Renting a school bus for a group event can take much of the planning and guesswork out of putting together a great getaway. Whether you are planning a short trip to a local destination or a multi-day getaway further from home, a school bus is a great transportation option that has many perks, including its own driver!

A school bus rental includes a trained and experienced driver which can take a load off of the event organizer. However, when relying on someone to transport your friends, family and co-workers around, you’ll no doubt have some questions about their reliability!  In summary, how qualified are school bus drivers in Ontario? The answer is –  VERY.

At Switzer-Carty, we’re more than a transportation company, we’re a people company. On the front lines it’s our drivers that put on display everything that goes into what we do to deliver safe, secure and on-time bus service. Are you in the GTA or Southern Ontario and want to join our team? Learn more!

The making of a great school bus driver

When planning a group trip one of the most important decisions to make is your transportation. Renting a school bus means that you’ll be assigned a dedicated and trained driver, which is sure to take at least one item of your to-do list. Once you’ve booked your bus, it’s not uncommon to have a few questions about the person chosen to drive your group around. There are a number of qualities that a school bus driver will possess, including:

1. They are qualified to drive school children

A driver that is qualified to drive young kids to and from school is obviously dedicated to safety. Driving children to school and on field trips can be a stressful job, so a driver that is trained to handle these situations will have the skills required to transport your group on their day trip.

2. They undergo extensive training

School bus drivers are required to keep up with their training to ensure that they are up to date with any certifications or qualifications needed to be behind the wheel of a school bus.

3. Very punctual

Arriving on time is something that school bus drivers are very practiced at. Getting kids to school on time is an important part of their job. This skill will also ensure that your group stays on whatever schedule you have set for them.

4. They know their way around

School bus drivers are often very adept at navigation. Whether it’s navigating city streets or getting from one destination to another, bus drivers have a great sense of direction and are sure to get your group anywhere it needs to go.

5. Knows the area that you’re exploring

A bus driver often knows the area they drive in quite well and can give your group tips and advice during your excursion. Even if you have your trip well planned, a school bus driver is often able to offer support if something changes or comes up at the last minute.

6. Maintains communication with dispatch

Central dispatch is an important aspect of a supportive driving career. Dispatch will help drivers become aware of any potential road issues, notify authorities in an emergency and provide support in situations that might call for it.

7. Ability to handle emergencies

A trained driver will know how to handle road emergencies, and remain calm should one arise. Although the last thing you want to encounter on a group trip is an emergency situation, a driver that can react quickly and efficiently will help ensure the situation is dealt with in the best way possible.

8. Keeps training current

School bus drivers will attend regular training workshops in order to keep their skills and knowledge current. Annual safety training and skill development helps ensure that riders will have the safest experience possible.

9. Criminal Record Checked 

 Of course, drivers also undergo criminal record checks to ensure they’re free from incidents or convictions, including offences against children.

Your group trip is in great hands

Booking a school bus for your group trip is a great way to ensure it goes off without a hitch. School bus drivers are well trained and have an excellent support system that will help them get you to your destination safely and on time, while having fun along the way! Understanding the qualities that make school bus drivers great at what they do can help you feel more at ease with them behind the wheel during your group trip.