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School Van Driver

First Student · Rock Falls, IL · Part time

Posted Feb 11, 2025 · 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

What makes you want to drive students to school, and why now?

What they are checking: Whether they are motivated by the responsibility of transporting kids, not just the hours or sign-on bonus.

Tell me about your driving record and how many years you've been driving.

What they are checking: Whether they have a safe history behind the wheel, which is the first thing the job requires.

Tell me about a time you had to follow strict rules, even when it was inconvenient.

What they are checking: Whether they will follow safety procedures consistently, which protects students and the company.

Split shifts mean a break in the middle of your day. How will that work with your schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they can be reliable for both the morning and afternoon routes.

What would you do

A student won't buckle their seatbelt and keeps unbuckling it. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and handle safety issues properly rather than driving on and hoping it works out.

You're running late on your morning route because of traffic. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay safe instead of speeding and communicate delays to dispatch as trained.

Some routes may include students with special needs. How would you make sure each student feels safe and cared for?

What they are checking: Whether they show patience and respect with students who may need extra help.

The van makes a strange noise and the brakes feel soft. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report mechanical concerns right away and refuse to drive an unsafe vehicle.

About the work

Why do you think it's important to do a pre-trip inspection on your van every day?

What they are checking: Whether they see daily checks as real safety steps that catch problems before kids get in.

At the end of the route, how do you make sure no child is left in the van?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the child check walk-through as a non-negotiable step every time.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

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. Now Hiring Part Time School Van Drivers for Rock Falls, IL As a First Student Part Time School Van Driver you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students you transport. You will be there at the start of the students’ day with before-school pickup and at the end with an afternoon shift to bring students safely back home. No experience as a bus driver is required! We’re proud to train you with our industry-leading technology to help you succeed. Your day will include: • A split shift, which means an early morning before-school pickup and an after-school drop-off with a few free hours in between • A guaranteed shift of hours per school day, no working nights or weekends unless you want to • Additional hours gained through trips and charters when available School Van Driver benefits: • $18/HR starting wage; depending on experience • $2,000 Sign-on Bonus for new drivers* • $500 Referral bonus • Paid training, no CDL needed • Hours guarantee • Paid holidays • Additional hours available • No nights or weekends • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits plus 401K Retirement Savings Plans (Benefits offered may vary by location or CBA) For our Van Driver roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who: • Do not have a college degree or high school diploma • Have military experience • Are returning to the workforce or looking for a second job • Are retirees • Are looking to jump start a new career You might be a good fit if you: • Are looking for a part-time schedule • Enjoy working with students • Are at least 21 years old • Have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years 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. *Conditions apply; see locations for details. Bonus offer expires 07/31/25 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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