Find a meaningful job as a School Bus or Van driver with one of our many Operators in the Ottawa Area!
Driving a school bus is a fulfilling opportunity. If you have an interest in working with children and youth, this may be the right job for you. Approximately 1200 school buses and school purpose vehicles travel 75,000 kilometres in Ottawa every school day. These trained professionals provide 15 million safe rides during the school year.
Every day is an adventure.
– Local Bus Driver
Answer the call. Be a Driver.
School bus drivers enjoy regular part-time employment which can be a great fit for many families, retired persons and the self-employed. OSTA contracts over 10 local bus Operators who are responsible for the hiring and training process. Professional training is often provided by the school bus company at little cost to drivers. Training includes safe driving techniques, bus evacuation, student management, and other specialized training dependent on the applicants’ needs.
Do you have what it takes to be a School Bus or Van driver? Find out Below!
"After my retirement, I started as a school bus driver. It gives me a great opportunity to work on my own without a supervisor overlooking my shoulders, I love driving children because they are easy to manage and quick to learn and follow the instructions on a safe journey on a school bus. My weekends are free to enjoy with my family and friends and I get decent extra pay for this part-time job to complete my projects. My training for license upgrade was free, instructors were knowledgeable and great to teach me safe driving practices, no doubt I will recommend my friends, stay-at-home mothers and other part-timers to look at this opportunity to serve the community." - Driver from First Student
"I enjoy driving the High School students because each day I learn something new from the students, and it can be a pleasure talking to them." - Driver from Allegiance Transportation Services
"Even though I'm retired from the Canadian Forces I like to keep discipline i.e., getting up early to take advantage of the day, being useful to the community, and earning extra money to supplement my pension... When I see kids getting off the bus and taking time to thank me or turn around to wave at me, I know I made a difference in their life that day but what they don't know is that they also make a difference in my life." - Driver from Voyago
"It is important to serve the public. Especially for future generations." - Driver from Voyago
"Over time the children regard you as something like a teacher/relative/friend. They make things for you and express their fondness and appreciation." - Driver from First Student
"As a mother of 6, it helps me stay focused to ensure the older 3 get up and off to school. I get to bring my babies/toddlers with me so once we come home from the route it's lunch and nap time so I am able to get housework done. Then once nap time is done, I pack them back on the bus and do the pm route. Come home to make supper, bath then bed. Makes my days a lot easier and less stressful." - Driver from First Student
"I enjoy both the driving aspect of a school bus along with the care for the students as well. This job suits my personality and also enjoy the interaction with the kids in helping them in being an important role in their everyday lives." – Driver from M.L. Bradley
Driving a school bus is a fulfilling employment opportunity. There are many benefits that may include:
Driving a school bus takes a special kind of person. If you have the qualities listed below, then driving a School Bus or Van might be for you!
School Bus Drivers in Ottawa come from diverse backgrounds and may include:
Find out if you qualify to become a school bus or van driver:
As a School Bus or Van Driver, you'll be responsible for:
The process of becoming a Yellow School Bus Driver is not overnight. You will need to dedicate about four weeks of time to lessons, training, and testing.
The first step is to contact one of our many Operators in Ottawa and pass a pre-screening. Once accepted, the applicant can then:
Please note that the steps above are only an overview. The Operator will outline the entire process to each applicant. All training is paid for by the Operator.
The process of becoming of School Purpose Van Driver is a more straightforward process as drivers only need a G License to drive School Purpose Vans.
The first step is to contact one of our many Operators in Ottawa and pass a pre-screening. Once accepted, the applicant can then:
Please note that the steps above are only an overview. The Operator will outline the entire process to each applicant. All training is paid for by the Operator.
Yellow School bus licences
Class B and E
To drive a school bus in Ontario, you need either a B or an E Class licence. Operators will help guide you through the process of obtaining a B Class license to become a School Bus Driver.
A Class B licence lets you:
A Class E licence lets you:
Requirements
To get a B or E licence, you must:
You will not be able to get a Class B or E licence if your driver's licence has been suspended during the past 12 months for any offence outlined in the Official MTO Bus Handbook.
Operator | Vehicle Type | Email/Website | Phone | Area Covered |
---|---|---|---|---|
DC Bus Lines | Van | 613-831-9888 | West of Rideau River | |
Direct Transportation | Wheelchair bus and
Van |
[email protected] | 613-749-0660 | East, West and South |
First Student | Yellow Bus | [email protected] | 437-777-6735 | West, Centretown |
M&R Transportation | Van | [email protected] | 613-749-3375 | Nepean |
ML Bradley | Yellow Bus | www.mlbradley.com/apply-now | 613-835-2488 | Central, East |
Monarch Student Transportation | Van | 613 836-7997 | East, Centre, South, West | |
Premier Bus Lines | Yellow Bus | www.premierbuslines.ca/ | 613-253-8863 | Central, Nepean |
Roxborough Bus Lines | Yellow Bus and Van | roxboroughbus.com/careers | 613-821-1414 | Nepean, south, east |
Sommer Transportation Services |
Van | [email protected] | 613-723-9677 | East, Centre, South, West |
Voyago | Yellow and
Wheelchair Bus |
[email protected] | 613-266-2702 | West |
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a new career as a School Bus Driver?
Local Operators are equal opportunity employers that welcome a diverse workforce!
To apply, you can contact one of the carriers directly or head over to our driveyellow.ca website to apply.