Bus Drivers, School

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-3051
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Regulate heating, lighting, and ventilation systems for student comfort.
• Report delinquent student behaviors to school administration.
• Escort small children across roads and highways.
• Make minor repairs to vehicles.
• 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.
• 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.
• Prepare and submit reports that may include the number of students or trips, hours worked, mileage, or fuel consumption.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Windows, AOL MapQuest, Barcode scanners, Bus warning lights, Cell phones, Digital surveillance camera systems, Emergency exit doors, Emergency first-aid kits, Global positioning system GPS receivers, On-board data input terminals, Passenger buses, Portable fire extinguishers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• School Bus Monitors
• Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
• Taxi Drivers
• Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
• Subway and Streetcar Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Light Truck Drivers
• Crossing Guards and Flaggers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Bus Drivers, School — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.