CDL Route Driver

Job Purpose

The CDL Route Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, and for transporting students and school‑district authorized passengers on field trips, activities, and special outings as assigned.

• Report to the bus garage before scheduled departure time to check with the dispatcher for any changes in normal duties or student passenger changes.
• Perform DOT required pre‑trip inspection and complete a radio check before starting each route.
• Pick‑up students at assigned stops, ensuring children safely board the bus and are seated before proceeding to the next stop.
• Enforce rules for proper discipline during the ride. Report to the Site Manager any student who refuses to cooperate in observing safety rules. Report any serious incident and communicate with the Site Manager so the matter can be discussed with school authorities.
• Safely operate the bus by following all traffic laws, state and federal transit regulations. Carefully navigate roads, watch for ice, debris, or slippery stops. Follow safety procedures to ensure that the driver and all students are safe.
• Check the bus upon arrival at the bus garage to ensure that there is no child left on the bus.
• Transport students and school‑district authorized passengers to field trips, sporting events, and other activities.
• Report accidents immediately to the Site Manager and promptly complete the accident report.
• Properly maintain the bus by keeping fuel levels above half a tank or filling up after each trip. Sweep and clean the interior of the bus after each trip, or as needed, at least once a week. Alert office staff of maintenance needs.

• Attend meetings, in‑service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of gathering information required to perform job functions.
• Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the vehicle.

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License with passenger, school bus and air brake endorsements. Must maintain once acquired.
• Strong knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Understand emergency evacuation techniques.
• Administer basic first aid and/or be CPR certified if required by district.
• Knowledge of health standards and hazards.
• Understand state regulations and laws pertaining to the operation of school buses, and child behavior.

• Able to adhere to safety practices.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Operate equipment used in transporting special needs students.

• Be reliable and capable of working independently.
• Patience and firmness for dealing with children.
• Be attentive to detail.
• Display tact and courtesy, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Communicate with diverse groups.
• Able to maintain confidentiality.

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:

• Generally, the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing.