When does a shift start and end?
There are two shifts daily.  The shifts are generally from 6:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. but may be subject to change.

Do I have flexibility to work just in the morning or the afternoon? 
Currently, the district is looking for drivers who are available for both AM and PM shifts. If you are looking to work only the morning or afternoon shifts, then you may want to consider our substitute bus role instead. 

Do you work in the summer?
The bus driver role is a 180-day (10-month long) position. A limited number of summer school shifts may be available depending upon seniority and bus route needs of the district.

How old do I need to be to drive a bus? 
You must be at least 25 years of age or older to be insured to drive a LWSD bus. 

What license is required?
A valid Washington State driver’s license is required before training. If you do not have a CDL license, a portion of the district provided training will include training for your CDL license. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/gettingalicense.html 

What if I have a license from another country?
By law, you have 30 days after you move to Washington (WA) to get your WA driver license.  For more information about how to obtain a WA state driver’s license please check with the Department of Licensing. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html

Do I need a CDL prior to applying?
A CDL license is not required before you apply for our bus driver role but we do encourage you to have the license in advance.  If you do not have a CDL license the district will provide training for the CDL license. You are however responsible for paying for the license. Annual renewal of the CDL license is covered by the district. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdl.html

Can you have a driving infraction or accident in your driving record history?
A driving infraction does not automatically preclude you from becoming a bus driver. However your ability to get and maintain a CDL license depends upon the type of infraction. Refer to the following link for more details. https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdlsuspensions.html

Do I need to obtain my first aid certification before I can be a bus driver?
You do not need to have first aid certification before applying to be a bus driver. The district provides first aid training as part of the comprehensive bus driver training provided. 

What kind of training is available?
The district will provide approximately 20 hours of in-classroom time to study and prepare for the CDL permit test. Once the permit has been obtained, you will have additional classroom and behind the wheel training to receive the CDL class B with passengers and school bus endorsements. The training may take up to three weeks (7-8 hours a day) to complete. Trainings for the upcoming school year are held in the summer and on a revolving basis for drivers hired during the school year. 

Are there any physical or medical tests I need to pass before becoming a bus driver?
Prior to getting CDL, you must be able to pass a Federal DOT Medical Evaluation: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/dot-medical-exam-and-commercial-motor-vehicle-certification.

Is there a contract stipulating how long you need to stay employed with the district after training is complete?
LWSD invests time and money in helping you to become a bus driver. Although there isn’t a requirement to stay employed with the District after the training, we do ask you to consider committing to at least one school year as a bus driver.  

What happens if there is an emergency on the bus? 
As part of your district provided training, you will be given specific procedures and methods to address potential emergencies. Bus drivers are supported by District dispatchers and their supervisors. The well-being of our students and bus drivers is important to LWSD and we take every effort to ensure safety measures are identified and implemented.

What is the starting salary for a bus driver?
Starting salary for bus drivers is $33.79/hour (effective 2022-23). A cost-of-living adjustment will be provided for the 2023-2024 school year. https://www.lwsd.org/employment/classified-employees/salary-schedules 

Am I eligible for benefits?
LWSD employees are eligible for benefits if they work at least 20 hours per week. Additional information about available benefits can be found here: https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees. 

What are attendance bonuses? And how much are they?
Drivers who maintain exceptional attendance during the school year will receive a monetary bonus (i.e., attendance bonus). In order to qualify, a driver must be employed as a permanent driver on the first day of school. (The only exceptions for this incentive shall be absences occurring through Discretionary, Bereavement, Military and Jury Duty Leave). 

For bus drivers who work 180 days per year, the following compensation shall apply:

Days missed	Amount
0	$1,400
1	$1,200
2	$1,000
3	$800

For bus drivers who work 128 days per year, the following compensation shall apply:

Days missed	Amount
0	$1,200
1	$1,000
2	$800

Am I required to be part of a union? 
Bus drivers are eligible to be a part of the Lake Washington School District Trades Bargaining Council Union. For more information refer to Trades Bargaining Council agreement found on this page: https://www.lwsd.org/programs-and-services/human-resources.

Can I be a substitute bus driver?
Yes, the District does have substitute bus driver roles. Substitutes are eligible for and required to attend annual training. Substitutes do not have a regular schedule but are on-call daily. LWSD is able to guarantee a minimum number of hours per day or week.   

What criminal history would disqualify me from being considered for a bus driver position? 
WAC 392-144-103 Relates to Disqualifying conditions for authorized school bus drivers: https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-144-103. 

What if I have other questions?
Kim Miller, Bus Driver Trainer
kimiller@lwsd.org
(425) 936-1138

Heidi Bedwell, Talent Acquisition Coordinator
hbedwell@lwsd.org
(425) 936-1248