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

Thanks. Now if you where in a supervisory position would you allow buses to wait more then ten minutes? I think some places put a policy that buses are not able to wait over ten minutes. Why or why not?

Asked by Rodney over 6 years ago

Personally unless there was a good reason for a bus to be there early like they were meeting another bus to hold their children or something similar, i probably would institute a rule like that. The longer a bus waits sitting still with children the more possibilities there are for altercations between children. Not only that some states have idling laws.

Why are subs almost always late or early. Almost never on time?

Asked by Gina Dee over 6 years ago

Because a sub doesnt know how the regular driver runs the route and their driving style is different from the regular drivers style

Is it illegal for a bus driver to BLAST country music because she did not like the rap. I get that someone should not turn up their music when she says “TURN THAT HORSESHIT MUSIC OFF” (she was cussing) but then everyone has to suffer.

Asked by Tina about 7 years ago

No its not illegal. Rude yes. Illegal no. Also turn that horseshit off.

DO subs generally give feedback? Do a lot of bus driver quit after their first “year” (year used loosely) or before the end of term? Who typically becomes driver is it young people in college, older semi retirees, or who else?

Asked by You over 6 years ago

Subs are welcome to give feedback to regular drivers on their routes. Many times the kids will act out or act differently when there is a sub on the bus because they think they can get away with it. Generally not everyone is cut out to drive a school bus, so we do have people who will quit after a stressful moment. That being said drivers come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

What is the angriest a parent has ever been with you and what happens?

Asked by Connie bear over 6 years ago

I've had a parent step up on my bus and shout in my face before. Generally once they say what they want to say it's over. Occasionally they will get so riled up that they will ignore bus driver requests to exit the bus and we have to call the police. The police can then arrest them for trespassing.

Kids freak out over anything. For real they go crazy over a trash truck, or the sound of the brakes, or even someone walking their dog. What do you do. How can I drive with screaming and going insane over trivial things?

Asked by Robin almost 7 years ago

Honestly they're pretty chill. They don't freak out unless you do something dumb like slam on the brakes. They may get a little excited over something that's unusual but you have to realize they are kids. Most of the time if you chill out with them they will respect you.

What are some common myths about being a bus driver?

Asked by Don almost 7 years ago

That every bus has air conditioning. That it's an easy job to make 50 to 100 kids sit down.