Job Description

Title:   BUS DRIVER - TRAINER

Position Type: Supplement

Primary Function:

The Director of Transportation, with input from their Lead Transportation Staffing Specialist, appoints Driver Trainers at the start of each academic year. Bus Driver Trainers are responsible for providing comprehensive training to new and existing school bus drivers. This position includes classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and evaluating driver performance. Trainers ensure that all bus drivers are knowledgeable in safety procedures, operational standards, state regulations, and district policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Maintain superior attendance, exceeding minimum standards each semester. Absences should not exceed ten (10) days per school year unless protected under FLMA, with extended absences resulting in suspended pay.
• Valid Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and must possess an excellent driving record in compliance with division standards.
• Demonstrate excellent driving skills.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a school bus driver.
• Completion of the Virginia School Bus Driver Instructor Certification Training.
• Maintain certification as an instructor for 5 years, completing all necessary training and continuing education to stay current with new training requirements and regulations.
• Must possess knowledge of and/or able to quickly learn how to properly secure wheelchairs, car seats, and other restraining devices on a school bus.
• Ability to train, mentor and evaluate new and experienced drivers, School Bus Assistants and School Van Drivers.
• Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations, including emergencies or difficult student behaviors.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to instruct and motivate adult learners.
• Must submit to drug and alcohol testing when required.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Requires flexibility in working hours.
• Familiarity with the local school division and transportation policies.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Conduct and perform classroom and behind-the-wheel training for new and experienced bus drivers. 
• Conduct and perform all classroom and on-the-bus training of bus assistants.
• Conduct and perform all classroom and behind-the-wheel training of van drivers.
• Must train bus drivers on the CDL pre-trip inspection.
• Monitor the driving ability of bus drivers, including all new driver trainees, during daylight, hours of darkness, and in various weather conditions.
• Provide classroom-based training following the VDOE, School Bus Driver Curriculum and the Special Drivers for Special Children Curriculum.
• Ensure proper execution of safety protocols, including loading/unloading students, emergency evacuation procedures and safe driving practices.
• Assess the performance of new and existing bus drivers through regular written tests, practical driving evaluations and performance reviews.
• Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help drivers improve their performance and safety practices.
• Document and report on driver progress and recommend additional training or corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure all training materials and instructional methods are in accordance with Virginia State and Federal Regulations, Department of Motor Vehicles and VDOE.
• Ensure all trainees meet the licensing requirements according to the Department of Motor Vehicles and VDOE.
• Promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and compliance across the bus driver transportation workforce.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Duties are performed on a school bus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to loud noise levels; fumes or airborne particles; noxious odors; vibrations from driving a bus; and traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee must be physically able to perform and demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures. The employee must be able to communicate orally and hear on a two-way radio with transportation dispatch and emergency services while the bus is in motion. Employee must be able to communicate effectively and positively with parents, students, staff and co-workers. This includes the pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds. In addition, have the ability to use emergency exits at any location on the bus. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, night/dusk vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is loud.

Reports to:

Lead Transportation Staffing Specialist

Terms of Employment:

182 days contracted yearly. Workshop/in-service as required.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of non-licensed personnel.

3/18/2025