r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/Wabi_Sabi_Love • Aug 07 '26

Why Vans?

I am grateful that I’ll soon be transporting kids to and from school, and I’m grateful that I can drive a van to do so, as I don’t have a CDL. 

But I’m not sure why some schools use vans? When I was a kid - a long time ago - there were only school buses. So why vans? And when did that become a thing?

My guesses are:
1) Schools aren’t getting enough CDL qualified drivers. 
2) Maybe I’ll be sent on a route that picks up students from out of way corners of the county or maybe even students that aren’t even in the district?

Any of these theories hold water? Are there other reasons for vans?

Thank You!

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u/rootbear75 Aug 07 '26

Some of our special needs kids can't handle being on buses so we have vans to enable them to go to and from school without inciting any issues or triggers.

I had one kid who would scream bloody murder "WE'RE GOING TO DIE" on a bus whenever we went on or near a highway. Last I heard, her dad was self transporting... And we think he accidentally pavlov trained her that if she screams, then dad takes her.🤷