If you are interviewing for a position as a bus driver, the questions you will be asked will vary depending upon the position for which you are applying. The following bus driver interview questions and answers will help you ace your interview and get the position you want.
Why Do You Want This Job?
This question may seem obvious, but your interviewer can learn a lot from your answer. If you are only interested in the job for a paycheck, you may not be as cautious as you should be. The best answer to this question involves simply telling your interviewer that driving a bus is what you want to do with your life. You should take the time to mention that you are a cautious driver and that you take the well-being of your passengers very seriously. Finally, tailor your answer to the position you are seeking, whether you are applying with the city or a school system. In either case, your abilities as well as your attitude will reflect directly on the reputation of your employer.
Do You Mind Working Nights and Weekends?
You will generally be asked this question only if you are applying for a position driving a city bus. In larger cities, buses run well into the night—sometimes even 24 hours a day. You may be given a midnight shift due to your lack of seniority, or scheduling may require that you work swing shifts. This is not the time to discuss your personal scheduling needs, however. Replying with a statement such as “I do not mind working nights or weekends and I am always available” will suffice. This is exactly what your potential employer wants to hear since your flexibility will help the bus system stay on schedule.
How Much Education and Experience Do You Have?
In order to drive a bus for either the city or a school system, you must be properly licensed. You should be sure to bring this license with you to present to your interviewer. Next, be truthful about the amount of experience you have. If you have only driven a bus a few times, you should never try to bluff. Be honest about the amount of experience you have but be sure to mention your safety record, particularly if it is impeccable. Your ability to keep your passengers safe will be your interviewer’s primary concern.
Name a Situation in Which You Were Required to Act Quickly.
When you drive a bus, you will be required to react to the actions of other drivers very quickly. Your interviewer will ask you this question in order to gauge your critical thinking skills which could save the lives of your passengers in harrowing situations. If you have ever been involved in such a situation as it applies to driving a bus, provide a brief but thorough explanation. Otherwise, reach outside of your bus driving skills to find a different situation in which you were able to make good snap decisions in an emergency.
Bus drivers are responsible for the lives of their passengers, and they must have an excellent driving and safety record in order to get the job. However, your interviewer will also want to know how you will react in certain situations and ensure that you have a strong work ethic.
