School Bus Drivers

Career summary

School bus drivers usually drive the same routes at the same time each day. They pick up students at their homes or nearby street corners and take them to school in the morning. In the afternoon, they pick up children from school and take them home. Some drivers take students and their teachers on field trips and to sporting events.

Bus drivers maintain order on their buses and enforce school safety rules. They follow local traffic rules. They must always be alert to prevent accidents while driving, especially in heavy traffic or in bad weather.

Bus drivers make trips comfortable by adjusting the heating and ventilation so that students are not too warm or cold. They take care not to jolt passengers with sudden stops.

School bus drivers submit reports every week. These reports list:

• How many hours they worked
• How much gas they used
• How many miles they traveled that week

Bus drivers maintain their vehicles. They inspect the condition of their buses in the morning and maintain gas, oil, and other fluid levels. They may make minor repairs and report any malfunctions.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Ambulance Drivers
• Bus Drivers
• Couriers and Messengers
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Route Salespeople
• Subway and Streetcar Operators
• Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs
• Trash Collectors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to school bus drivers.

• Safely drive buses to transport students to and from schools.
• Maintain order among student passengers during trips.
• Comply with safety and local traffic rules.
• Report route delays or traffic accidents involving their buses.
• Control heating, lighting, and ventilation to keep passengers comfortable.
• Prepare weekly reports about the number of trips they make. Report the number of students transported, hours worked, and miles driven.
• Inspect buses and check gas, oil, tires, and fluid levels.
• Make minor repairs to buses. Keep bus interiors clean.
• May escort small children across busy roads.
• Maintain knowledge of first aid.
• Read maps and follow directions.

Common work activities

School bus drivers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Assist and care for others
• Perform for or work with the public
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform activities that use the whole body

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, school bus drivers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of passengers.
• Have a high level of social contact with students and teachers. They occasionally interact with parents.
• Communicate with passengers in person on a daily basis. They also communicate by telephone, but less often.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations where they must deal with children who might be rude or angry.
• Work on a team. It is very important for bus drivers to work cooperatively with maintenance and scheduling coworkers.

Physical work conditions

• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Usually work outdoors and inside vehicles. Generally work indoors only to fill out paperwork.
• May be exposed to contaminants and the diseases and infections carried by school children.
• May be exposed to hazardous driving conditions.
• Work within several inches of passengers that require assistance boarding.

Work performance

• Repeat the same physical and mental activities daily.
• Make driving decisions that greatly impact their passengers. They do this on a daily basis.
• Have the ability to make errors resulting in very serious consequences. Errors while driving can result in accidents and injury to passengers.
• Must keep control of the vehicle and keep pace with traffic.
• Can make most decisions without consulting a supervisor.
• Must meet strict schedules daily.

Hours/travel

• Typically work less than 40 hours a week.
• May work split shifts. For example, they might work from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with time off in between.
• Work only when schools are in session.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

School bus drivers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for school bus drivers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for school bus drivers to be able to:

• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• See objects in very low light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Skills and abilities

School bus drivers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Truck and Bus Driving

Other programs of study to consider

• Child Development
• Family Studies and Human Development
• Heavy Equipment Operations

Training

To work as a school bus driver, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training; and
• have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

On-the-job training

School bus drivers receive at least four weeks of driving instruction and classes. You learn state and local laws, rules, and policies for operating school buses. You also study safe driving practices, addressing the needs of students with disabilities, and first aid. In addition, you learn to deal with students and how to evacuate the bus in an emergency.

During training, you practice driving on closed courses. You practice turns, zigzags, and parking. You start by driving in light traffic and eventually drive in heavy traffic. On your first few runs, an experienced driver instructor accompanies you.

School bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). To qualify for a CDL, you must pass both a written and a driving exam. You also must have a good driving record.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require school bus drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also require drivers to be at least 18 years old and have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Most employers also require drivers to have a state school bus permit. Some employers require school bus drivers to pass a background check. Federal law requires drivers to submit to alcohol and drug tests as a job condition. Drivers take periodic drug-screening tests while they are on duty. In addition, drivers must have good hearing and at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses.

Employers look for school bus drivers who are even-tempered and emotionally stable. Drivers must have good communication skills and be able to manage large groups of people.

Costs to workers

Drivers who belong to a union pay an initiation fee and quarterly dues.

Licensing/certification

School bus drivers are required to meet minimum training requirements, take a bus operator knowledge and skill test, and get a commercial driver's license (CDL), plus a special endorsement from the State of Washington. Applicants must have a good driving record and 20/40 vision with or without glasses.

For more information on bus driver licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Program 
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
360.902.3900

#2/12/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Bus Drivers, School and Special Client 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for school or special client bus drivers is $13.83 per hour ($2,397 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary by school district, bus size, and the driver's level of experience.

In most occupations, only workers who work full time receive benefits. This is not true for school bus drivers. Most school bus drivers work part time, but almost all of them receive benefits. Most receive sick leave and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. However, school bus drivers usually do not receive vacation pay, because they do not work when schools are closed.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Schools
• School bus companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will remain steady as the population of school age children is predicted to increase. Thus, more school bus drivers will be needed to transport them to and from school. Growth in this occupation may be slowed by budget limitations.

Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

National School Transportation Association 
623 N Broad Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
703.684.3200

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Bus Drivers, School or Special Client (53-3022.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Bus Driver (913.463-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Social

COPSystem

• Service Skilled