School Bus Driver

First Student•Wheeling, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

First Student is hiring part-time School Bus Drivers in Wheeling, Illinois. Drivers pick up students in the morning, transport them safely to school, and return them home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trips and special events may be available. No prior experience or CDL is required to apply; qualified candidates receive training and guidance to earn the required licenses and endorsements. The position offers split AM/PM weekday routes and summers off, with a guaranteed minimum of four paid hours per day. The role is subject to DOT drug testing and requires English proficiency for training, safety communications, employment documents, and other work-related communications.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years old.
Have held a valid driver’s license for at least three years.
Be proficient in English for work-related training, communications, policies, and documents.
After training, meet the requirements for a Class A or Class B CDL, Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, and Air Brake qualification with no restrictions.
Meet DOT physical requirements and drug and alcohol program requirements.
Pass background screening.
Comply with DOT drug-testing requirements; the posting notes that DOT regulations do not authorize Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason.

Nice To Haves

A valid Class B license.
Driving experience with rideshare companies or taxi services.
Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, customer service associate, or retail associate.
Enjoy working with students.

Responsibilities

Safely transport students to and from school and activities.
Supervise students boarding and unloading at stops, and assist with seatbelts and mobility aids.
Maintain order on the bus to prevent distractions.
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, including checks of brakes, lights, tires, and emergency exits.
Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the bus clean and sanitary.
Obey traffic laws and company safety standards.
Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays.
Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills.

Benefits

$2,000 sign-on bonus; conditions apply and details vary by location.
Hourly rate of $29.00, dependent on experience and qualifications; training rate is $17.00.
Commercial Learner’s Permit and Commercial Driver’s License training provided.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance or coverage options.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Flexible part-time schedule with weekday split shifts and summers off.
Career advancement opportunities across more than 540 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
Employee Assistance Program with counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.
Employee discounts on various products and services.
Guaranteed minimum pay for four hours per day.
Commercial Learner’s Permit bonus of $750 if the CLP is completed and presented within seven days of completing the virtual CLP class, or $250 if presented within 14 days.