Bus drivers work in an environment that requires taking on a great deal of responsibility as they are accountable for their vehicles as well as for the passengers on board. The job is often quite routine in nature, but changes and emergencies are common. Therefore, working as a bus driver can be very stressful and involves spending a great deal of time driving and interacting with passengers.
Most bus drivers work variable shifts, but they generally have most federal holidays off. In addition, the job offers many opportunities for interacting with other people. Promotion within the field often involves being given greater responsibilities or taking on more difficult or longer routes, which may lead to working more hours and greater pay.
Educational Requirements for Bus Drivers
Most employers prefer to hire bus drivers that are at least high school graduates. In addition, most employers require their bus drivers to complete a written test in order to show that they have the ability to follow bus schedules and meet other criteria that are specific to the job.
Experience is often the main requirement for employment in a bus driver career. Public transit systems in particular look for drivers that have years of experience. Many bus companies also give employees two to eight weeks of classroom and driving instruction before allowing them to get behind the wheel. Instruction in these courses often focuses on rules, safety regulations, and safe driving practices. Reading schedules, figuring out fares, keeping records, and greeting and dealing with a variety of passengers and situations are additional fields often covered in such classes.
Those wishing to work as school bus drivers generally receive a few weeks of driving instruction as well as classroom training covering state laws, local laws, regulations, policies, safe driving practices, dealing with students, first aid, emergency evacuation procedures, and needs of disabled and distressed students. All drivers must also drive on established driving courses and practice maneuvers while driving through many different potential situations.
The qualifications for becoming a bus driver can be quite different depending on the job and geographic location of employment as the regulations and standards are established by state and federal laws.
To get a commercial driver's license, a person must pass a test based on knowledge of rules and regulations and take a driving test. A license cannot be issued to anyone who has had a license suspended or revoked in another state. In particular, a bus driver must be able to speak and read English fluently and be able to easily recognize road signs.
