus, then future issues need to be handled through administration and driver collaboration. The problem facing drivers is that parents refuse to see their child could be a problem.

What happens if your in traffic where it can be a 1 even few hours delay. I know it’s rare but it can happen and I have heard of it before. What do you do? Is it different in the AM and PM what about field trips or other events?

Asked by Trump KAG 2020 over 6 years ago

Sit in traffic. There isn't much to do unless a good viable alternative is found. Sometimes we have no choice.

I want to hear a good story that has happened to you at your job being a bus driver.

Asked by Amen over 6 years ago

There aren't really good stories as good moments. Sometimes I'll have a kid who turns around and gives a hug to me randomly or just decides that they're gonna behave or any number of things really.

What are things that delay buses the most? I would assume weather, maintenance, trains, traffic, wrecks, no sub, bus driver late for work, having to pick up other passengers on other routes, etc. What do you think is the most and did I miss any?

Asked by YOUR BFF LOL about 6 years ago

Weather, traffic, and trains are my top three followed by shortage of staff issues. It's no secret that there's been a bus driver shortage lately mainly due to the behavior of the kids and the low pay offered to put up with the behavior issues. Rarely a maintenance issue pops up, but it does happen. Even the most "on time" bus driver can be late.

Do you work another job(s) besides driving a bus?

Asked by 12qwe over 6 years ago

At the moment, I don't but in the past I have held side jobs or other part time employment. I do have a few side hustles that bring in a little extra education.

Is it illegal for a driver to get up out of his or her seat?

Asked by Infj almost 7 years ago

If the driver is safely stopped, no.

Is it true that sometimes districts and companies illegally use unqualified people to drive buses?

Asked by 885858585 over 6 years ago

All drivers are supposed to pass strict guidelines and licensing requirements as set by federal and state law. We are required to pass a physical every year and comply with DOT standards. Do bad apples get through and do companies attempt to bypass these standards, yes. But rest assured that they nearly always get caught hopefully before lives are at stake.