School Bus Driver

Job Title: Bus Driver Exemption Status: Nonexempt- Classified

Reports to: Transportation Supervisor Date Revised: 06/08/2026


Dept./School: Transportation

Primary Purpose:


Operate school bus and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned route and to and from other designated locations.

Qualifications:

Education/Licensure:


Clear and valid Tennessee commercial driver's license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements


Special Knowledge/Skills:


Must be 25 years of age (23 years of age if veteran, national guard or reserves, or licensed teacher employed by LEA)


Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation alcohol and drug tests and annual physical exam


Ability to complete required bus driver safety training


Ability to follow written and verbal instructions


Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses


Ability to manage student behavior


Ability to communicate effectively with others
Ability to operate bus

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Vehicle Operation

1. Drive bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules.
2. Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
3. Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
4. Perform pre- and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify supervisor of needed repairs. Keep assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel.
5. Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports.

Student Management

1. Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and passenger rules and regulations. Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
2. Perform emergency evacuation of students on bus when the situation warrants.
3. Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students. Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator and communicate with teachers and parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding student's behavior when warranted.

Safety

1. Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
2. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crow bar, and reflector.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor. Report any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.
4. Install snow chains during inclement weather.
5. Maintain safety certification.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Other

1. Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers.
2. Complete and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Operate school bus; two-way radio; global positioning system (GPS); safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher


Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling


Motion: Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching


Lifting: Limited light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) on a daily basis


Environment: Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work around moving vehicles; regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours


Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress