School Bus Driver – Job Expectations

1. Legal Qualifications & Certification

State Requirements (Arkansas):

• Must hold a valid Arkansas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with both Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, as required by state and federal licensure standards.
• Must successfully complete the Arkansas pre-service school bus driver training program and documented behind-the-wheel training prior to operating a school bus.
• Must obtain and maintain an annual Arkansas school bus driver certificate issued by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation; certification may be renewed each year only after completing required in-service training and a qualifying physical exam.

Additional Arkansas Conditions:

• Applicant must complete a physical examination conducted by a licensed physician or APRN and documented appropriately; periodic re-exams are required for certification renewal.
• Must successfully pass state and federal criminal background checks and any required drug screening prior to employment.
• Must provide authorization for release of driving records and demonstrate acceptable driving history.
  

2. Safety & Operating Responsibilities

General Operating Expectations:

• Operate the school bus safely and efficiently in compliance with all Arkansas traffic laws, district policies, and procedures governing student transportation.
• Conduct required pre-trip safety inspections of the bus (lights, brakes, signals, tires, emergency equipment, etc.) before each route and immediately report any safety concerns or defects to transportation supervisors.
• Follow all departmental safety procedures for loading and unloading students (e.g., use of stop arm, crossing procedures, boarding zones).

Student Management:

• Maintain proper student behavior and discipline on the bus consistent with district transportation policies.
• Ensure student safety at all times, including while boarding, exiting, and during emergency evacuations; participate in/lead emergency evacuation drills as required by policy.3. Federal Regulatory Expectations
  

Commercial Driver Regulations:

• Must hold and maintain a valid CDL with required endorsements per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) (49 CFR Part 383) to operate a school bus with passenger capacity.
• Comply with FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements applicable to commercial drivers.

Hours of Service & Duty Considerations:

• School bus drivers must adhere to applicable federal duty-time rules if operating in an interstate context or under conditions where FMCSRs apply to hours-of-service (e.g., charter trips or contracted services).

4. Professional Conduct

• Represent the district in a professional manner when interacting with students, parents, school staff, and the public.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and maintain excellent attendance.
• Complete required administrative tasks (bus logs, incident reports, transport records) accurately and timely.

5. Ongoing Training & Compliance

• Participate in annual in-service training and any special safety or professional development activities assigned by the transportation supervisor or state rules.
• Maintain up-to-date certifications, physicals, drug testing status, and comply with any state or federal requirements for continued qualification.