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Is bus driving hard?

My wife and I just moved to the city, and I’m hoping to find some work as a bus driver. I’ve been driving pickup trucks since I got my license, so I’m used to handling bigger vehicles—but I’ve never driven anything bigger than an F-350. How hard is it to drive a bus?

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Samuel Todd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s great that you’ve got some experience driving trucks—that’s a strong starting place for bus driving. Still, getting used to the length, weight, and turning radius of a bus can definitely take some time.
Whether you’re looking to drive a school bus or a passenger bus through the city, you’ll need to complete your training, get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and familiarize yourself with your bus.
Most companies will set you up for a six to eight-week training program. If you want to, you can also hire a private company to give you driving lessons.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll need to get a CDL by passing a written exam on your state’s driving laws. You’ll also need to pass a driving test. If your company doesn’t help you out with this information, reach out to your state’s DMV.
You might need a special certification if you’re driving a school bus or passenger bus, which can come with extra tests, a background check, and a physical exam.
Now that you’ve got all of the tests out of the way, it’s time for the fun part: getting to know your vehicle. Of course, buses are much larger than most cars, so they have a wider turning radius, slower acceleration, and larger blind spots.
To stay safe while driving, you’ll want to drive slowly through tight gaps, hug the outside of the lane during turns, and double-check your blind spots before you make any maneuvers. This will keep you safe on the road and give your passengers a smooth ride.
While you’re reviewing the bus driving laws in your state, take a few minutes to double-check your car insurance. You’re probably overpaying—and every dollar counts!
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