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Van Driver

First Student · Aurora, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 24, 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

Why do you want to drive students in Batavia and the surrounding area?

What they are checking: Whether they are motivated by community service and the responsibility of transporting kids.

How long have you had your driver's license, and how would you describe your driving habits?

What they are checking: Whether they have a safe, steady driving history the company can trust with students.

Tell me about a job where people counted on you to show up on time every day.

What they are checking: Whether they have proven reliability, since every route depends on the driver showing up.

How do you feel about being trained on the company's routing technology?

What they are checking: Whether they are open to learning new tools that guide their daily routes.

What would you do

A student is crying and doesn't want to get off at their stop. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they respond with care and follow procedure by contacting dispatch rather than improvising.

You're driving and students get loud and distracting. How do you keep your focus?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage noise calmly and pull over if needed instead of driving distracted.

How would you handle a parent who isn't at the stop to pick up a young child?

What they are checking: Whether they follow safety procedures and never leave a young child alone at a stop.

You notice a student who seems hurt or upset about something at home. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know to report concerns about student welfare through the right channels.

About the work

What would you look at during a pre-trip check of your van?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the basics like tires, lights, brakes, and mirrors before driving kids.

What does a safe following distance look like in rain or snow?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to adjust driving to bad weather to protect passengers.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

Now Hiring Part Time School Van Drivers - Aurora, 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 : $22.75 per hour · Training Hourly Rate : $17.00 per hour · 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 4 hours per day at minimum. · Safety or Attendance bonuses** 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 Van 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 .

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