Pros and Cons of Being a School Bus Driver

School bus drivers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and comfort of thousands of children who travel to and from school every day. It is a job that requires patience, responsibility, and a lot of hard work. However, like any occupation, being a school bus driver has its pros and cons. In this article, we will take a closer look at both sides of the coin.

The Pros

You play a crucial role in the community.

As a school bus driver, you are responsible for the safe transportation of children to and from school. You play an essential role in your community by ensuring that kids arrive at school and back home safely. This sense of responsibility can be deeply rewarding, and it often inspires a great sense of pride in the job.

You have flexible hours.

Most school bus driver positions come with flexible schedules, making it an ideal career choice for people who need to work around family commitments. You typically work during school hours, with your shift starting a few hours before school begins and ending a few hours after school ends. This leaves you plenty of time to enjoy your evenings, weekends, and holidays.

You get paid during school holidays.

Unlike other jobs where you may not get paid when you take time off, school bus drivers generally get paid during school holidays, including Christmas, Spring break, and Summer vacation. This is a significant advantage for those who need a guaranteed income throughout the year.

You get benefits.

Most school districts offer benefits such as healthcare, dental, and vision insurance to their employees, including school bus drivers. Additionally, you may be eligible for a retirement plan, paid vacation, and sick leave.

The Cons

You work split shifts.

A split shift is when you work for a few hours in the morning, then have a long break in the middle of the day before returning for a few more hours in the afternoon. This schedule can be challenging to adjust to, and it may leave you feeling tired or disoriented.

You deal with traffic, bad weather, and difficult parents.

Being a school bus driver can be a stressful job. You have to deal with traffic, including rush hour, road closures, and detours. Additionally, you have to navigate through all weather conditions, including snow, ice, storms, and rain. Moreover, you may have to deal with difficult parents who may complain about the route, the time, or the stop location.

You need to maintain a clean driving record.

School bus drivers must maintain a clean driving record to keep their job. Any traffic violation, even a minor one, could jeopardize your career as a bus driver. You also need to be prepared to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing.

You may have to deal with misbehaving students.

While most kids are well-behaved on the school bus, there will always be a handful who act up. You will need to be patient, understanding, and firm but fair when dealing with these students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a special license to be a school bus driver?

Yes, you do. To become a school bus driver, you need to pass a special examination to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a “P” endorsement, which stands for “passenger transport.” Additionally, you will need to pass a background check, undergo a medical exam, and complete a driver training program.

What is the salary of a school bus driver?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for school or special client bus drivers is $33,990 as of May 2020. However, this salary can vary depending on the location, the school district, and the years of experience.

What are the working hours of a school bus driver?

School bus drivers typically work during school hours, with their shifts starting a few hours before school begins and ending a few hours after school ends. However, they may also work for after-school activities or field trips, which can extend their workday.

What are the benefits of being a school bus driver?

The benefits of being a school bus driver include flexible hours, paid holidays, benefits packages, retirement plans, and sick leave. Additionally, school bus drivers typically have a job with a stable salary, job security, and opportunities for advancement.

What are the requirements to become a school bus driver?

The requirements to become a school bus driver include being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, obtaining a CDL with a “P” endorsement, passing a medical exam, and completing a driver training program. Additionally, some schools require a High School diploma or GED.

Is being a school bus driver a good career?

Being a school bus driver can be a good career for people who enjoy working with children, have excellent driving skills, and are looking for a job with a stable salary and benefits. However, it can be a challenging job that requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to work in diverse conditions.

What are the common challenges faced by school bus drivers?

The common challenges faced by school bus drivers include dealing with traffic, bad weather, difficult parents, misbehaving children, maintaining a clean driving record, and adjusting to a split shift schedule. Additionally, school bus drivers may have to deal with unexpected incidents or accidents along the way.

How long is the training to become a school bus driver?

The training to become a school bus driver can vary depending on the state and the school district. However, it typically takes about six weeks to complete the training, which includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and a driving test. Some states may also require additional training in first aid and CPR.

What qualities make a good school bus driver?

The qualities that make a good school bus driver include patience, responsibility, excellent driving skills, communication skills, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, a strong sense of safety, and a friendly demeanor. Additionally, a good school bus driver should have a genuine passion for working with children.

What is a typical day like for a school bus driver?

A typical day for a school bus driver involves arriving at the bus garage or depot early in the morning to inspect and prepare the bus for the route. They then drive their designated route, making sure to keep to the schedule and ensure the safety of the passengers. After the morning route is completed, the driver may have a long break before returning to drive the afternoon route.