17 City Bus Driver Interview Questions and Answers

City bus drivers are responsible for transporting passengers safely to their destinations. Drivers must adhere to a strict schedule and may have to deal with traffic congestion and angry passengers.

Before you can start your new job, you will likely have to go through a job interview. During the interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your experience, your skills, and your qualifications. He or she will also ask you questions about your personal qualities, such as your patience level and your ability to deal with difficult situations.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of the most common city bus driver interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable driving a large vehicle that seats dozens of people at once?

Bus drivers often need to drive large vehicles that can transport dozens of people at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with driving a bus and have experience doing so. In your answer, share what type of vehicle you’ve driven in the past and how you feel about it. Explain why you feel qualified for this role despite not having experience driving a bus.

Example: “I’ve been driving a school bus for the last five years. I love being able to help kids get to and from school safely each day. While I’m not used to driving a city bus, I am confident that I could learn to do so quickly. I understand that there are many similarities between the two types of buses and would be willing to take additional training if needed.”

What are some of the most important skills for a city bus driver?

This question can help interviewers understand what you think are the most important skills for this role. You can answer by listing some of the skills that you have and how they apply to this position.

Example: “The most important skill for a city bus driver is communication. I find it’s essential to be able to clearly communicate with passengers, other drivers and my team members. Another important skill is multitasking. When driving a large vehicle through busy streets, it’s vital to be able to perform multiple tasks at once. Finally, patience is another key skill because there will always be challenging situations on the road.”

How would you handle a situation where a passenger is being disruptive or disrespectful?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and whether you have the ability to remain calm in a challenging situation. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you are able to stay composed while also maintaining authority over the situation.

Example: “I would first ask the passenger to stop their disruptive behavior or leave the bus. If they continue to be disrespectful, I would call for security assistance. As a city bus driver, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of all passengers, so I would not hesitate to remove someone from the bus if necessary.”

What is your experience with city bus routes and schedules?

Bus drivers need to know the routes they’re driving and when they’re supposed to be at certain stops. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with city bus routes and schedules so that you can hit your designated stops on time. In your answer, share what kind of experience you have with city bus routes and schedules. If you don’t have any experience, explain how you would learn them if hired.

Example: “I’ve been driving a city bus for five years now. I started as a part-time driver while in college, but I loved it so much that I decided to pursue it as a career. Now, I’m an experienced driver who knows all the ins and outs of city bus routes and schedules. I also use GPS technology to help me stay on track.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided exceptional customer service to a passenger.

Bus drivers often interact with passengers, so employers ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know that you can be friendly and helpful when interacting with customers. In your answer, try to describe a specific situation where you helped a passenger in some way.

Example: “When I was working as a bus driver for the city of San Diego, I had a passenger who was visually impaired. He would always get on at the same stop, but he didn’t have his dog guide with him one day. I noticed that he seemed confused, so I asked if everything was okay. He told me that he usually rode with his dog guide, and I offered to help him find his usual seat. We walked together until we found it, and then I made sure he was comfortable before continuing my route.”

If a passenger asked you for advice on the best way to get from one part of the city to another, what would you tell them?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the city and how you might interact with passengers. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few landmarks or areas that are easy to navigate.

Example: “If I were giving advice on how to get from one part of the city to another, I would first ask them what they’re looking for in their trip. If they’re just trying to get from point A to point B, I’d tell them about some of the major roads and intersections that will take them there. However, if they’re looking for something more specific, like a scenic route or an alternative way to get somewhere, I’d offer up my own suggestions.”

What would you do if you noticed a mechanical issue with your city bus while on the road?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for how you would handle this situation, including what steps you would take to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.

Example: “If I noticed a mechanical issue with my city bus while on the road, I would first pull over to the side of the road as safely as possible. Then, I would call my supervisor or dispatcher to let them know about the issue and ask if they could send another driver to help me get all of my passengers off the bus so that I can fix it.”

How well can you multitask while driving a city bus?

Bus drivers often need to multitask while driving a city bus. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the responsibilities of being a bus driver. In your answer, explain how you have handled multiple tasks in the past. Explain that you are confident you can do so safely and effectively.

Example: “I am very good at multitasking. I’ve driven a school bus for five years now, and I had to drive with children on board while answering questions from parents via radio. I also had to keep track of where all my students were going and what time they needed to be there. I think I would be able to manage the same thing while driving a city bus.”

Do you have a valid driver’s license in the state where you’ll be working?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the legal right to drive in their state. They also want to know if you’ve had any driving violations or accidents on your record. Before your interview, check with the company to see what kind of driver’s license they require for the position. If you don’t have a valid license, explain why and how you plan to get one.

Example: “I currently have a valid driver’s license in my home state. I haven’t had any traffic violations or accidents on my record. However, I am planning to move to your city next month. I will be taking the written test again before then so that I can apply for an unrestricted license here.”

When is it appropriate to use your bus’s horn?

Bus drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This question helps the interviewer determine if you understand when it’s appropriate to use your bus horn and when it isn’t. Use examples from your experience to show that you know how to use a horn safely.

Example: “I only use my bus’s horn in emergency situations, such as when another driver is about to hit me or if I see someone crossing the street without looking both ways. In these cases, using the horn can help alert them to potential danger so they can get out of the way. However, I never use the horn just because I feel like it. It should always be for safety reasons.”

We want to ensure that our drivers feel appreciated. How would you use our company bus pass to get around the city?

This question is a great way to see how the candidate will use their company bus pass. It also shows you what they think of your company’s benefits package. You can answer this question by asking them about their favorite part of the city and why it’s their favorite.

Example: “I love visiting the waterfront because I get to see all the boats in the harbor. The views are so beautiful, especially when the sun sets over the water. I would definitely take my company bus pass there on a Friday evening to enjoy the sunset.”

Describe your experience driving a large vehicle that seats multiple people.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have experience driving a large vehicle and can handle the responsibilities of this role. You can answer this question by describing your previous experience, including any training or certifications you may have received for operating a larger vehicle.

Example: “I’ve driven a school bus before, which seats up to 50 people. I was trained on how to operate the bus safely and efficiently, and I learned about all the safety features of the bus. In my last position, I drove the bus to transport students to and from school events. I also had to drive the bus to pick up children who were sick and needed to go home.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this city bus driver position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want someone who is passionate, hardworking and eager to take on new challenges. When you answer this question, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experience. You can also share a story that shows how you would be an ideal candidate for the position.

Example: “I am an excellent driver with five years of experience in city driving. I have excellent communication skills and enjoy interacting with people. I am always willing to help others and solve problems. These are all qualities that make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Which city bus models have you driven in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with different types of buses. It can also show them which models you’re most comfortable driving and how familiar you are with their features. If you’ve only driven one type of bus, consider describing it in detail to highlight your experience with that model.

Example: “In my last position as a city bus driver, I drove a standard 40-foot bus. This is the most common size for city buses, so I’m very familiar with its features. However, I have also driven smaller 30-foot buses and larger 60-foot buses. The key differences between these models include the number of seats, the length of the vehicle and the amount of cargo space.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful city bus driver?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want someone who is responsible, organized and able to multitask. In your answer, share two or three qualities that you feel are important in a city bus driver. Explain why these traits are beneficial.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a successful city bus driver is patience. I know it can be challenging to deal with so many different people every day, but remaining calm and helpful no matter what situation arises is essential. Another quality I think is important is organization. There are so many things to remember as a city bus driver, from where to pick up passengers to which routes to take. Being organized helps me stay on top of my responsibilities.”

How often do you perform routine maintenance on your city bus?

Bus drivers need to keep their vehicles in good working order. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the mechanical skills needed for the job. In your answer, explain what kind of maintenance you perform and how often you do it. If you don’t know much about vehicle maintenance, consider taking a class or reading up on it before your interview.

Example: “I check my bus’s oil levels once a week. I also rotate its tires every two weeks. I change the engine oil every six months and replace the air filter every month. I inspect all the lights and mirrors regularly as well. I want to make sure that everything is safe and functioning properly at all times.”

There is a large crowd waiting at a bus stop. How do you decide who to pick up first?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you prioritize tasks and manage a crowd. Your answer should show that you are able to make quick decisions while remaining respectful of the people waiting for the bus.

Example: “I would first ask if anyone is in a hurry, then I would pick up the person who lives closest to the stop. If there are multiple people who live close by, I would try to accommodate everyone’s request as best as possible. For example, if two people want to be dropped off at the same location, I would drop one person off and then return to pick up the other.”