Jobs › First Student

School Van Driver

First Student · New Lenox, IL · $21.00–$25.00 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at First Student

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.

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.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by First Student.

Now Hiring Part Time School Van Drivers for New Lenox, IL Sign-On Bonus: $1,000* As a Part Time School Van Driver, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of students. You will start students’ days with morning pickup before school and transport them safely back home in the afternoon. Additional hours for field trip and special event transportation may be available. No experience is necessary to become a van driver! We are here to help you succeed with expert training and guidance to help you become a safe and professional First Student school van driver. School Van Driver benefits: · Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications · Hourly Rate: $21.00 – $25.00 per hour · Training Rate: $17.00 · Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options · 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match. · Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes). · Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada! · 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: Get paid for XX hours per day at minimum. · Child Ride-Along Program: Perfect for working parents. · Safety or Attendance bonuses** 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. Your day as a School Van Driver will include: · Safely transport students to and from school and activities. · Supervise boarding and unloading at stops; assist students with seatbelts and mobility aids. · Maintain order on the vehicle to prevent distractions. · Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (brakes, lights, tires, emergency exits). · Report mechanical issues promptly and keep the vehicle clean and sanitary. · Obey all traffic laws and company safety standards. · Communicate with parents, school staff, and dispatch about student behavior or delays. · Demonstrate leadership and customer service skills. School Van Driver Jobs are Perfect For: · Retirees looking for supplemental income · Stay-at-home parents seeking daytime work · Veterans transitioning into civilian roles · Anyone seeking a second career or flexible job · People who enjoy working with children You might be a good fit as a School Van Driver if you: · Are at least 21 years old · Have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years · Are looking for a part-time schedule and summers off · Enjoy working with students 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. Great School Bus Drivers often bring skills such as: · History driving with ride share companies or taxi services · Previous experience as a teacher, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate. 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. *Conditions apply; see locations for details. **Safety and/or Attendance 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 .

Apply at First Student

More school van driver roles