School Bus Driver

Lauderdale-County-Schools; Ripley (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Lauderdale County Schools in Ripley, TN is seeking an experienced school bus driver to operate the district's bus routes, ensuring safe transport of students to and from designated locations. The role requires a Tennessee CDL with P and S endorsements and adherence to DOT physicals and safety standards.

You will perform pre-trip inspections, follow schedules, manage student behavior, and communicate with staff.

Qualifications

• Must pass U.S. Department of Transportation annual physical exam.
• Must complete required bus driver safety training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to use maps and GPS to follow routes and locate addresses.
• Ability to manage student behavior and communicate with teachers/parents.
• Operate bus according to schedules and safety rules.

Responsibilities

• Drive bus daily following assigned route and schedules.
• Drive bus to extracurricular activities and events.
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and report needed repairs.
• Maintain discipline and supervise students boarding and alighting.
• Report accidents, damages, injuries and mechanical issues promptly.

Skills

DOT physical exam

Bus safety training

Written and verbal instructions

GPS/map reading

Student behavior management

Effective communication

Operate school bus

Education

Tennessee CDL with P and S endorsements

Tools

GPS navigation

Job description

Reports to: Transportation Supervisor

Date Revised: 06/08/2026

Primary Purpose:

Operate school bus and related equipment to provide safe and orderly transportation of students and other authorized persons on assigned route and to and from other designated locations.

Qualifications:

Education/Licensure:

• Clear and valid Tennessee commercial driver's license with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Must be 25 years of age (23 years of age if veteran, national guard or reserves, or licensed teacher employed by LEA)
• Ability to pass U.S. Department of Transportation annual physical exam
• Ability to complete required bus driver safety training
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to use maps and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to follow routes and locate addresses
• Ability to manage student behavior
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
  Ability to operate bus

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Vehicle Operation

1. Drive bus daily following assigned route and adhering to established schedules.
2. Drive bus to and from extracurricular activities.
3. Anticipate problems such as traffic, weather, road conditions, and schedule changes and make necessary adjustments to ensure student safety and reduce delays.
4. Perform pre- and post-trip inspections according to specifications to ensure bus can be operated safely and notify supervisor of needed repairs. Keep assigned bus clean and maintain appropriate level of fuel.
5. Report all accidents, vehicle damage, student injuries, and mechanical problems and complete required corresponding reports.

Student Management

1. Instruct students on safe entering, exiting, and passenger rules and regulations. Supervise students while they board and leave the bus and cross the street.
2. Perform emergency evacuation of students on bus when the situation warrants.
3. Maintain discipline and use effective behavior management control over groups of students. Report student discipline problems to appropriate administrator and communicate with teachers and parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding student's behavior when warranted.

Safety

1. Observe all traffic laws and safety regulations for school buses.
2. Ensure proper condition of emergency equipment, such as first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flags, fuses, crow bar, and reflector.
3. Correct unsafe conditions in work area and promptly report conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor. Report any hazardous conditions along scheduled route.
4. Install snow chains during inclement weather.
5. Maintain safety certification.
6. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Other

1. Operate and monitor two-way radio equipment to communicate with transportation office and other drivers.
2. Complete and maintain accurate, up-to-date, and timely records and reports including but not limited to those related to bus mileage, gas and oil consumption, and number of passengers transported.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Operate school bus; two-way radio; global positioning system (GPS); safety equipment including but not limited to flares, reflective signs, and fire extinguisher
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing and twisting; occasional kneeling/squatting, bending, stooping, and pushing/pulling
• Motion: Prolonged driving; moderate walking; frequent climbing stairs, grasping/squeezing, wrist and shoulder flexion/extension, and reaching
• Lifting: Limited light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds) on a daily basis
• Environment: Frequent exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures, noise, and vehicle fumes; work around moving vehicles; regularly work irregular hours, and occasionally work prolonged hours
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress