32 School Bus Driver Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our School Bus Driver interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Is there anything you would like to add about yourself that you feel we should know when considering you for this position?
How to Answer
Yes! Even if you have shared every positive strength you can think of, now you have the opportunity to solidify that you are the best candidate for this position. If someone asked for one reason why they should hire you, what is the most important aspect you think you would address? As a bus driver, safety is of utmost importance. What qualities or experience do you have that will help ensure the safety of everyone on the bus? Your reliability and proactive attitude will make you great at preventing and handling difficult situations. What other qualities would you share about yourself?
2. What types of defensive driving techniques do you use?
How to Answer
Share what you have learned as a driver that will help you be safer on the road. It's not only the kids in the back seat you need to worry about, but there's also a highway full of vehicles who could swerve, stop or breakdown at any moment. Your ability to scan the surroundings and stay calm will be key! Explain how you are able to perceive potential threats before they occur. How do you avoid accidents? How do you respond if someone starts to walk across the street without seeing you coming?
3. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
What sets you apart from the other candidates? How do you go above and beyond at work? Think of some of your strengths that help you to handle noisy children and stay focused while driving the school bus. You set the standard for the behavior for the kids, but sometimes they are unruly and wild! How will you deal with these situations? Here is one way to approach this question:
"I have worked with kids and know what to expect. Driving a bus is a great responsibility, and I am good at staying alert and paying attention. I make sure my kids understand the rules and I let them know when they crossed the line. I am firm, but I have a good attitude and take pride in my work."
Answer Example
"I have worked with kids and know what to expect. Driving a bus is a great responsibility, and I am good at staying alert and paying attention. I make sure my kids understand the rules and I let them know when they crossed the line. I am firm, but I have a good attitude and take pride in my work."
4. Is there anything we should be aware of that may come up on your criminal background check?
How to Answer
Be sure to know what will show up on your criminal background check before you go to your interview. Some places will check before they schedule you, and others will check afterwards. The best thing to do is be honest. Explain any discrepancies that could come up, even if they seem minor or irrelevant for the job. They will be much more willing to work with you if you are straight forward than if you try to hide something. This is an opportunity to build trust and show you are honest and direct.
5. If I were to ask your previous employer, about how many days you missed, what would he or she say?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer how many days of work you missed in the past year. Keep in mind that taking a vacation day does not count for this question, so there is no need to share these days when answering the question.
Missed only a couple of days? No problem! We are all human, and sometimes we need to miss work due to our own illness or the illness of our children or family members. Simply tell the interviewer that you missed only a couple of days, and your previous employer would say you are very dependable.
Missed a week or more? You should be honest during the interview, and tell the interviewer how many days you missed. Hopefully, you missed them for good reason such as having surgery, a spouse having a baby, or being with a loved one during their final days. If this is the case, share the information! It provides reputable data for why you missed a significant number of days and will not hinder you from being considered for the role.
6. If an older student kicks a younger student out of a seat, how would you handle this situation?
How to Answer
How will you handle bullying? Are you willing to step in if you notice bad behavior among students? You have an opportunity to make an impact, sticking up for the little guy and protecting kids from rude perpetrators.
Answer Example
"The well-being of my students is of utmost importance to me. I am willing to enforce discipline and stop the bus if I have to."
7. Are you experienced in using a CB radio to communicate with the school and other bus drivers?
How to Answer
Communication is important when you are transporting children from athletic activities to school and back home again. You will need to follow your route and communicate with other drivers as well as your supervisor. If you are running late or waiting on a child or event to finish, you will need to let other drivers know. If you're not familiar with using radios, explain that you are a fast learner and willing to do what it takes to stay in communication. If you have experience, talk about how you have used CB radios in your previous roles and how it helped prevent communication issues.
8. Do you have any driver certifications?
How to Answer
If you have your chauffeur's license or your commercial driver's license (CDL) explain how recently you completed training and for how long you have held these certifications. Depending upon the school, you may only be required to have your high school diploma or GED. It's possible to obtain these licenses if they are required. Check with your school before the interview to find out about any of these requirements so that you can take care be prepared and schedule any driver courses you may need.
9. Why do you want to be a school bus driver?
How to Answer
Are you looking to make some extra cash? Are you looking for part-time or full-time work? Before any interview it's important to be clear on what you're looking for and why you're applying for the job. Even if you really just need to make some extra money on the side, express intentions that show your interest in the job and your ability to make an impact on a child's life. Although bus driving can be temporary and part-time, tell the interviewer what you're looking for and how you feel this job will lend itself to your goals. You may be interested in driving for the public bus system or becoming a truck driver. You may have a passion for kids and be in the middle of completing your teacher certification. Be clear and concise in your answer.
10. How do you make sure scheduled stops are on time?
How to Answer
"I manage my time well and I'm always watching the clock. I set timers to match the schedule so that I can be sure to arrive and leave on time."
What do you do to manage your time? What tools have helped you be effective with meeting deadlines and following schedules?
Answer Example
"I manage my time well and I'm always watching the clock. I set timers to match the schedule so that I can be sure to arrive and leave on time."
11. Are you willing to work as a substitute driver in all areas of the district?
How to Answer
Share your availability and what you are looking for when it comes to scheduling and hours. You may have a limited time table, or you might be looking for as many hours as possible. Let the interviewer know what you are able to offer and make sure to express interest in helping out as much as you are able!
12. Are you available to work extra shifts, like sporting events and field trips?
How to Answer
If you have availability into the evenings and weekends, let the interviewer know. It's always helpful to give them an idea of your schedule and any extra times that you might be able to assist. If you feel pressured to work times you know you're not available, be careful not to say "yes." It's always important to only taken on what you know you can do. If you change your mind or if your schedule opens up, you can always add more shifts. If you're interested in assisting with taking the volleyball team to tournaments or driving the second grade class to the zoo, let them know.
Answer Example
"yes."
13. How do you plan to adapt to many different bus routes?
How to Answer
Sense of direction will be key for you as you navigate through neighborhoods and new parts of town. Using GPS will only take you so far if you don't know how to read a map! Talk about your driving experience, professional or personal if you are new to this career. Share knowledge of the city and your adaptability to switch gears if you need to take an unfamiliar or change in your usual route.
14. You have entered a busy intersection and a passenger vehicle cuts in front of you. What would be your response?
How to Answer
Stay calm! You never know when someone will cut you off in traffic. Driving a bus full of screaming children, you will need to be able to cope with these types of situations. Whether you are stuck in traffic or you are dealing with issues on the bus, you will need to remain calm. Explain how you have handled these situations in the past and how you are committed to safety in all situations.
15. A person you do not know comes to your bus to pick up a kindergarten student. The student does not seem to know them. What would you do?
How to Answer
Think of yourself as a chaperone, a driver who has their students' best interests in mind. You could someday save a child's life by protecting them from predators! The interviewer wants to see how you would react in this type of situation, because it's possible to occur. You can respond by saying, "I would first talk with the person to verify if they in fact were the child's guardian. If they cannot prove so, I would contact the police and do my best to keep the child and others on the bus safe."
Answer Example
"I would first talk with the person to verify if they in fact were the child's guardian. If they cannot prove so, I would contact the police and do my best to keep the child and others on the bus safe."
16. In the event of a serious accident, what procedure would you follow?
How to Answer
Some schools may provide driver safety training, while others may not. To be sure you have a basic understanding of the procedures to follow in emergency situations, you may want to do some research online before your interview. There are free trainings and videos that review some of the basics, like school violence, emergency planning and bus supervision issues. Be sure to express that the children are a priority, and you will check to make sure everyone is okay before dialing 9-11.
17. Tell me about your driving experience.
How to Answer
If you have been driving kids to and from school as a part of your babysitting job, share your experience! If you have a clean driving record and are well-versed in defensive driving techniques, share what you know! How do you maneuver through traffic without getting frustrated? How do you deal with noisy children in the backseat?
18. What are some skills that make you a better school bus driver?
How to Answer
How do you handle conflict between children? Are you slow to react and patient while sitting in traffic? Think of some situations you might encounter on the road to pick up students and take them to school. What could possibly go wrong? You always need to be on alert. Even though you have that stop sign out while kids exit the bus, you know that cars may still speed past you. How will you ensure the safety of the children? Skills like attention to detail, patience, focus, and ability to deal with unexpected circumstances are all helpful and will make you an excellent bus driver.
19. How do you handle conflict?
How to Answer
With so many kids busy causing a ruckus on your school bus, it's likely you may need to converse with teachers or parents. When there is a behavioral issue, like a kid who is always picking fights or making fun of other children, you may need to initiate a conversation. Show that you take a calm approach. How do you deal with conflict among students compared to adults?
20. A student changes seats several times. You have asked him to sit still without success. What would be your response?
How to Answer
Discipline will always be tricky, no matter the age of the child or the situation. You have limited interaction with the kids, and most of the time your attention is more focused on the road than their behaviors. How will you handle these tasks? To answer the question, share what you would say if a child disrespects you.
"If I was driving the bus, I might raise my voice and let them know the consequences if they did not sit down. If the bus was stopped, I would direct the child to a seat in the front of the bus where I could see them."
Answer Example
"If I was driving the bus, I might raise my voice and let them know the consequences if they did not sit down. If the bus was stopped, I would direct the child to a seat in the front of the bus where I could see them."
21. How would you handle a situation on your bus in which a student attempted to or did physically harm you or another student?
How to Answer
Are you experienced in preventing and managing violent incidents? Use your knowledge of behavioral management. How do you react in this type of emergency?
"My immediate response would be to protect myself or the child who was being threatened. If there was a weapon involved I would use force if necessary to remove the weapon from the student. I am not trained in law enforcement, but I am good at acting quickly and taking precautions to protect my students."
You will not be expected to have the perfect expert-level response to a complicated situation like this, but you will be expected to know how to act quickly and follow emergency procedures. If you're not sure what that would look like, be honest. Let them know you are willing to learn what it would take to handle violent situations.
Answer Example
"My immediate response would be to protect myself or the child who was being threatened. If there was a weapon involved I would use force if necessary to remove the weapon from the student. I am not trained in law enforcement, but I am good at acting quickly and taking precautions to protect my students."
22. If I were to ask your previous employer about how many days you missed over the last year, what would he say?
How to Answer
How dependable are you? The proof is in the pudding! If you have missed more days of work than you can remember, you may have some explaining to do. It's possible that the interviewer may ask your previous employer the same question, so you will need to be honest. Keep in mind that taking a vacation day does not count against you, so there is no need to share those days. Missed only a couple of days? No problem! Taking sick days due to the flu or something more severe is understandable. Missed a week or more? Give a clear explanation, whether it be due to the birth of a child, death in the family or a surgery. Show that you are dependable in how you handled the situation responsibly, informing your employer ahead of time whenever possible.
23. Driving a school bus requires arriving at the bus depot at 6 AM. Will this work for you?
How to Answer
If you are asked to be somewhere at specific time during an interview, take a moment to think about your schedule and be realistic. If you already know that arriving early to the bus depot is one of the job requirements, then be even more sure that it's something you can promise when you arrive to the interview. It's never helpful to commit to doing something you already know you are unable to do. If you're not a morning person, maybe you could find out if there are later shifts available. Be honest and only commit to showing up when you know you can deliver!
24. Tell me about your experience operating a large vehicle.
How to Answer
Explain any knowledge you have about driving large trucks or buses. Before the interview, find out if any formal previous driving experience is required. If you have completed any training, share your experience. How will this help you to be more cautious and aware as a driver?
25. What would your last employer say about your reliability?
How to Answer
During an interview, it's up to you to prove that you are dependable. Your character and past experience indicate to what extent you can be trusted and relied upon. Examples of your past attendance, teamwork and ability to follow through show the interviewer that you are the type of bus driver they can count on. Your consistent positive attitude and dedication to working hard are other examples you might want to share.
26. What do you think would be the most rewarding aspect of driving a school bus?
How to Answer
"I like that I have a chance to be a role model and make a difference in a child's life. Giving them a safe ride and protecting children from bullies makes me feel good."
Think of the rewards you will experience as a bus driver. You have an opportunity to influence children and keep them safe. What else are you looking forward to in this role?
Answer Example
"I like that I have a chance to be a role model and make a difference in a child's life. Giving them a safe ride and protecting children from bullies makes me feel good."
27. If a fight breaks out while in route to school, how would you handle the situation?
How to Answer
"Depending on the severity, I would probably stop the bus. I don't feel comfortable operating a large vehicle while there could be violence happening in my rear view mirror. I would rather resolve the issue before it escalates. Usually I need to separate the kids, but if I needed to I would discipline them as well."
Give an example that shows you can deal with these types of situations. Your ability to handle conflict between students will greatly improve the quality of life on your bus route and make you an even better driver!
Answer Example
"Depending on the severity, I would probably stop the bus. I don't feel comfortable operating a large vehicle while there could be violence happening in my rear view mirror. I would rather resolve the issue before it escalates. Usually I need to separate the kids, but if I needed to I would discipline them as well."
28. If a kid continues to throw a paper airplane at you while in route to school, how would you handle the situation?
How to Answer
You set the standard as soon as you sit in your seat. You could be the type of driver that allows kids to throw things and get rowdy, or you could be the strict, irritated driver who will not accept any monkey business. Show off your driving style and how you would assert yourself among the students to both make a good impression and establish authority.
29. If a kid throws up, while in route to school, how would you handle the situation?
How to Answer
Pull over! You will need to be well versed in the health codes you can follow and how to instruct other kids to know what to do as well. Explain how you would help the child, depending on the severity of their condition.
30. Tell me about your driver training.
How to Answer
Explain any relevant experience or formal training you have received as a driver. You may have worked as a professional chauffeur or private escort. You have have completed the necessary training for your commercial driver's license. Any relevant training is good to share!
31. How well do you control your temper?
How to Answer
Patience is a virtue, and often very difficult to do. Explain how you are able to keep your cool even when kids are bouncing up and down and fighting each other while you drive over speed bumps through neighborhoods. You may be working in a chaotic environment. Stress management and anger management skills will do you good! Be prepared to discuss how you will handle challenging scenarios, staying calm and having the discretion to know when to take action.