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

I can’t remember for sure does the “Jake Break” slow you down to 15 or 5 mph or something else? Does it depend on the make and model?

Asked by Davi over 6 years ago

This is more of a semi truck driver question than a bus driver question. On most buses it is fairly common to have automatic transmissions and air brakes. We do not have a jake brake system that allows the vehicle to slow rapidly. I don't know about older model buses.

My sister starts training classes Monday for bus driver. When will she be drug tested? Before driving a bus or randomly? She takes Loracets that are prescribed.

Asked by beasleyguy08@gmail.com over 6 years ago

Drug testing happens at random and will usually happen at the pre employment physical. As long as she is prescribed these and her doctor can clear her to drive it should not affect her ability to get cleared to drive a bus.

This is a comment so feel free to delete it. I think it is fine but
I know there are mixed feelings and I just wanted some feed back. Thank you! I do think around 80 is when I would see some concern though. Thanks for answering my question.Imeantwel

Asked by Dr.Pepper is the best drink over 6 years ago

Fair enough. We do have to go through yearly physicals and pass those before we are allowed to drive. What gets me is that people are allowed to drive those ginormous campers without training.

Why do we have a new driver every year and almost every year except last year one of /the drivers left mid year one left after two weeks and we had subs all year?

Asked by Dan over 6 years ago

There is a bus driver shortage everywhere. We aren't paid enough to make it worth our time most days so when an opportunity comes along to make more money we jump on it. This, unfortunately, disrupts students and puts extra strain on other drivers who have to absorb the extra kids.

Why is federal regulations restrict buses to 55mph? I feel this can put buses in danger where the speed limt is 85 and people are flying 100.

Asked by Old man Jenkins over 6 years ago

Think of it this way, would you want a vehicle full of 60 children speeding down an interstate at over 60 mph? The risk of injury is lower the lower the speed of the vehicle. Truthfully, I wish we could speed up a bit more on highways, but it is for student safety.

Have you ever had bodily fluids on you?

Asked by Jim over 6 years ago

Yes. Its disgusting.

What is the number one reason a bus driver gets fired? Humor me

Asked by DJ over 6 years ago

Probably child neglect by leaving children sleeping on buses unattended would be an immediate fireable offense.