Bus Driver Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Bus Driver interview questions and answers.

A traffic jam on your route has caused delays. To ensure you follow the schedule, will you maintain the speed limit or drive fast? See answer
Have you ever had an accident while driving a bus? How did you deal with it? See answer
Are you comfortable driving at night? See answer
Have you ever received a fine for your driving? Do you have a clean driving record? See answer
What qualification do you possess that makes you legally eligible to drive a bus? See answer
How familiar are you with the city routes? See answer
Why do you want to work in our company as a Bus Driver? See answer
Do you like driving in inclement weather? See answer
How would you deal with rude and unruly passengers?
Give an example of a time where your time-management skills helped complete a trip on time?

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10 Bus Driver Interview Questions and Answers

A traffic jam on your route has caused delays. To ensure you follow the schedule, will you maintain the speed limit or drive fast?

Bus Drivers often have strict schedules, for example when employed by a school. Minor delays stress the Bus Driver, and they may drive over the speed limit to recover lost time. Look for answers showcasing the ethical code and problem-solving skills of the applicant. What to look for in an answer:

Adherence to driving rules and laws
Ability to ensure the safety of passengers
Problem-solving skills

Example:

“Irrespective of the delay, I will never go over the speed limit. I will call my supervisor or concerned authority regarding the potential delay in transporting passengers. There is no point in driving fast because it results in receiving unnecessary fines. Furthermore, exceeding the speed limit puts other drivers on the road at risk.”

How do you deal with rude and unruly passengers?

This question helps you understand the applicant's ability to deal with passengers and how much they value the driving best practices. What to look for in an answer:

Ability to deal with distractions while driving
Politeness with passengers
Willingness to follow driving best practices

Example:

“I will first try to understand the reason for their unruly behaviour and try and provide a solution where I can still maintain my driving schedule. As a last resort, I'll give them a verbal warning. If the passenger still doesn't calm down, I will stop the bus and request that they get off the bus.”

Have you ever had an accident while driving a bus? How did you deal with it?

When driving a bus, the safety of passengers should be the topmost priority of Bus Drivers. Look for answers that showcase the applicant's attitude towards passenger safety. What to look for in an answer:

Ability to remain calm under pressure
Giving priority to passenger safety
Desire to follow your company's protocols and report incidents

Example:

“At my last job, I was involved in an accident where a sedan collided into the bus at a red light. Instead of panicking, I first checked on the well-being of the passengers and then called for help for passengers who were injured. After ensuring the safety of all passengers, I called the Police and reported the matter to my supervisor.”

Are you comfortable driving at night?

Depending upon your company's requirements, a Bus Driver may have to work the night shift for people travelling at night. Bus Drivers may work in swing shifts. What to look for in an answer:

Willingness to work in every shift
Ability to take the additional responsibility
Confidence to drive buses at night

Example:

“I enjoy working at night because of the peaceful environment. Also, I'm single and don't mind taking up work different from the typical nine-to-five routine. Furthermore, I feel it's my responsibility toward the company to complete the work irrespective of the shift.”

Have you ever received a fine for your driving? Do you have a clean driving record?

This question ensures that the applicant doesn't have a long history of accidents and fines to their name. The last thing you'll want is a Bus Driver endangering the life of passengers and people on the road. What to look for in an answer:

Honesty
Clean driving record
Knowledge of traffic rules

Example:

“Three years ago, I received a fine for exceeding the speed limit because a passenger suddenly took ill and needed immediate medical intervention. Since then, I have made sure to drive carefully and have successfully maintained a clean driving record.”

What qualification do you possess that makes you legally eligible to drive a bus?

Since Bus Drivers handle passenger's safety, they require a professional driving licence to fulfil the role. This question ensures that the applicant has all the required skills and qualification for the job. What to look for in an answer:

Desired qualification and skills
Ability to drive a bus
Possesses Certification of Professional Competence (CPC) licence

Example:

“I have a driver CPC from the age of 20 and five years of experience driving a bus for a reputed company. Apart from the CPC, I have a clean driving record. I always stay on schedule while keeping the safety of passengers in mind."

How familiar are you with the city routes?

Though GPS technology will always be helpful for Bus Drivers, familiarity with routes helps passengers reach their destination on time. This question helps you understand the basic knowledge of the applicant in the area they'll be driving. What to look for in an answer:

Ability to use GPS technology to increase their knowledge
Honesty
Knowledge about the city routes

Example:

“I'm familiar with the city routes as I have been driving around the city for the past 5 years. I'm a quick learner and will learn the shortest possible routes. Also, I use GPS technology to chart safe and short routes to different destinations.”

Why do you want to work in our company as a Bus Driver?

This question gives details about the applicant's motivation for joining your company. It also tells you how passionate and enthusiastic they're about working as a Bus Driver for your company. They should research about your company to get some reasons of preferring your company over others. What to look for in an answer:

Interest in the job
Research about your company
Passion and motivation for becoming a Bus Driver

Example:

“I want to work for your company because you strive to provide excellent service to passengers while ensuring compliance with all traffic rules and regulations. I prefer providing a safe trip to passengers, and I feel your work culture matches my work ethics. Also, I'm looking for a flexible work schedule and long-term employment opportunity.”

Do you like driving in inclement weather?

Poor weather outside is a reality for Bus Drivers in the UK. This question helps you test the applicant's ability to works in inclement weather. What to look for in an answer:

Ability to drive in inclement weather
Willingness to follow safety protocols
Observation skills

Example:

“In my previous job, I used to drive in cold and wet conditions. I always drive the bus slowly, turn on the fog lights and avoid tailgating. If there are signs of the weather becoming extremely bad, I follow the company's protocols and stop the bus at a safe place. Furthermore, I'm happy to drive in inclement weather as it adds variety to my work.”

Give an example of a time where your time-management skills helped complete a trip on time.

A Bus Driver needs excellent time-management skills to keep to timetables, and this question gives insight into the strategy the applicant uses to complete their trips on time. It lets you understand the applicant's ability to handle pressure. What to look for in an answer:

Ability to prioritise tasks
Time management skills for ensuring adherence to schedules
Strategic thinking about city routes

Example:

“In my previous job, I carefully scheduled the routes to avoid routes where traffic is usually high. I used short routes to ensure all passengers reach their destination on time.”

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Bus Driver Interview Questions

10 Bus Driver Interview Questions and Answers

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