Are you looking for a job that allows you to transport and care for school children in a safe and friendly manner? Do you enjoy driving and working with people? If so, you may want to consider becoming a school bus driver for a K-12 school.
A school bus driver is a person who drives a school bus or vehicle that is owned, leased, or contracted by a public or private school for the purpose of transporting students to and from school or school activities. School bus drivers also inspect and maintain the school bus and equipment, follow traffic and safety rules and regulations, and communicate and cooperate with school staff, parents, and students.
School bus drivers play an important role in the educational process by providing reliable and convenient transportation for students. They also help create a positive and supportive environment for students by being friendly, respectful, and attentive. By working in a school, school bus drivers have the opportunity to interact with children from diverse backgrounds and needs, and to contribute to their academic and social development.
What Does a School Bus Driver Do?
The typical duties of a school bus driver in a K-12 school may include, but are not limited to:
- Driving a school bus or vehicle on a regular or irregular route, depending on the school’s schedule and needs.
- Picking up and dropping off students at designated stops, following a time schedule and a route map.
- Checking and collecting students’ passes, tickets, or fares, if applicable.
- Assisting students with getting on and off the bus, especially those with special needs or disabilities.
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of students on the bus, enforcing rules of conduct and discipline, and reporting any problems or incidents to the school or the transportation coordinator.
- Performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the school bus and equipment, such as brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, windows, doors, and emergency exits.
- Reporting and recording any mechanical or operational issues, defects, or malfunctions of the school bus and equipment.
- Cleaning and sanitizing the interior and exterior of the school bus or vehicle, removing any trash or debris.
- Refueling and servicing the school bus, as needed or required.
- Completing and submitting records and reports, such as mileage, fuel consumption, route information, student attendance, accidents, or complaints.
- Checking to make sure that no children are still on the bus at the end of their route.
- Attending training sessions and meetings, as required or requested.
What Education and Skills Do You Need?
Although requirements may vary by state, school or employer, to become a school bus driver in a K-12 school, you generally need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent.
- A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- A commercial driver’s license (CDL) with school bus (S) and passenger (P) endorsements, depending on your state or district requirements.
- A background check and fingerprint clearance, depending on your state, school or employer’s requirements.
- A drug and alcohol test, depending on your state, school or employer’s requirements
- A physical examination and a vision test, depending on your state, school or employer’s requirements
- A certificate or license from a state-approved school bus driver training program, depending on your state, school or employer’s requirements
- Experience in driving a bus or a large vehicle, preferably in a school setting.
- Knowledge of traffic and safety laws and regulations, especially those related to school transportation.
- Knowledge of school bus operation and maintenance, such as inspection, servicing, and troubleshooting.
- Knowledge of school bus emergency procedures and equipment, such as fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and evacuation plan.
- Skills in communication and customer service, with the ability to work with diverse groups of people and handle various situations.
- Skills in patience and calmness, with the ability to deal with stress, noise, and pressure.
- Skills in attention and alertness, with the ability to drive safely and responsibly in different weather and road conditions.
Some schools may also prefer or require school bus drivers to have:
- A good attendance and punctuality record.
- A positive attitude and a friendly demeanor.
- A willingness to work flexible hours, such as early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- A willingness to drive extra or special routes, such as field trips, sports events, or other activities.
What Are Some National Organizations Related to School Bus Drivers?
If you are interested in working as a school bus driver in a K-12 school, or if you are already working in this field and want to learn more and network with other professionals, you may want to consider joining or following some of the national organizations related to this role. Here are some examples:
- National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT): A non-profit organization that represents and supports school transportation professionals across the country. NAPT provides education, certification, advocacy, and resources for its members and promotes the excellence and innovation of school transportation services.
- National School Transportation Association (NSTA): A trade association that represents and advocates for the interests of private school bus contractors who provide transportation services to public and private schools. NSTA offers membership, education, awards, and publications for its members and partners.
In Closing
A school bus driver is a valuable member of the school community who transports and cares for students in a safe and friendly manner. Working as a school bus driver in a K-12 school can be a rewarding and flexible career for anyone who enjoys driving and working with people. However, it also requires hard work, dedication, and skills to succeed in this role.
If you are interested in becoming a school bus driver in a K-12 school, you should research the requirements, opportunities, and challenges of this job and decide if it is the right fit for you.
Looking to learn more about other jobs or roles in schools or related to providing education? Explore our growing library of career exploration resources that are related to working in schools or education.
