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CDL Bus Operator

First Student · Chicago, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you dealt with an upset or difficult customer.

What they are checking: Patience and professionalism with travelers who may be stressed or running late.

How do you stay alert and safe on a long or late shift?

What they are checking: Awareness of fatigue risk and personal habits that keep them safe behind the wheel.

Tell me about your driving record and any incidents you've had.

What they are checking: Honesty and ownership around safety history, which matters a great deal for this role.

Why do you want to drive for a team serving Midway Airport?

What they are checking: Motivation and interest in a customer-facing driving role with a steady schedule.

What would you do

How would you handle driving a bus safely around busy airport terminals and pickup zones at Midway?

What they are checking: Defensive driving awareness in congested areas with pedestrians, luggage and other vehicles.

A passenger with heavy bags needs help boarding while you're running behind schedule. What do you do?

What they are checking: Balancing customer care with safety and schedule without cutting corners.

What would you do if a warning light came on while you had passengers aboard?

What they are checking: Safety-first judgment and following procedures for reporting and pulling over.

A passenger becomes disruptive and other riders are uncomfortable. What do you do?

What they are checking: De-escalation skills and knowing when to call for help instead of handling it alone.

About the work

Walk me through your pre-trip inspection.

What they are checking: CDL knowledge and the habit of checking a bus thoroughly before carrying passengers.

How do you handle driving in snow or ice in Chicago?

What they are checking: Winter driving skill and caution for large vehicles in severe weather.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at First Student from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

Now Hiring: CDL Bus Operators (Full-Time & Part-Time) Midway International Airport – Chicago, IL Sign-On Bonus: $2,000 Seeking professional, safety-focused CDL Bus Operators to join our growing team at Midway International Airport. With more than 165 years of combined transportation experience serving the Chicago area, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and exceptional customer service. If you take pride in safe driving and enjoy working with people, we encourage you to apply. CDL Bus Operator benefits: • Hourly Rate : $23.84 per hour • Union Representation • Weekly Pay • Annual negotiated wage increases • Health Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Paid Time Off • Uniform allowance • Overtime opportunities • Flexible scheduling • Gratuity opportunities • Stable year-round employment • Opportunity for career advancement • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. • Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families. • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services. • Guaranteed Minimum Hours Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee discounts, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events. If you’re ready to be part of a team that Fosters Teamwork and makes a real difference every day, First Student is the place to be. As a Bus Operator , you will safely transport passengers between airport terminals, parking garages, employee lots, and remote parking facilities while delivering outstanding customer service in a fast-paced airport environment. What You'll Do • Safely operate commercial passenger buses. • Perform required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections. • Provide exceptional customer service to all passengers. • Make clear and timely route and safety announcements. • Follow all DOT, company, and airport safety regulations. • Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude. • Communicate effectively with dispatch and supervisors. • Report vehicle concerns and incidents promptly. Qualifications Required • Valid CDL Class B License • Passenger (P) Endorsement • Air Brake Certification • Safe driving record Preferred • One year of commercial driving experience • High school diploma or equivalent Note: This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First Student! Make an impact in your community while enjoying flexible schedules, great pay, and unmatched support. *Sign-on bonus conditions apply. See location for details. Language Requirement This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English. First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf .

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