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What does a Bus Driver do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A bus driver is responsible for transporting passengers to and from destinations. They must adhere to a schedule, drive safely, and help passengers board and exit the bus. Bus drivers may also be responsible for collecting fares and maintaining the cleanliness of the bus.

Bus Driver job duties include:

  • Drive buses or coaches along scheduled routes, making stops to pick up or drop off passengers
  • Check fares and collect tickets or payments from passengers
  • Help passengers with luggage, giving directions, and other information as needed
  • Keep track of the number of passengers on the bus and make sure that no more than the legal number are carried
  • Make announcements at stops, such as the destination and estimated arrival time
  • Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic patterns
  • Inspect the bus before each trip for cleanliness and mechanical problems and report any issues to a supervisor
  • Maintain a log of mileage, fuel usage, and any incidents that occur during the shift
  • Complete pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections

Bus Driver Job Requirements

Most school bus drivers have at least a high school diploma, although some states require commercial drivers to have a special license. Many school districts require their bus drivers to complete a training course before they are allowed to transport students. Some school districts also require their bus drivers to have experience driving a bus.

Bus Driver Skills

  • Time management
  • Being able to drive a bus
  • Knowing the routes
  • Good vision
  • Good hearing
  • Coordination
  • Physical fitness
  • Customer service skills
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Flexibility

Related: Top Bus Driver Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Bus Driver

A bus driver is a person who drives a bus. Buses are large vehicles that can carry many passengers. They are often used to transport people to and from school or work, or to take them on trips.

To become a bus driver, you will need to have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record. You will also need to be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some bus companies may require you to have a commercial driver's license (CDL), but this is not always necessary.

If you meet all of the requirements, you can apply for a job with a bus company. Once you are hired, you will need to complete a training program. This program will teach you how to drive a bus and how to safely transport passengers.

After you complete the training program, you will be ready to start your new career as a bus driver!

Related: Bus Driver Resume Example

Related: Bus Driver Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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