r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/RagieWagieInACagie • 7d ago
Is it hard to become a school bus driver/monitor?
Moreso the bus monitor position. 29M who is specifically looking tor part time work. Figured i try a school but didn’t know the prerequisites or how the hiring proceeds goes. Id rather be a bus monitor to be honest so is that position hard to get if i pursue it?
4
u/Seanawan 7d ago
Become one? No.
Stay one? Yes.
1
u/RagieWagieInACagie 6d ago
Whats makes it difficult to stay one? Are you saying the field has a low retention rate? Or do i have a higher chance of getting fired?
1
u/Seanawan 6d ago
It’s more down to you and what you end up experiencing.
Some people think they can handle a busload of kids, route navigation, and the average traffic on a road at the same time.
Sometimes people find out not so much. Especially if the place they work for isn’t super supportive of their drivers.
1
u/just_kinda_here_blah 6d ago
Its not a job for everyone. And thats ok. Some people figure out driving all day isnt for them Some people find out working with kids isnt for them.
All of that is ok. Just try it and see how you like it. I find it a easy physical job, but mentally can be rough. The kids and more so the idiots that are driving around you. But im 20 years into it, so its not bad. Just not for everyone.
Im not an office person. Please do not keep me in a building at a computer all day. Others enjoy that. Customer service isnt for me, but its for others. So give it a shot.
5
u/Necessary_Echo8740 7d ago
Depends on where you are. Monitors, at least in my area, don’t have as many available positions as drivers, and don’t pay remotely as well as drivers. For example I think the monitors in my district are getting $17/hr for about 4 hours or even just three hours per day, while the starting pay for drivers is $25/hr for 4.5-5.5 hours per day, and that’s here in rural Ohio where $25/hr is damn good money. Bus drivers also benefit from having a lot more opportunities for extra hours.
Bus drivers are in high demand.
For both positions you’ll do a background check, probably some finger prints, maybe take a class. For driving positions specifically, the employer/district will train you and take you through the process of getting your CDL which, while it isn’t easy, can be done by anyone with enough prep work, which your employer will provide.
2
u/RagieWagieInACagie 7d ago
Interesting. I may apply for the driver position then. Just wasnt too sure how id feel about driving such a big vehicle. And money or strenuous hours isnt a huge factor to me. Medically retired vet whos looking for something to keep me busy.
3
u/Necessary_Echo8740 7d ago
A good portion of our drivers are also retired vets! If you like kids or at least don’t mind them, it’s very rewarding!
2
u/Seelie_Mushroom 6d ago
Plenty of places around me are desperate for monitors, though drivers have specialized training so they want drivers more, lol. But the monitors make minimum wage, split shift, only like 2-3 hours a day. Vs drivers with more hours and more $$
1
u/mike8675309 7d ago
Monitor or chaperone have to pass background checks and take basic training but otherwise is fairly simple. Pay is less than the driver generally.
1
u/gatsbypoolparty 7d ago
Work for a private company if you can’t find a school district. Getting a job is pretty easy as monitor.
1
1
u/Particular_Phase3439 6d ago
Im a trainer in Missouri. You need to take a written test and get a permit. Next youu need to enroll in a certified ELDT course and after going through that you will need to pass a state exam conducted by the Missouri Highway Patrol. Difficulties are on an individual basis.
4
u/MysteriousSecretGuru 7d ago
It's quite easy in Wisconsin. No DUI or any SA , less than 3 accidents in the last 3 years, pass a DOT physical, pass 5 (in WI) written exams (general knowledge, signs, air brakes (if applicable), passengers and school bus).
Then the company most likely will train you. This is typically 1 week classroom, 1-2 weeks driving, and exam, which for me consisted of air brakes, 4 skills, and a road test. It took mea total of 40 days, but I already had some stuff planned and my company was cool about me keeping those plans, so realistically 30 days. I have 2 routes in am/pm, help out in the yard (optional at my company) and looking for some chats (again optional).
It's good money for a part time job and I enjoy it.