Behind the wheel of a school van

— Susan, thank you for taking the time to talk to us today! Can you start by telling us how you got started as a school van driver?

— Of course! Well, it kind of happened by accident. I was looking for something flexible that would allow me to work part-time and still be home when my kids were around. A neighbor mentioned they were looking for someone to drive a school van, and I thought, "Why not give it a shot?" I didn’t need a commercial driver’s license or anything like that for the van, so it seemed like a good fit for me. I took the job, and I’ve been doing it ever since. It’s been a great way to stay busy and be around kids without the long hours of a full-time job.

— It sounds like it was a great fit! For those who may not be familiar, what’s the difference between a school bus and a school van?

— The big difference is that the van is smaller, obviously! We transport fewer kids—usually about 10 or 12 at most. So, it’s a lot more intimate, and it’s easier to manage them, especially when they’re younger. It’s also a little more flexible in terms of routes, since we’re not dealing with the bigger traffic situations that school buses sometimes face. But the responsibility is just as big. You’re still in charge of keeping the kids safe and making sure they get to school and home safely.

— That makes sense! Do you have a favorite part of your job? What do you enjoy most about driving the school van?

— Honestly, it’s the kids. Every day is different, and you never know what they’re going to say or ask. Some of them are shy, some of them are chatty, and some of them have the funniest stories. I love when they tell me about something they’re excited about—whether it’s a new pet, something they learned at school, or a funny thing that happened at home. It keeps me smiling. And I like the quiet moments too, when I’m driving and they’re all just sitting there quietly, staring out the window. It’s peaceful, in a way.

— I can imagine those moments are really special. But driving kids to school day after day must come with some challenges too. What would you say is the hardest part of your job?

— One of the hardest parts is dealing with bad weather. In a van, it can feel a little more exposed than in a bus, so when it’s snowing or raining hard, you really have to be extra cautious. There are also times when kids can be a little rowdy, and you have to keep things in check while driving. It’s a balancing act — staying safe while keeping an eye on the kids and making sure everyone behaves. But overall, it’s manageable. You just need to stay focused and calm, especially when things get hectic.

— That sounds like it takes a lot of concentration. How do you keep the kids engaged and in good spirits during the ride? Do you have any tricks?

— Well, I try to keep things light and fun, but I also make sure they know that I’m serious about their safety. I’ll talk to them about their day or ask them what they’re looking forward to. Sometimes I’ll tell them little jokes or stories from when I was a kid. I’ve found that keeping a good sense of humor goes a long way. And I try to be consistent with the rules — like, no loud talking or pushing — and they tend to respect that. It helps to keep things calm and safe for everyone. The more you connect with the kids, the easier it is to get them to follow the rules.

— That makes sense. Building that rapport must be key. You mentioned earlier that you didn’t need a commercial driver’s license to drive the van. What kind of training or preparation did you need to get started?

— I had to go through a background check and get a special driving permit, which is required for driving a school vehicle. There was also a defensive driving course to make sure I knew how to handle different situations on the road. The school district also made sure I understood all the safety protocols, like loading and unloading the kids and how to handle emergencies. It wasn’t as complicated as getting a CDL, but there’s still a lot of responsibility, and the training made me feel prepared for the job.

— It sounds like safety is always top of mind for you, which is great. So, after all these years, what keeps you motivated to keep doing the job?

— I think it’s the fact that I’m still able to make a difference, even in a small way. I see the kids every day, and I know I’m playing a part in getting them to school safely. I also really enjoy the work itself. It’s not stressful, and I’m outdoors for a good part of the day. I like having that routine, and it’s nice to know I’m helping the parents by getting their kids to school and back safely. Honestly, I just feel good about it. Plus, the kids are a big reason I keep going — they’re always coming up with new things to talk about, and it never gets boring!

— That’s such a positive attitude. You’ve clearly found something that suits you well. Is there any advice you’d give to someone who’s thinking about becoming a school van driver?

— I’d say, definitely go for it if you like working with kids and you want a job that’s rewarding. But be ready for some responsibility. You’re not just driving — you’re looking out for the safety and well-being of those kids. It can be a lot at times, but it’s also a lot of fun. And I think it’s important to remember that every day is different. Some days will be easier than others, but if you enjoy being around kids and you’re good at staying calm under pressure, it can be a great job. And the best part? The kids will always keep you on your toes!

— That’s fantastic advice. Susan, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us today. It’s clear you take great pride in your work and really care about the kids you drive each day.

— Thank you! It was my pleasure. It’s been a joy talking about it. I hope more people realize how important these jobs are and how much of an impact we can have on these kids’ lives, even if it’s just through a short ride to school.