We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Federal relief could mean that school bus contractors and their drivers will get paid. The CARES Act did stipulate that schools and contractors, to include pupil transporters and drivers, would be covered. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Having the ability to make the children feel comfortable is just as important as knowing how to drive the bus. Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry. School Bus Driver - $23.83 per hour School Bus Attendant - $16.85 per hour Transportation Van Driver - $17.79 per hour View our salary scales Drivers are eligible for annual step increases plus market scale adjustments based upon School Board approval. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. These are supplemental funds for the drivers. Drivers who have been in the hot seat long enough to earn seniority can earn more money, but there are other perks. The CHP convenes a panel of specified members to advise the CHP when drafting regulations affecting school pupil transportation buses and school pupil transportation operations. Related: School Transportation Veteran to Newspaper: Bus Driver Pay a Factor in Shortage. There are also several options to pick up extra hours while simultaneously benefiting from the schools employment perks. After at least 2 weeks with your CLP, sign up for the CDL skills test. However, the basics are the same, though you may need to learn to shift if youve never driven a standard before. Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. Needs someone to be at house when Rachele gets off bus in front of house at 2:30pm, son, Rock, gets off bus at 4:40pm approx. Average Metroline Bus Driver yearly pay in London, England is approximately 27,741, which is 15% above the national average. Ive compiled many ideas and points of view on this issue from other school bus drivers, trainers, and some route supervisors or managers from across the country coupled with my own experience. Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by thealfa, Oct 3, 2014. mx. While you have your CLP, practice all of the maneuvers and activities youll have to perform on the skills tests. While that could be changing soon, no pay has caused hardship and anxiety in towns like Watertown, Connecticut, and Freeport on New Yorks Long Island, where school buses are operated by contractors. Each state governor will then distribute the funds. Do school bus drivers get paid in the summer? At this time, webinar training will not only be safer than a classroom setting but also be less costly [than] travel costs and hotel for school divisions, as budgets may be strained due to the virus.. Coronavirus Pay: What About the School Bus Drivers? It was great! If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. NFTA Bus Driver, Salary estimation for School Bus Driver at companies like : The rest of the sections are for CHP use only. comments on FAQ: How Much Do School Bus Drivers Get Paid? To better understand their duties, Mental Floss asked several school bus drivers about their experiences on and off the road. mp. The following op-ed was initially posted on School Bus Fleet in January 2015. In this month's issue, our cover story dives into the details of using student rider data to accurately track Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal 2022 School Transportation News. If you pass, you just need to complete any state-specific requirements, like a criminal background check or a drug test. The base salary for School Bus Driver ranges from $29,831 to $45,033 with the average base salary of $36,952. As kids get older, their on-bus behavior can start to become a distraction. Background. CT transit bus driver injured in collision with tractor-trailer in West Hartford Hartford's top paid public school administrators oversee 16,827 students. See user submitted job responsibilities for School Bus Driver. I was interested in learning how, and this really helps.". The American School Bus Council (ASBC) calls it compartmentalization, the term for the kind of high-backed and padded seating arrangement that can distribute energy in the event of a crash. Not if you have another job Answered September 18, 2017 - School Bus Driver (Current Employee) - Rochester, NY Yes they do. Bus Drivers in the Los Angeles Unified School District make $51,000 per year, or $25 per hour, which is 58 percent more than the national average of $28,000 per year for all Bus Drivers and 26 percent less than the national average wage for all working Americans. One method of accomplishing this is by paying individuals less money. Many school divisions are delivering food in school buses along their normal routes. Recently searched related titles: They also have options to drive for sports teams, summer camps or church groups. Skills associated with School Bus Driver: Honking the horn for students, allowing things brought on the bus that aren't allowed [are examples], she says. The tests must however be passed before your CPL expires. Since the hours are so irregular, it is hard to get another part-time job. Our driver training programme is part of a Level 2 Passenger Transport Driver Bus apprenticeship programme. In the meantime, many are putting their drivers to work in unconventional ways. This could be part of the beginning of the end, as New York Gov. This practical examination satisfies requirements for the CHP Special Driver Certificate and the CLASS B commercial driver license. The main reason people are bailing out of this job faster rests squarely on the shoulders of upper management or administration of bus companies and school systems. Answer: It depends on the company. Upvote. Theres a reason that great school bus drivers are difficult to find and keep: driving a school bus requires more than just driving skill and patience. Rockingham County Public Schools will continue to pay bus drivers despite their being unable to work because of the coronavirus outbreak. wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. The average salary for a bus driver is 14.94 per hour in London. The manual may be purchased at any American Red Cross online bookstore for a nominal fee, or other bookstores in your area. She looked quite scared and cried the entire trip home, despite her friends efforts to console her. Experienced drivers may be able to negotiate for higher pay. Although to-and-from bus services are not being provided, the governor expects that parties work collaboratively to determine how to most effectively utilize paid staff during the closure, said Epstein. In what amount do school bus driver jobs pay on a weekly basis? Palmer Bus Service has a wonderful opportunity for you to be a School Bus driver with paid training and continued support with a company that treats each employee with dignity and as an individual. DOT Regulations, Safety Procedures, Vehicle Safety Checks, Transport Passengers, Recently searched related titles: Not the job you're looking for? 5+ Years, Please select ALL of your current, valid drivers licenses. I Need CDL Training Your initial licence acquisition training will last approximately 7-8 weeks. School Bus Monitor, School Bus Attendant, Recently searched companies with related titles : Driving for long hours can lead to health issues in drivers. Its not about the money for them, which is why theyre only paid $10 an hour. Obtain a commercial learners permit with a (S) School Bus and/or (P) Passenger endorsement (DMV), or Class B commercial drivers license with (P) endorsement for General Public Paratransit Vehicle and Farm Labor Vehicle. How long does it take to become a bus driver? Learn more Driving a School Bus can be a very rewarding job! Contact your local CHP office for additional information. (Perfect answer) . This means you'll be tested for your CDL with P and S endorsements all at once. The criteria for this examination are based on all chapters of the 2014 American Red Cross, First Aid/CPR/AED Participants Manual (Item #656756). Many states require CDL holders to have fewer than four points on their licenses. If drivers can find summer work, its hourly part-time positions with very low wages. In fact, bus drivers are the most highly trained, tested and scrutinized drivers on the road, ensuring students are picked up and arrive at school on time, and return home safely every school day. The states and districts that pay Bus Drivers the highest mean salary are New York ($62,060), Washington ($57,880), Alaska ($55,550), Massachusetts ($54,720), and California ($51,700). Each knowledge test consists of at least 30 questions covering 20 general areas outlined in the federal CDL regulations. Yes, you will have a Class B CDL after the training, but if you have been out of work and have no money, it is going to be a while before you get a check for this job. The job requires a unique skill set, and its not as easy as youd think. Before you obtain a CDL, you will have to possess a CPL for a minimum of 2 weeks. ** - Depending upon your specific route, you could work . While that eats up more time than one might think, drivers who live close to the bus garage can drop off their wheels and do whatever they like for a good portion of the day. Here are some perks of being a school bus driver at Petermann: - Drive Today. Driving a bus is not that much more complicated than driving a car. Search more salaries here: Understanding The Salary Benchmarking Process, School Bus Driver Salaries with No Diploma, School Bus Driver Salaries with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate, School Bus Driver Salaries with an Associate's Degree, School Bus Driver Salaries with a Bachelor's Degree, School Bus Driver Salaries with a Master's Degree or MBA, School Bus Driver Salaries with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent, Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions. On average, the district is distributing over 2,500 meals daily. The pre-trip inspection portion of your skills test will evaluate your ability to correctly point out and evaluate monitoring and warning devices, accurately assess brake system condition and evaluate low pressure warnings, and run an operational check of all required alarms and emergency devices. Driver will be responsible for a daily route with opportunities for additional driving during breaks and summer. To help curb tiny trouble, drivers can plan seat assignments that offer a better chance of cooperation. Kim Morrison You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly on both the general and endorsement tests to pass. We drive for private companies that lease the service to the school boards. But things are looking up. "During the summer," Mike says, "you don't get paid." What is the best part of being a school bus driver? In other states, additional training is required after youve passed the state skills tests for your CDL with P and S endorsements. Related questions: Does the registrar get good pay? Within other Virginia districts, the individual schools decide if drivers would be used to deliver meals. The following is a list of school bus driver requirements: Must have a commercial driver's license (CDL) Must be able to speak, read, and understand English. First Aid Examination: As part of the certification process, school bus and youth bus driver applicants must pass a first aid examination. The compliance date of the ELDT is February 7, 2020 (see below for proposed ELDT partial extension of compliance date). Since the hours are so irregular, it is hard to get another part-time job. It was more important for little Sally to have the right side and lean on her window than for her to be seated safely and facing forward.. By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit Business Medias Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Upvote 3 Downvote Answered August 30, 2017 - Bus Driver/Monitor (Current Employee) - Euclid, OH Only three holiday pay. Obtain a Special Driver Certificate from the CHP. Under urban areas, bus drivers work in demanding, stressful, and unpleasant conditions, with greater rates of mortality and illness as well as absenteeism and turnover than in other parts of the country. In some states youll receive your CDL right then, while others mail it to you. The Full Service Center-Based Chi To register your driver(s), click the registration link to the far right of the class information and you will be routed to the class enrollment form. 1. I've seen actual cash change hands., Once every kid has de-boarded, drivers usually have to walk the length of the bus to make sure there are no stragglers. Do school bus drivers get paid in the summer? Completion of behind-the-wheel training (CDE/School District). By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below, I represent that I: By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below. Full-Time Bus Driver, Part-Time Schedule "Arris" has been a full-time bus driver for the Cape Cod collaborative since September 2009, generally working 45 hours per week, with one shift in the morning and one in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. School bus drivers typically get paid by the hour. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. I got done around 9 a.m. and didnt have to be back to work until 1:30, says Mike, a retired driver in Central New York. 2020 Notice Register Number 14-Z, April 3, 2020 (ca.gov). Most drivers do one of the following during the summer: Drive Summer School or Charter Routes. Bookmark +, Why do school bus drivers quit? They may also transport students, teachers and staff members to special events beyond their normal route, such as athletic events and field trips. Without your consent employers will not be able to contact with job offers, would you like to opt-in now? The most stressful [thing] was other drivers being reckless while students are loading or unloading, Cindy says. 2. She commented that New Jersey also introduced legislation requiring school districts that have closed its schools for longer than three days due to health-related reasons to continue to make payments for employee benefits and compensation, pursuant to the terms of a contract with a contracted service provider. Daytime activities include field excursions (you remember those, dont you?) Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. When parents are shocked that a school bus driver does care, is this not a clear indication that our public school systems are failing on some level? School bus drivers make $37,607 per year on average, or $18.08 per hour, in the United States. The secure and easy all-access connection to your content. Must have at least 20/40 vision and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. 5:30pm. If you love kids, a career as a bus driver could be very rewarding. Some states charge a combined fee for the written tests and the CLP. A school bus driver transports students from home to school and school to home safely. Seating arrangement is really left up to the driver, says Cindy, a former driver in Tennessee. We work a split shift, so there is a limited number of hours we can get. We do the same thing in the afternoon, just in reverse order. Some states or school districts may have training courses specifically for school bus driver candidates. This page must be signed and dated in the presence of the CHP school bus officer or coordinator. To drive a school bus in the U.S., you must have a commercial drivers license (CDL) with endorsements for driving a passenger vehicle (P) and driving a school bus (S). We are constantly brainstorming more ways to meet our communities needs.. Before taking my tests for CDL, do I have to have first aid training? Virginia Department of Education certifies and recertifies school division school bus driver trainers, said Pyle. Sounds breezy, but Mike and most other drivers are paid by the number of hours worked. You can speak to a principal and ask him or her to report the driver. Commercial drivers cannot use amphetamines, narcotics or other habit-forming drugs, with or without a prescription. Once youve passed the skills test, take all of your documentation to your drivers license office and pay the required fee. School board member Julie Henn said the district is looking to improve driver compensation and working conditions. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $29,831 to $45,033 with the average total cash compensation of $36,952. Several School Bus Drivers also transport students and teachers on field trips or to sporting events. We have also used our buses to deliver instructional work packets to our elementary level students. ", "I needed to know some things about bus driving. Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity. You must be at least 18 years old to get a CDL, but in some states you must be at least 21 years old to drive a school bus. Rehab Specialist, Paratransit Bus Driver, Parts Consultant, Patrol Officer, Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic. You might be interested: Question: How Much Is The Bus In Seattle? In-Person Meeting, in conjunction with CASTO Managers ForumWhen: Friday, October 21, 2022Where: Delta by Marriott Garden Grove/AnaheimAddress:12021 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840Phone:(714) 867-5555See CASTO website for more information on the 2022 Managers Forum:California Association of School Transportation Officials - Home (castoways.org), American Academy of Pediatrics Member/RepresentativeRural School District RepresentativeSchool Pupil Transportation Operations other than School Bus Representative. Like running my stop sign, which resulted in at least one close call., Drivers are usually tasked with clean-up duty at the end of the day, finding everything from food to textbooks to things that are best left unmentioned. Drivers are able to take routes for summer school. As of May 25, 2021, the average weekly pay for a School Bus Driver in the United States is $652 a week. Depending on the contractor, we are paid hourly, daily, or on a salaried weekly basis. Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices! Your state drivers license office will check your driving record for the past 10 years, including every state in which youve had a license. 2 Years With schools closed nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some school bus drivers are getting paid, while others are notfor now. The states and districts that pay Bus Drivers the highest mean salary are New York ($62,060), Washington ($57,880), Alaska ($55,550), Massachusetts ($54,720), and California ($51,700). Please select the number of verifiable months youve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years. Sometimes we ignore how important safety is for own kids to ride a bus, "I am looking to possibly become a school bus driver, and this page gave me a good idea of what is going to happen. Good Paying Job. School Bus Drivers operate **Monday - Friday**, from September until the end of June, that's right, **summers off. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Must be reviewed with the CHP school bus officer or coordinator prior to the applicant signing the document, and must be signed in the presence of the CHP school bus officer or coordinator. In fact, about half of school bus drivers in New York state have not been getting paid during the pandemic, according to Nichole Epstein, a spokesperson for the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA). A lot of our drivers start out as parents with preschool age children that they can take on the school bus with them. School districts across the country are struggling to fill vital school bus driver positions. All rights reserved. CHP 295, Special Certificate Application(PDF)CHP 295J - Applicant/Carrier Document Checklist (PDF)CHP 296 - Application for School Bus Contractor's License (PDF)CHP 296A - How to Obtain or Renew a School Bus Contractor's License (PDF). I drive in an area where the school bus service has been privatised for at least 50 years. Then scroll down and click on School Bus Driver First Aid Training Programs. Areas tested include procedures for inspection and repair, safe vehicle operations, safety control systems such as lights and horns, vehicle control such as shifting, backing, and skid control, and basic vehicle control and safe driving skills. 3 Years To create this article, 21 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. As such, the CHP works to promote safe driving practices through a combination of partnership, public education, and enforcement efforts. With cheaper initial maintenance expenses and a longer service life out of each vehicle, the additional investment may prove to be well worth the cost. Job with a good salary. In addition to having fewer students on board, those drivers usually benefit from having a bus monitor riding along to ensure cooperation without having to take their eyes off the road. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Get-a-School-Bus-Driver%27s-License-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-a-School-Bus-Driver%27s-License-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Get-a-School-Bus-Driver%27s-License-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1146271-v4-728px-Get-a-School-Bus-Driver%27s-License-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"