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

What made you want to become a bus driver?

Asked by Kimbra over 7 years ago

I needed a job and this offered steady pay and benefits

why are bus drivers usally really nice or really mean

Asked by Javen over 7 years ago

Given they try to maintain discipline on a bus load of kids you have to maintain a level of firmness. Once the kids are in a good groove you can loosen the reins a bit. It all depends on how the kids act.

What do a parent do when the school bus driver picks up there child in the morning to take them to school and puts the child off the bus at a corner and leaves the child there, and never calls dispatch to let them know of a issue.

Asked by Queen about 8 years ago

Assuming this is the same route run so basically the child was picked up and then before being dropped at school was dropped off at a location not the child's stop. First it would depend on the age of the child. As a general principle we are not supposed to drop a child at any stop other than their designated stop or on school property unless an emergency dictates (bus fire, tornado etc). If there was a behavioral issue the driver should have notified dispatch and the school and you as the parent. Now that being said, I have had a few high school kids forget an item at home in which case i was less than 2 to 4 houses from their stop, i let them off to go get the item and instructed them on where to meet me. Hope this helps.

If you typically do not ride the bus and you go to ride it for the first time and the bus passes by you. Is that allowed?

Asked by Rob almost 8 years ago

Yes, if you are not a typical rider in the morning, it is your responsibility to notify the driver either the night before or by calling the bus yard in the morning so that the driver can know to stop at your stop. We are not mind readers. If we are going slow enough and you are out with other students at a stop then we will pick you up but if your stop is a single stop with no other students its best to call ahead.

Is it allowed for a driver to call a student out for talking loudly when they themselves are blasting music and conversing with other students and telling the student in question "I can't hear my music"?

Asked by Nhan almost 8 years ago

Personally, I don't think it's right that a driver calls out a student for that given the circumstances. That being said, as a driver myself, I rarely have to raise my voice or get onto my kids. I keep the radio at a respectable level and oddly, surprise surprise, my kids respond to it by being quiet and respectful in return without being obnoxious because they enjoy the privilege of the radio.

Okay I have a question on time. In the morning how long should I wait before I contact the transportation supervisor? I get that things happen but I think more then 10min is excessive.it can be cold or raining. Also we live a block away from thebusbn

Asked by Ronna over 7 years ago

Given that most bus companies are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers at the moment, maybe instead of calling or complaining, you can apply for a job as a bus driver! Until then be patient, the bus will get there or drive your child yourself.

Can you be a full retiree and drive a bus? Can you just volunteer if you need to? Do you know what the policy is for simi and full retirees?

Asked by John over 7 years ago

Many retirees drive buses. The limit would depend on how much social security you get etc. Check with your local district.