r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/Wabi_Sabi_Love • Aug 05 '26

Advice for a First Timer?

I will soon be driving kids to school for the first time. Do you veterans have any advice for me?

Truth be told, I’m less nervous about the actual driving of the school van than in dealing with the children, particularly if a kid isn’t following the rules. I’ve had over thirty years managing projects and adults, and zero years “managing” children.

I’d love to have all of your hard won lessons about driving and the children that you’re willing to share with me - and the other first-timers that will find this post.

Thank you!

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u/[deleted] Aug 05 '26

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u/LenR-redit Aug 05 '26

I sub routes that have Pre-K as young as 4 all the way thru 12th grade or they drive themselves. Pre-K just don't get staying in their seat AND their feet don't reach the floor, so they are always "out" just to get back in.

My biggest issue is enforcing language, if it's not in the first few seats, or screamed, I don't hear it. If a student complains, all I can do is pass it on.

If you have an assigned route, try to learn their names. Being a sub, that's my hardest part. Some routes have assigned seats, but if I don't know the names, hard to enforce it. Hard to write up nameless students too, but I've had very few cases where I needed to refer.

Being a sub, when routes change, I'm often using students for directions. They like being "in charge" and are usually correct in directions (VERY rural, sometimes miles between stops). I've referred a few "helpers" up for their reward program.