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.
Hi Carter,
Technically, no, the bus driver cannot take a kid to the bus parking area to help clean up unless there was a good reason and it was previously approved by the school and the parents. That situation would be if the kid had vandalized the seats or bus in any way and was cleaning the bus instead of having his/her parents pay for the damage. As far as getting the same bus and route your driver is currently on, depending on your area bus shop will depend on how they run things. Where I live, all the drivers keep their same routes and buses unless new buses come in and those are given out yearly. In other areas, the drivers have to bid on the routes and buses they use. It really depends on where you live. Also buses are typically put out of service after a certain mileage for the safety of the students.
Share Answer: 
It is probable, but most drivers know the dimensions of their buses really well. Occasionally some have clipped stop signs or other road signs, and still a few have inadvertently backed into trees, but because it was at such a low speed there was not a definite "impact" other than a scraping sound down the side of the bus. There have been times where I have backed into fences or run over fences and not realized it until daylight. We had a driver who hit a couple mailboxes the other day, but the wood around the mailboxes was so rotten that any good gust of wind probably would have blown it over. We're human and make mistakes. The important thing is not to dwell on these mistakes and just move on.
Share Answer: 
Short answer - no. Long answer - yes with a but. If the parent is causing the conflict or there is an imminent danger to children the bus driver has a duty to call back up to help solve any major conflict. If the parent is looking to help a bus driver who has been assaulted, then okay but as long as it is not a revenge tactic. If its an emergency such as the child is choking or otherwise injured, then exceptions to that rule is warranted.
Share Answer: 
First off, the child is 5 years old and has been walking 5 blocks all this time and you didn't think to question it until now in the middle of winter? Secondly routes are usually set by the individual bus company. As far as legality, our state suggestion is that students bus stops can be anywhere from a quarter to a full mile length from their homes or closer if necessary. Sometimes though adjustments to the routes must be made to accommodate road closures.
Share Answer: 
Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
What types of clients are the worst to deal with?
Day Care Provider
Is it ok w/your employer if you babysit one of the kids outside of daycare hours?
CrossFit Coach
Why is Crossfit so popular with women?
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.
Share Answer: 
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.
Share Answer: 
Not sure about homeland security, but often bus companies will forbid drivers to take their buses home as a measure of protection for the vehicles. If there was vandalism in the last few years or issues regarding misuse of buses such as people using them for personal errands wasting the fuel paid for by the city/county, then the bus company has a right to protect their investment. Buses are not cheap! Most drivers do take their buses home because it saves on fuel expense if they live on the route directly.
Share Answer: 
-OR-
Login with Facebook (max 20 characters - letters, numbers, and underscores only. Note that your username is private, and you have the option to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
(A valid e-mail address is required. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone.)
(min 5 characters)
By checking this box, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to Jobstr.com’s Terms and Privacy Policy.
-OR-
Register with Facebook(Don't worry: you'll be able to choose an alias when asking questions or hosting a Q&A.)
Browse Jobs
Host a Q&A
Search
Submit Your Question
Host a Q&A
Last 7
