State regulations bring new challenges for bus drivers

VIENNA, Ill. (KBSI) –They safely carry you children to and from school every day. They are your school bus drivers. 

Jenifer Joiner is new to the Vienna team — but she has plenty of driving experience. She says the job of a bus driver may look small, but their role is big.  

“You’re the first person they see in the morning and the last person they see when they go home” says Joiner. “Well, I think it’s very important because they have to have someone that’s dependable,” reliable and cares for the kids. The kid’s safety is number one.”  

Billy Thomas is another new bus driver. He has been trying to get his certifications to be a bus driver since June. He says he has everything he needs now but says it’s a long process that you must have a passion for.

“If it wasn’t for me wanting to do this job and enjoying being with the school and the kids’ tell ya the process it’s a very lengthy one.”  

According to national numbers  there’s been a steady decline in bus drivers since covid. Schools all over the us have experienced a bus driver shortage in recent years.

Max Hook has been a bus driver for Vienna schools for 20 years. He shares why he feels it’s hard to get new drivers.

“One of the reasons is the state and all the regulations we have to go through to get licensed is over the top to put it mildly.”  

According to the Illinois Secretary of States website becoming a bus driver carries a lengthy list of qualifications. You may go through several background checks including one through the FBI. A mental and physical examination, a clean driving record and several tests and classes have to be passed.

Each state is different.  

“If they would streamline it and make things a little easier, they would get more people interested in driving.”  

Although the process is long all three drivers say the same thing…. the kids make the job worth it!