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First Student Bus Driver Jobs in Lancaster, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bus Driver

Acton, CA ยท On-site

$21.16 - $25.71/hr

BUS DRIVER GENERAL PURPOSE : Under general supervision, operates conventional and light school ... Performs emergency first aid on students, including CPR when required and in accordance with ...

Bus Driver

Acton, CA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Current CA Drivers License Current CA Special School Bus Certificate DMV print out DL-51 First Aid Card Letter of Introduction Resume Three Letters of Recommendation. Related Links Not all postings ...

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First Student Bus Driver information

See Lancaster, CA salary details

$9

$22

$32

How much do first student bus driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for first student bus driver in Lancaster, CA is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Student bus driver?

To thrive as a First Student Bus Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements, a clean driving record, and basic vehicle safety knowledge. Familiarity with vehicle inspection protocols, route navigation systems, and compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations is essential. Strong communication, patience, and situational awareness are standout soft skills for managing student behavior and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial to provide reliable, safe transportation for students and to uphold company and legal standards.

Do First Student bus drivers get paid for the entire day?

First Student bus drivers are typically paid for the hours they work, which usually include their scheduled routes and any required training or prep time. They are generally not paid for the entire day if they are not actively working, but pay policies can vary by location and employment agreement. Overtime and additional hours may also be compensated according to company policies and labor laws.

What is the difference between First Student Bus Driver vs School Bus Driver?

AspectFirst Student Bus DriverSchool Bus Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsementsCDL with passenger and school bus endorsements
Work EnvironmentSchool campuses, bus depots, routes with studentsSchool routes, student pick-up/drop-off points
Employer & IndustryFirst Student, school transportation servicesSchool districts, private transportation companies

Both First Student Bus Drivers and School Bus Drivers require a CDL with passenger endorsements and operate in similar environments. The main difference lies in branding and employer, with First Student being a large transportation provider, while School Bus Drivers may work directly for school districts or other companies. Both roles focus on student safety and reliable transportation services.

What is a First Student bus driver?

First Student Bus Drivers are professional drivers employed by First Student, a leading provider of school transportation services in North America. Their main responsibility is to safely transport students to and from school, field trips, and other school-related activities. They are trained to follow strict safety protocols, manage student behavior on the bus, and perform routine vehicle inspections. First Student Bus Drivers also maintain communication with school officials and parents to ensure the well-being of students during transit.

What are some common challenges First Student bus drivers face during their daily routes, and how are they supported?

First Student Bus Drivers often encounter challenges such as managing student behavior, adapting to varying traffic conditions, and adhering to strict schedules. They receive comprehensive training in student management and defensive driving, and have access to ongoing support from dispatchers and supervisors. The company fosters a team environment, where drivers regularly communicate with each other and staff to share tips and resolve issues. This support system helps drivers maintain safety and efficiency on their routes.

What disqualifies you from being a First Student Bus Driver?

First Student Bus Driver applicants are typically disqualified if they have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, no serious criminal convictions, or a history of drug or alcohol violations. Additionally, candidates must pass background checks, a drug screening, and a physical exam, and must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, including good vision and hearing. Failure to meet these requirements can disqualify a candidate from becoming a bus driver.

What are popular job titles related to First Student Bus Driver jobs in Lancaster, CA?

For First Student Bus Driver jobs in Lancaster, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Student Bus Driver jobs in Lancaster, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for First Student Bus Driver jobs in Lancaster, CA are:

What cities near Lancaster, CA are hiring for First Student Bus Driver jobs?

Cities near Lancaster, CA with the most First Student Bus Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various First Student Bus Driver job openings in Lancaster, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,292 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

$21.16 - $25.71/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

BUS DRIVER
GENERAL PURPOSE :
Under general supervision, operates conventional and light school buses or a
passenger van in the transportation of students over designated routes and on
field trips; washes, sweeps, refuels and performs safety checks and inspections
on assigned vehicles; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS :
This is the full journey-level class. Incumbents are expected to be proficient in the
operation of all classes of vehicles in the District's fleet of Type 1 and Type 2
buses and passenger vans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of
work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does
not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical
assignment to this class.
  • Operates a school bus or passenger van to transport students to and from home, school or other District sites; assists students with exceptional needs in accessing and departing from buses and vans; oversees the loading, seating and unloading of students from buses and vans; provides escort/safe passage across streets and roadways; maintains order and enforces District rules for student behavior on school buses.
  • Operates a school bus or van in transporting students, teachers and parents toand from field trips; assists in loading and unloading of instruments and equipment; maintains security of school buses and vans while attending events and on field trips.
  • Performs emergency first aid on students, including CPR when required and in accordance with District policies and procedures.
  • Evacuates buses in emergencies, following District rules and procedures; regularly conducts emergency evacuations; instructs students on bus safety and emergency evacuations.
  • Performs required maintenance and safety checks and inspections on assigned vehicles; prepares and submits inspection reports.
  • Washes, sweeps, refuels and performs equipment checks on assigned vehicles.
  • Recommends route and schedule changes to meet needs; participates in the development of student transportation routes and schedules.
  • Prepares and submits daily trip reports; maintains fuel consumption and mileage records.

OTHER DUTIES :
  • Performs minor maintenance, servicing and repairs to District buses, vans and vehicles.
  • Assists in cleaning and maintaining the Transportation Department's offices, classrooms, restrooms and facilities.
  • Performs a variety of office and administrative support duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
  • Safe and defensive driving practices.
  • Proper operation of school vans and buses of various sizes.
  • Applicable traffic and student transportation laws, codes and regulations.
  • Basic first aid procedures including CPR.
  • Basic record-keeping techniques.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
  • Applicable sections of the State Education Code and other applicable laws.

Ability to:
  • Skillfully operate a school bus or passenger van over designated routes.
  • Drive school vans and buses of various sizes safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain safe discipline among passengers.
  • Learn and apply District policies and procedures related to student discipline.
  • Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
  • Learn and follow designated routes and time schedules.
  • Read and interpret maps.
  • Maintain bus or van in clean and proper working condition.
  • Demonstrate safe driving record.
  • Conduct safety inspections and perform routine preventive maintenance.
  • Administer first aid to ill or injured children, including CPR.
  • Maintain routine records.
  • Understand and follow oral and written directions.
  • Communicate effectively with others.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Training and Experience:
  • A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is successful completion of a school bus driving training program recognized by the California Highway Patrol; or some combination of education, training and experience that produces the requisite knowledge and ability.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
  • A valid California driver's license, class A or class B, with a passenger endorsement.
  • A valid Special School Bus Driver's Certificate issued by the California Highway Patrol.
  • A valid first aid certificate issued by an authorized agency.
  • Incumbents are required to pass a Department of Transportation bi-annual physical examination.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
  • Visual ability to read handwritten or typed documents, and the display screen of various office equipment and machines
  • Able to conduct verbal conversation
  • Able to hear normal range verbal conversation (approximately 60 decibels)
  • Able to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, bend and walk
  • Able to sit for sustained periods of time
  • Able to climb slopes, stairs, steps, ramps and ladders
  • Able to lift up to 25 pounds
  • Able to carry up to 25 pounds
  • Able to exhibit full range of motion for:

โ€ข Shoulder external rotation and internal rogation
โ€ข Shoulder abduction and adduction
โ€ข Elbow flexion and extension
โ€ข Shoulder extension and flexion
โ€ข Back lateral flexion
โ€ข Hip flexion and extension
โ€ข Knee flexion
โ€ข Able to operate office machines and equipment in a safe and effective
manner
โ€ข Able to demonstrate manual dexterity necessary to operate a calculator,
typewriter and/ or keyboard.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class
with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated
on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the
job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to
accommodate the limitation.
Physical:
โ€ข Good physical condition; able to pass District physical.
Work Year
10 months
Salary
Range 27 of classified salary scale
4.18.2016
Requirements / Qualifications