If you love to drive, are skilled behind the wheel and have a penchant for details, then you might want to become a bus driver. Bus drivers are responsible for millions of people each day, transporting them safely from place to place, and it is only a job for those who are serious and able to focus clearly on the task at hand. This page will provide you with information on how to become a bus driver.
Are you naturally skilled and patient behind the wheel, a defensive driver that is also cautious? Do you enjoy driving, even in the height of traffic, and feel comfortable driving others around? If so, you might want to consider a career driving buses. Everyday millions of people travel by bus, and as a bus driver, you will be responsible for getting them places safely and on time. If this is something you believe you can do, then read this guide on how to become a bus driver today!
New Zealand's Friendliest Bus Driver
This video presents the story of a man in New Zealand that is known as the country’s friendliest bus driver. The video shows demonstrates how you can become a skilled and effective driver, even if you must overcome handicap and diversity. This particular bus driver’s positive attitude makes an initial impression, but it is further supplemented with the fact that the man is a double amputee. His handicap, however, does not prevent him from being a safe and effective driver, even going so far as to win bus driving competitions.
Types of Bus Drivers
There are generally two types of bus drivers:
- School bus drivers work within the public school system. They take children of all ages to and from school.
- Transit and innercity bus drivers are those that drive city buses. They may also drive tour buses or Greyhound buses, traveling across the country.
Step 1: Develop Skills
Bus drivers spend their days or evenings driving others around, so you will need to develop certain qualities and skills to make you more proficient at your job. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Being patient
- Paying close attention to detail, including driving conditions such as the weather and traqffic
- Being able to drive defensively, thus avoiding potential collisions and accidents
Step 2: Obtain a License
All bus drivers that operate a bus designed to transport more than 16 people are required to obtain a Commercial Drivers License, also known as a CDL. To begin the process of obtaining one of these, you will first need to consult with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, as some states may have different regulations than others. In general, in order to receive your CDL, you must first pass a written exam establishing your knowledge of the rules and regulations. Then, you will need to pass a skills test as well, which should be performed in the same type of bus you will be operating.
Step 3: Education and Training
All bus drivers should at least have a high school diploma, though some employees may not require it. Usually, when you are hired at a company they will have their own special training courses set up. Some employers may actually have training courses set up to help you prepare for your Commercial driver's license.
Step 4: Additional Requirements
Keep in mind that all states will have varying requirements for bus drivers, although bus drivers in all states must receive their CDL, as well as comply to federal regulations if they will be traveling across state lines. Federal regulations include:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must pass a physical examination every 2 years
- You may not use any controlled substances, and random drugs and alcohol tests may be administered while you are on duty
- Cannot have been convicted of a felong involving drugs or motor vehicles
- Cannot have epilepsy or diabetes if it must be controlled by the use of insulin
Conclusion
Seeking a career as a bus driver is a great opportunity for those that love to be behind the wheel. If you think you have what it takes to succeed, then why not get started today?
