What Makes a Great Bus Driver

Becoming a bus driver requires more than just knowing how to operate and drive the bus. There are many things you need to consider if you want to become one. While your role is to drive a bus, you must also possess certain characteristics for this particular job.

Here are some crucial qualities that all great bus drivers should have:

• Bus Drivers are Patient

Patience is an essential virtue for drivers. It applies especially to bus drivers for a school. Their passengers will likely include young children. Considering how energetic they can be, they can become rowdy, even on the road.

It can be hard to handle this if the driver doesn’t have enough patience. Bus drivers should demonstrate a nearly uncanny amount of self-control to safely ferry children to and from school.

• Bus Drivers Are Personable

Imagine this: You are about to enter a bus for your morning commute only to be greeted by your bus driver’s scowling face. How would that make you feel? For a good number of people, unsafe.

A great bus driver knows that they must be personable and be welcoming to the passengers entering their bus. After all, this might be their passenger’s first social interaction for the day. Not only will this make them feel more comfortable, but this can also encourage them to ride the bus again.

• Bus Drivers Have Great Communication Skills

Possessing communication skills is just as important as the ability to drive. The passengers and their driver need to be able to understand each other, especially when it involves a strict schedule and specific destinations and stops.

This is especially important for a driver for a tour bus. Drivers may need to entertain guests and relay information about sightseeing destinations. For long bus rides, passengers may want to stop at places that may not necessarily be in the itinerary and need to negotiate with the driver. Communication is key when dealing with these scenarios.

• Bus Drivers are Good at Managing Routes

Bus drivers are essential workers who drive passengers to and from specific locations by following certain routes at certain times. Being good at managing these routes allows consistent on-time pick-ups and drop-offs.

• Bus Drivers Are Time-Conscious

Punctuality is another quality for bus drivers. It allows them to go to their scheduled routes throughout the day without disruptions. Being too early means missing the passengers who are still on their way to the bus stop. While being too late means they’re probably looking for other means of transportation.

For rental buses, it’s likely drivers have to follow a schedule set by those who hired them. It’s good customer service to be on time.

For school bus drivers, this extends to returning the bus to its garage or lot at a specific time. Drivers should do this without wandering around or taking too many personal stops. Once it’s after-school hours, it’s time to park the bus.

• Bus Drivers Care About Safety

Bus drivers are responsible for delivering their passengers to their location unharmed. 

A great school bus driver exercises safety precautions, such as making sure that children are sitting on their seats, paying close attention to the road, and sticking to the rules. This means respecting traffic light signals, stopping at railroad crossings, and not over-speeding.

• Bus Drivers Are Calm Under Pressure

A great bus driver also needs to remain calm under pressure. Any driver knows that no matter how skilled they are, they can’t control the actions of the drivers around them. An accident can happen at any time. Being able to deal with it as it happens is critical.

Additionally, drivers should show great discernment to avoid or manage situations. They should know what to do if weather conditions turn ugly, if other drivers are displaying signs of road rage, or if they have an unruly passenger. It’s easy for things to get out of hand, but as long as the driver remains calm, they can address the issue while keeping everyone safe.

• Bus Drivers are Respectful of Others

Essentially, a bus driver’s job description is to drive your passengers to their location and keep them safe. However, you should not just care about them. Be respectful with your colleagues and fellow bus drivers, as well.

If you want to be a school bus driver, then showing your respect should also extend to officials, parents, as well as teachers. By doing this, you are helping to gain their trust, as well as promote harmony between yourself and them.

How to Become a Bus Driver

Driving a car is different from driving a bus. Bus drivers provide transportation to a large number of individuals at one time while ensuring their safety. Because of this, there are strict requirements to become a bus driver.

To drive a bus, an individual needs a bus license. In Ontario, the type of license issued depends on the number of passengers being driven and whether the vehicles is a regular bus or a school bus. 

• Bus License

In Ontario, drivers need a Class C or a Class F license to drive an ambulance or a regular bus. To apply for a regular bus driver’s license, here are the requirements:

• • At least 18 years old
  • Have a valid Ontario license
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a road test with a vehicle meeting Class C or F requirements
  • Pass a knowledge test regarding trucks and school buses (for Class C)
  • Submit a valid medical report

• School Bus License

In Ontario, drivers need a Class B or a Class E license to drive a school bus and need to the following requirements:

• At least 21 years old
• Have a valid Ontario license
• Pass a vision test
• Pass road test with a vehicle meeting Class B or E requirements
• Pass knowledge test regarding trucks and school buses (for Class B)
• Pass a criminal record check
• Have fewer than six demerit points on driving record
• Completed a government-approved School Bus Driver Improvement Course
• Submit a valid medical report

Keeping Buess Safe

Safety is essential on the road. With the COVID-19 pandemic still at large, what precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and bus drivers alike? Do bus drivers wear seat belts and call it a day? 

To mitigate the spread of the disease, officials have encouraged people to keep their distance and follow the recommended protocols. Physical barriers, such as protection shields, keep bus drivers and passengers separate and less likely to infect or become infected. Additionally, these shields can help protect them against harm and any violent incident.

As long as they pass the requirements, anyone can become a bus driver, but it takes more than that to become a great one. If you are thinking of employment as a bus driver, then join our team at Parkinson Coach Lines. 

If you are thinking of hiring a coach bus with reliable bus drivers who will go the extra mile for the safety of their passengers, Parkinson Coach Lines is here for you. Our bus drivers are experienced and well trained and will make your experience on the road as smooth as possible. For inquiries, contact us at (905) 451-4776.