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

Do you think that two way radios can be a distraction for bus drivers? Why do some drivers think they are just something to chatter on. Like no Donna I don't care what your having for lunch I am in a wreck.

Asked by Chain Saw over 7 years ago

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha <gasp> hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Omg thank you for making my night. Truthfully they have a good place but like you said, Susan is too busy planning her nail salon appointment and Joey is asking for a prayer request. On top of Dumbass Debbie who can't find an address that you've told her 8675309 times.....

Okay this happens months ago but I want to see what you think. Okay my Ag teacher who drives a bus of the class down to the school farm took a phone call while he was driving. Should I have said something?

Asked by Jims over 7 years ago

Again situational. Depending on the situation at hand the rule states no phone use primarily. That being said if he wasn't a normal driver he might not have thought about it. Truthfully, I've taken phone calls but usually make them brief as unless its an emergency it can wait.

Why are parents and students so mean to subs? They are just trying to do their job and they are yelled at they are too early, too late, made a simple wrong turn and can easly turn around. Also kids are usually for them then their regular driver.

Asked by afasdfa over 7 years ago

Subs have a more difficult job than regular drivers because they do take the brunt of problems if a kid misbehaves or is not out at the stop. That being said no route is without problems and problem kids. The trick is to figure out how to approach it.

Why is there such a shortage of bus drivers?

Asked by Maya over 7 years ago

Because the job is severely underpaid for the hours and dedication we put in as drivers. Lots of places won't hire a person to work part time for the hours that we are available since our schedule is so unique and our pay isn't even close to what would be a livable wage.

Can a bus driver with a bus load of kids get off the bus to assist with a motor vehicle collision if they secure the bus, take the keys, and put a responsible and trustworthy older student in charge?

Asked by Luke over 7 years ago

Depending on the situation would be when I'd make that judgement call. Typically its best to not interfere unless life is at stake and you know you can save a life.

Hi question. So my child takes the bus in the mornings because he is in a wheel chair and I am unable to. I enrolled him in an after school program till 6pm. I can pick him up after school but will he loose his seat on bus in the morning? Yes or no

Asked by WorriedMOM almost 7 years ago

No. Whether you can transport him or not should have no bearing on whether he is eligible for school bus transportation. We have many kids who ride mornings only or afternoons only.

Is it true that some bus drivers pull in to a school and wait 30 minutes even a hour just to be the first ones there? If you where a supervisor would you allow buses to wait as long as some do?

Asked by Rodney almost 7 years ago

Yes it's true at least for my district. Personally that is on individual bus drivers call but as for me I am not a babysitter therefore i refuse to wait any longer than i have to.