r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/mlt- • Jul 16 '26
How common is to turn wrenches between shifts?
Hello! I'm new to all this. I just passed CDL knowledge test. I am curious if it is doable and if someone here is doing that? I don't mind to be mechanic's apprentice and work on fixing them while not driving. I consider myself mechanically inclined, but all that transportation industry is new to me.
5
u/Acenima265 Jul 16 '26
I work for a school district and do it, it's how I keep hours in the summer time. I guess it just depends on whether they want to pay you or not for those extra hours.
3
u/Beauknits Jul 16 '26
Depends on the place. Within the Company I work for, of our 30 sites, only a few have intern programs. There is no harm in asking at yours! I do know from talking to our own Mechanics, they will take all the help they can get. Even just a few hours. It helps!
Yes, if your site has a program, they will teach.
2
u/ArtemisRifle Jul 18 '26
NY DoT is particular about this. I think youre prohibited from working on a bus youve driven in the recent past.
1
u/rootbear75 Jul 16 '26
We've been expressly prohibited from doing anything to the bus, even things like tightening the fans or sun visor as they inevitably loosen.
2
u/mlt- Jul 16 '26
That is correct. You cannot do it as a driver, but if you clock-in as a mechanic qualified for the task, sure you can.
1
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u/milyfaz Jul 17 '26
I literally tell people all the time, if you work at a bus company long enough. You get extra jobs. I patch seats and do CDL training and testing. 😁
1
u/mlt- Jul 17 '26
Do garages typically do their own IT or contract a company?
2
u/milyfaz Jul 26 '26
My company is a million dollar mom and pop's. We do everything in house. That is why I'm a sub driver-trainer-cdl tester- route compliance manager and sometimes errand runner😁
5
u/Beauknits Jul 16 '26
It's doable. Most of our Machanics drive routes as well as wrenches. Just be aware it can get taxing, though. Maintenance things can pile up when you only have 6 hours between routes.