Mar 31 2009
So You Want to Drive A School Bus?
Such a noble profession. You are helping kids, providing a service, and it is far less work than being a teacher yet you get the same Christmas presents. I have been a school bus driver for a number of years now and I love it. There always seems to be a shortage of good drivers and I hope if you are a bus driver or wish to become one you will follow this blog and we can work together to give this profession the kudo’s it deserves.
For People Thinking of Becoming a Driver
There are some wonderful advantages to being a school bus driver:
1: Perfect for a stay-at-home parent as your pre-school children can ride-a-long with you in most school board districts. Allows you to bring in an income without having to use daycare.
2: Pay is better than most part-time jobs. On average $8-12/hour. You can increase your salary by doing charters for school trips in between morning and afternoon runs.
3: Terrific for retiree’s. There is more than enough time between runs to get in a good golf game.
4: It’s fun. Kids are fun and you get them before and after school, so you generally still get school behaviour from them but they are a little more relaxed.
5: It’s rewarding. On the last day of school, when they shed a tear and tell you they will miss you, your heart is overwhelmed.
6: The bus companies will provide free training in order to obtain the required license (worth up to $3000).
There are however certain criteria you need to consider if you would like to be a school bus driver:
1. You must be a good driver with a clean abstract (no tickets in the last 3 years for most school boards),
2. You must pass a criminal background check.
3. You must be prepared to pass a drug test. Not all bus companies require them but those who do not reserve the right to randomly test.
4. You must like children. Please do not consider this job if you don’t. You will hate it and the children will dislike you.
5. You must be good with directions and be able to read a map.
6. You must be able to attend a 2-3 week training course.
If you have looked at both lists, you are on your way.
The next blog will talk about how to find a school bus company near you.
Be a good Fellow - respect the Yellow
