Career & application guide

Bus Drivers, School

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What do bus drivers, school do?

Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Bus Drive Coordinator
  • Bus Driver Route Coordinator
  • CDL Bus Driver (Commercial Driver's License Bus Driver)
  • Public School Bus Driver
  • School Bus Driver
  • School Van Driver
  • Shuttle Bus Driver
  • SPED Bus Driver (Special Education Bus Driver)

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Comply with traffic regulations to operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner.
  • Follow safety rules as students board and exit buses or cross streets near bus stops.
  • Check the condition of a vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, lights, oil, fuel, water, and safety equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
  • Report any bus malfunctions or needed repairs.
  • Pick up and drop off students at regularly scheduled neighborhood locations, following strict time schedules.
  • Escort small children across roads and highways.
  • Drive gasoline, diesel, or electrically powered multi-passenger vehicles to transport students between neighborhoods, schools, and school activities.
  • Maintain order among students during trips to ensure safety.
  • Maintain knowledge of first-aid procedures.
  • Prepare and submit reports that may include the number of students or trips, hours worked, mileage, or fuel consumption.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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