Free school bus driver handbook template

Welcome

Welcome to [Company name]. Every day you carry the most important passengers there are: our community's children. This handbook explains how we work, what we expect of you, and what you can expect from us. Keep it, and ask your supervisor about anything that isn't clear.

Who to call

• Dispatch: [phone] — for anything on the road: delays, breakdowns, a student problem.
• Your supervisor: [name, phone].
• After hours / emergencies: [phone]. In an emergency, call 911 first, then dispatch.
• Payroll and time off: [name, phone or email].

Your day

Your routes, stops, students and any special instructions are on My Day on your phone (or the route sheet your supervisor gives you). Arrive at the yard by [time] for a morning run and [time] for an afternoon run. Clock in when you start and clock out when you finish each run.

Before every trip: the pre-trip inspection

Do a full pre-trip inspection before every run, every day — the walk-around, the engine compartment, the driver's seat and brakes, and the passenger area and emergency equipment. Don't take a bus out with a safety defect: report it to [dispatch / the shop] and wait for a decision.

Loading and unloading

• Use the eight-light warning system and the stop arm exactly as state law and our procedures require.
• Count the students getting on and off. Never move the bus until every student is seated or safely clear of the danger zone.
• Students who cross the road cross in front of the bus, where you can see them, on your signal.
• Never let a student off anywhere other than their assigned stop without permission from [dispatch / the school].
• If a young student's adult isn't at the stop and our rules require one, don't leave the student — call dispatch.

Railroad crossings

Stop at every railroad crossing as state law requires: turn off fans and the radio, open the door and the driver's window, look and listen in both directions, and cross without changing gears.

Students on the bus

• Know the bus rules and enforce them fairly and calmly.
• Assigned seats: [yes / no — how].
• Never physically discipline a student. Report behavior problems to [your supervisor / the school] on the bus conduct report.
• Medical needs, aides and special instructions for a student are on your route — follow them.

After every run: the child check

At the end of every run, walk to the back of the bus and check every seat, under every seat and the floor. Never leave a child on the bus. [Clear the child-check alarm from the back of the bus, if fitted.] Then do your post-trip inspection and report any defect before you leave.

Weather, breakdowns and emergencies

• If the weather or the road isn't safe, call dispatch — don't take risks.
• Breakdown: pull over safely, secure the bus, turn on the hazard lights, set out the warning triangles, keep students on board unless it's unsafe, and call dispatch.
• Evacuation: know every exit. We hold evacuation drills [how often]; take part in each one.
• Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and body-fluid clean-up kit: know where they are and check them on your pre-trip.

Accidents and incidents

Stop, secure the bus, check your students and call 911 if anyone is hurt, then dispatch. Don't admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone but the police and [Company name]. Fill in the accident / incident report before the end of your shift. [Drug and alcohol testing after an accident follows our policy and the law.]

Licenses, medical card and training

Keep your CDL with the required endorsements and your medical card valid at all times, and give a copy of each renewal to [the office]. You can't drive with an expired license or medical card. Attend the training sessions we schedule [how often].

Drugs, alcohol and phones

Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs on duty; you're subject to testing as the law and our policy require. Don't use a phone while driving — hands-free or not — except as our policy allows. [Smoking and vaping: never on the bus or the yard.]

Attendance and time off

If you can't work, call [dispatch] at least [hours] before your first run so we can cover your route. Ask for time off [how — in the app / on the form] at least [days] ahead. Sick time, vacation and other time off: [your policy].

Pay

You're paid [per hour / per shift] at [rate], [weekly / every two weeks]. Your hours come from your clock-in and clock-out times. Check your hours each pay period and tell [payroll] about any mistake.

Conduct and appearance

• Be on time, courteous with students, parents and the public, and professional on social media.
• Dress code: [uniform / guidelines].
• Keep the bus clean; report damage.

Acknowledgment

I have received and read the [Company name] school bus driver handbook, and I agree to follow it.

Driver's name: ____________________ Signature: ____________________ Date: __________