Frequently Asked Questions
What type of driver's licence do I need to drive a school bus?
Do you provide special training?
Do I need previous bus driving experience to apply?
Besides the ability to drive a vehicle, what other skills do you look for in a school bus driver?
How many hours a day would I have to work?
Can I drive the school bus for the kids in my own neighbourhood?
Where is the bus parked when it's not in use? Can I park it in my driveway?
What do I do if kids are being rude or disruptive on the school bus?
What do I do if I suspect someone of bullying?
Are parents of children allowed to ride the bus?
I have a pre-schooler. Am I able to bring her on the bus with me so I don't have to find before and after school care?
Why are there no seat belts on the school bus?
- Seats with high backs
- Seats filled with energy-absorbing material
- Seats placed closed together to form compartments
- Strong seat anchorages
Okay, I'm ready! If I apply today, when can I start?
Applicants usually have a general Class G licence, which enables you to drive your family vehicle. However before you can drive the school bus, you will need to obtain an Ontario Class B Driver's Licence.
Yes. Langs is authorized by the Ministry of Transportation to provide all training and licensing, including your Class B Driver's Licence. All training and testing is provided in-house by qualified instructors at no cost to you.
No. If you are a healthy, mature adult and have a good driving record, we have the training and materials to make you an excellent school bus driver. At Langs, we are more concerned with your desire to work with children, and your rapport with them, their parents and school teachers. Are you community driven?
We're looking for reliable, dependable, patient people who enjoy working with kids and want to make a positive impact on these young people's lives.
On average you would work four hours each day from Monday to Friday. Your shift is split into two time segments: 7:00 to 9:00 am, and 2:30 to 4:30 pm. These times are approximate, and will vary depending on your particular route.
Yes! In fact, Langs prefers to recruit and employ drivers to work in the communities in which they live. We have found that those who are familiar with the neighbourhood streets and geographical features, and who know the students and parents are more comfortable, confident drivers. This also minimizes the amount of time it takes you to get to work. We really are community driven.
Usually the buses are returned to one of Langs bus parking lots in the areas we serve. In some cases, if there is an appropriate location, you can park it at home. However, every situation is unique. For example, there may be bylaws restricting the storage of large vehicles on one's property in the city. But if you live in a rural area and you are on the bus route, it may make sense to park the school bus on your property when it's not in use.
This is a common concern of many applicants. It may surprise you to hear that students on the school bus are better behaved than you might imagine. Should a situation take place on your bus, your training will prepare you to deal with it in an effective way. Usually, a firm warning is all it takes.
There is an increasing awareness of bullying and this area is addressed in your training. If you suspect a student of being a bully, you and your supervisor would report it to the student's school. School officials will investigate the matter.
No. Parents are not authorized to ride the bus. School Boards strictly monitor and control who is riding the school bus other than those who have authorization from the school principal. If a parent asks to ride the bus, provide the parent with our business card, and instruct him or her to call our office.
Langs does not permit unauthorized passengers such as pre-schoolers on the bus. As a trained school bus driver, your primary concern is for the safety of your passengers and other motorists. Think of how often your child needs you when you're driving your own vehicle. Having your child on the school bus could create distractions that would take your attention away from the safe operation of the bus.
Instead of requiring seat belts, school buses are designed and constructed differently from passenger cars. School buses protect passengers through "compartmentalization," a design that includes:
For more info, visit the MTO site or Transport Canada
We are recruiting and training now, for employment during the school year.
Apply Online Today!