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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Last Answer on February 07, 2021

Best Rated

If a bus is equipped with two strobes (one in the front, and one in the back or middle) do they both come on with one switch or do they each have their own or does it depend?

Asked by Kay about 5 years ago

Honestly I don't know. I've only had experience with one strobe light which is operated by one switch inside the bus.

Sorry if this is a bit long but. We had a incident with a driver from the football team a few years back. We had this older lady who was really mean. So what happened was well I guess she yelled non stop at the foot ball players, the few cheerleaders, as well as even one of the adults on the bus all the way to the game. When they coaches, teachers, and sharpens would try to solve a problem so she would not get so mad she would immediately start screaming at whoever they where getting onto. I guess she went on a rant about her job, how bad they all are, and how they think their so rough and cool. This in it of its self is really nothing to write home about because sometimes drivers yell whatever. This lady though was cussing at times and when they got to the school they where going to play at the coach wanted to be let off at a certain point. The driver refused and there was a huge argument. They where screaming and cussing at eachother and told everyone to get the “F” off her bus and threatened to not pick them back up and they can go charter. This gets better after the game she was really upset the game ran late and threw a fit. She also threw a fit because they smelled bad and that they did not take a shower threaten to pull over at a truck stop and make them shower. She also made them go back to the school with the windows down at 70 miles per hour (roughly). She also argued with parents at the school.

Asked by Ryan about 5 years ago

First yes she should be reprimanded or at least told her behavior is unacceptable. Sometimes our jobs suck but it isn't appropriate to take it out on the kids or other adults on the bus. If she really hated her job that much then she shouldn't drive a bus. That being said the only issue where she might be in the right would be where the coach wanted the team dropped off. Sometimes as drivers we are given separate instructions on how to unload and where to safely unload.

Why are some districts using buses to deliver food? Here they have all the buses out that drive and have teachers, paras, among other people giving out the food at bus stops

Asked by Goldy about 5 years ago

There are many families that do not have vehicles snd do not have access to the internet at home. Having buses serve these neighborhoods and children serves three purposes. One, it puts food in the hands of children that would otherwise go hungry. Two, it allows teachers to hand out and collect homework packets for at home learning. Finally, three, it allows the district to lay eyes on kids they would normally keep tabs on during the school year to ascertain whether or not they need more help.

My question is I know some buses come as early as 5:30 or so. But are they ever earlier then that? Do you think there are any school buses that come closer to 5:00 or even four something?

Asked by Nixon over 5 years ago

It depends on the district. Most districts have rules about when and how early to pick up students.

Have you seen the video of the guy getting yanked off that bus for not wearing a mask?

Asked by Kaleigh about 5 years ago

Yes. Given that it's been posted and a fairly widespread practice that for the protection of yourself and others that face masks must be worn, it doesn't surprise me in the least. There are many people out there who feel they are above what the governments can tell them what to do and whom simply won't follow rules. (Fake service dogs are a perfect example.)

Is there any districts or bus companies that don’t require and diploma OR equivalent? It seems like most do and I understand wanting people to have it but I figure the more requirements the less people they will have to pull from with shortages

Asked by Calhon about 5 years ago

Equivalent is experience. Most bus driving jobs and jobs today in general require a minimum of a highschool diploma. This should be industry standard across the board.

Does it help a driver to have any kind of degree before or while your driving a Bus?

Asked by Jason about 5 years ago

Highschool diploma and cdl certification is standard. Anything else is bonus and more than welcome.