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 more buses should have jake brakes? I know some do but it is rare. What do you think?

Asked by Lennard over 5 years ago

Most school buses are now automatic shifting so jake brakes are not necessary or needed.

So when you say you time it to not wait in line do you like to be the earliest or latest bus there? Also where you work how much leeway to they give drivers for timing and everything like that?

Asked by Asker dmdkndmfmf over 5 years ago

They pretty much let us decide our routes based on the number of kids that ride, where the stops are, and how to do it. Every state is different and every county is different. When I talk about timing I usually mean that I pull into the schools so that I do not have to wait in line. Our schools have specific times in which the kids are allowed to enter the building. Most drivers end up getting there early and wait in line for the doors to open.

Do bus drivers get paid by the hour, by the mile, or some other way? Does it depend on the company or district.

Asked by Stan over 5 years ago

It depends on the district and the company. Most districts/companies are moving away from mileage and going towards a flat hourly pay scale for drivers. This reduces paperwork and allows for better flexibility in pay increases. That way a driver who has only been there 5 years isn't making more than a driver that's been there 15.

Did you drive today

Asked by Ndndnddb about 5 years ago

No, today is Sunday. Lol

Can a bus driver slap the stupid out of a kid?

Asked by Honnie over 5 years ago

We wish we could but we can't.

Why do you not like unions very much?

Asked by Rosemary over 5 years ago

Unions have their benefits and disadvantages. It depends on the state you live in as to how well a union would work for you.

Also the administrators and supervisors would see it and if it was too harsh or too nice they could change or toss it out. They could still also make another punishment. It’s more work for them and sometimes they may not even get around to it.

Asked by 933738292 about 5 years ago

See my previous answer.