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

How many hours do bus drivers get for vacation, paternity leave, personal days, sick days, etc?

Asked by Tim about 6 years ago

It depends on the district. I know that we get approximately 11 sick days every year to use, and we max out sick days at 45 though we can accumulate more than 45. If we have more than 50 at the end of the year we get a 500 dollar bonus. We get 3 personal days per year. Vacation is strictly whatever school schedule is. Leave types are case by case basis and approved by administration.

One more sorry for posting so much. Do you think amber strobes can cause confusion and make drivers think the bus is stopping?

Asked by Dave over 6 years ago

Thats why all the strobes ive seen are white. The student lights do strobe on their own on newer buses for visibility reasons.

So here at the high school there was a student council member say that bus drivers can’t drive for more then so many hours they HAVE to charter. So my fellow bus drivers and me obviously called BS and said where not having some high schoolers

Asked by Dale about 6 years ago

There are hour restrictions on all cdl class a and b drivers but whether companies follow them is up to the company.

Heres a question for you, why are most type D buses shorter then the Type Cs? Noticed the same thing with Bs

Asked by Marla over 6 years ago

I'm not entirely sure but it has to do with the make and model of the bus. Some school buses are 72 passenger and others are 90 passenger and still others are even less. So it just depends on the need of a company.

Has anyone ever gave you a tip before?

Asked by Brandy almost 6 years ago

Yes. It's few and far between but gifts and tips do happen. This one time, I was specially selected to provide transportation for a group of people coming in from out of town and they provided tips which were a welcome bonus.

One more sorry for blowing your email up. Or kindly tell them it is BS and their own personal problem. What do I do if something is or has been done but the parent insists it hasn't or is not good enough.

Asked by Lynn about 6 years ago

If the parent is being unreasonable, let them know they can continue the issue with your supervisor and shut the door in their face. Bus riding is a privilege not a right.

Can I ask the bus driver not to have my child to sit with another child? The other child is mean to my child. The child push my child up against the window. Should I call the bus company or ask the bus driver?

Asked by Mimi about 6 years ago

I would speak with the driver first. Be careful accusing other kids of actions. The bus is a very delicate balancing act.