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

When approaching railroad tracks, is it the law the requires you to stop on the right side of the road or it suggested?

Asked by DQuestion almost 9 years ago

If I remember correctly, it is a law that buses should be on the right hand side of the road on a 4 lane highway if they have to stop at a railroad crossing. This is two fold. One it is safer for kids in general as most people in the USA pass on the left so faster traffic will automatically go around on the left, and two, should the bus become disabled at any point the door is on the right hand side so evacuation of the bus will be easier than having to stop traffic to let kids exit the bus in an emergency on the tracks.

Why do we have a new driver every year and almost every year except last year one of /the drivers left mid year one left after two weeks and we had subs all year?

Asked by Dan about 7 years ago

There is a bus driver shortage everywhere. We aren't paid enough to make it worth our time most days so when an opportunity comes along to make more money we jump on it. This, unfortunately, disrupts students and puts extra strain on other drivers who have to absorb the extra kids.

Have you ever had a experience where another school bus ran your stop sign?

Asked by Jimmy over 7 years ago

Yes. It happens to even the best drivers.

This is a comment so feel free to delete it. I think it is fine but
I know there are mixed feelings and I just wanted some feed back. Thank you! I do think around 80 is when I would see some concern though. Thanks for answering my question.Imeantwel

Asked by Dr.Pepper is the best drink over 7 years ago

Fair enough. We do have to go through yearly physicals and pass those before we are allowed to drive. What gets me is that people are allowed to drive those ginormous campers without training.

What should a person do if their bus driver goes off on angry tirades and screams into the PA mic with the volume all the way up while beating the steering wheel and put the mic to a speaker?

Asked by Dana over 7 years ago

Shut up and don't talk back.

Though really if you're upset about it, maybe a phone call to the supervisor might help.

My second graders bus driver goes by “grandpa” and lets kids hug him and give him a kiss on the check. Not trying to be overly paranoid but it seems really wierd. After reading forms it shouldn’t be allowed but drivers get away with stuff too. ??

Asked by Mamabear over 7 years ago

Going by "grandpa" is okay though a bit of an odd choice. Allowing a kid to give a hug if the kid wants to is okay. I have several kids who give me hugs when and IF they want. Getting kisses from kids is weird and not something I'd allow. Kids can be overly affectionate and need to be taught boundaries with adults.

I can’t remember for sure does the “Jake Break” slow you down to 15 or 5 mph or something else? Does it depend on the make and model?

Asked by Davi over 7 years ago

This is more of a semi truck driver question than a bus driver question. On most buses it is fairly common to have automatic transmissions and air brakes. We do not have a jake brake system that allows the vehicle to slow rapidly. I don't know about older model buses.