17 Paratransit Driver Interview Questions and Answers

Do you have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record? Are you at least 21 years old? Do you enjoy helping people? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be interested in becoming a paratransit driver.

Paratransit drivers provide transportation for people with disabilities who are unable to use traditional public transportation. They often work for transportation companies, but may also work for hospitals, schools, or government organizations.

Before you can start driving people around town, you’ll need to go to a job interview. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a list of paratransit driver interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable driving in heavy traffic?

Paratransit drivers often need to drive in heavy traffic, so employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable doing so. In your answer, explain that you are willing to do what it takes to get passengers where they need to go on time.

Example: “I am very comfortable driving in heavy traffic because I know how important it is to get passengers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible. When I’m behind the wheel, I stay calm and focused, even when other drivers are acting erratically. I also use my mirrors frequently to ensure that I don’t cut anyone off or cause any accidents.”

What are some of the best practices you follow to ensure safety while driving?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your awareness of safety measures while driving. This is an opportunity for you to show that you are a responsible driver who follows the rules of the road and keeps passengers safe at all times. In your answer, try to highlight some specific practices you use when driving paratransit vehicles.

Example: “I always make sure to follow the speed limit and traffic laws while on the road. I also avoid making sudden stops or turns, which can cause accidents. Another important practice I have is to check my mirrors frequently to ensure that no one is in danger of being hit by my vehicle. Finally, I always stay alert and focused while driving so that I can react quickly if there is ever an emergency.”

How would you handle a passenger who is rude or disruptive?

This question can help the interviewer assess your customer service skills and ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to show that you value treating others with respect and courtesy while also being able to enforce rules or consequences when necessary.

Example: “I would first attempt to diffuse the situation by asking them politely to stop their disruptive behavior. If they continue, I would call my supervisor for further instructions on how to proceed. If a passenger is acting in an unsafe way, such as driving recklessly or using threatening language, I would contact law enforcement immediately.”

What is your experience in driving a vehicle that is equipped to transport people with disabilities?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you might fit in with their company. If you have no prior experience, consider sharing a story about an instance where you helped someone who needed assistance getting from one place to another.

Example: “I’ve driven a vehicle that is equipped for transporting people with disabilities once before when I was working as a driver for a transportation service. The passenger had a broken leg and couldn’t walk very far, so I drove them to their destination while they sat in my front seat. They were able to use the wheelchair lift to get into the van and back out again.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a challenging traffic situation and how you handled it.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations. In your answer, try to highlight how you used your critical thinking skills to find an effective solution to the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a paratransit driver, I had to drive through rush hour traffic on a daily basis. One day, there was a major accident that caused a lot of congestion in the area. I knew that if I didn’t get to my next pickup location within the allotted time, it would inconvenience the passenger. So, I decided to take a detour to avoid the congested highway. It took me longer to reach my destination, but I managed to arrive before the passenger needed to leave.”

If you were given a route with frequent stops, how would you manage your time between trips to ensure you reach your target arrival time?

This question can help the interviewer assess your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous experience or describe how you would approach this situation if it was new to you.

Example: “I have worked with a schedule that had multiple stops per route before, so I am familiar with managing my time between trips. In my last position, I used a GPS system to track my location and arrival times. This allowed me to see when I needed to leave in order to reach my target arrival time at each stop. If I were given a similar schedule again, I would use the same method of tracking my locations and arrival times.”

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

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions. Your answer should show that you are confident in your abilities as a driver, but also that you understand the importance of safety when driving passengers.

Example: “If I noticed a mechanical issue with my vehicle while on duty, I would immediately pull over to the side of the road and call for backup transportation. If it was safe to do so, I would try to fix the issue myself before calling for assistance. However, if I couldn’t repair the issue or felt uncomfortable doing so, I would contact dispatch and request another driver.”

How well can you follow written and verbal instructions?

Paratransit drivers must follow a variety of instructions, including those from passengers and dispatchers. Employers ask this question to make sure you can read and understand written directions and communicate clearly with others. In your answer, explain that you have excellent reading comprehension skills and are able to write down important information when needed.

Example: “I am very good at following verbal and written instructions. I always pay close attention to the details my supervisors give me during training and practice sessions. When driving for my previous employer, I would often take notes while talking to passengers so I could remember their requests later on.”

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary qualifications for the job. They want someone who can drive safely and obey traffic laws while transporting passengers. In your answer, let the employer know that you do have a valid driver’s license and provide them with proof if possible.

Example: “Yes, I do have a valid driver’s license. I renewed it last year, and I still have my most recent driving record from the DMV. I also have a clean driving record, so I haven’t had any accidents or moving violations in the past five years.”

When driving a vehicle with multiple stops, how do you determine the best route to take?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you plan your routes and ensure that you’re driving safely. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you determine a route, including any factors you consider when planning a trip.

Example: “I always start by looking at the map of where I’m going and determining which stops are closest together. Then, I look for areas with multiple stops so I can make one stop and then drive to another location before making my next stop. This helps me save time on trips because I don’t have to drive back to an area once I’ve already made a stop there.”

We want our drivers to be able to multitask. Are you comfortable driving and performing other tasks at the same time?

This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with multitasking and how well you can perform multiple tasks at once. Use your answer to highlight any skills or experiences that show you are capable of handling this type of work.

Example: “I am very comfortable driving while performing other tasks, as I’ve done it for many years. In my previous position, I would often drive passengers while also answering their questions about routes and schedules. This helped me learn how to balance these two tasks simultaneously. I’m confident in my ability to multitask and provide excellent service to all riders.”

Describe your experience driving in bad weather conditions.

Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience driving in inclement weather. They want to know that you can drive safely and avoid accidents when the roads are slick or covered with snow. In your answer, explain how you handle bad weather conditions and what steps you take to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Example: “I’ve driven in all kinds of weather conditions, from heavy rainstorms to blizzards. I always check the forecast before my shift starts so I know what to expect. When it’s raining, I use my windshield wipers and headlights to see clearly. If there is ice or snow on the ground, I put chains on my tires to give me better traction.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would be a good fit for the position. Before your interview, make sure you read through the job description thoroughly so that you can refer to specific requirements when answering this question. In your answer, try to highlight any skills or experiences that match what they are looking for in an ideal candidate.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a paratransit driver in the first place. I have been driving for five years now, and during that time I have developed excellent customer service skills. I also have experience with public speaking, as I often give tours of our transit system to visitors.”

Which driving techniques do you use to control your vehicle?

This question helps the interviewer evaluate your driving skills and how you use them to control a vehicle. Use examples from your experience that show you can drive safely and efficiently.

Example: “I always make sure I’m aware of my surroundings while driving, especially when making turns or changing lanes. I also try to maintain a safe distance between vehicles so I have enough time to react if another driver makes an unexpected move. When approaching intersections with traffic lights, I slow down gradually to avoid sudden stops that could cause passengers to fall. Finally, I always check mirrors and blind spots before moving forward.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a paratransit driver to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to identify a skill that is directly related to your experience as a driver.

Example: “The most important skill for a paratransit driver is customer service. Paratransit drivers are often the first point of contact for customers who need transportation services. I think it’s important to be friendly and welcoming while also being able to answer questions about routes and schedules.”

How often have you driven a vehicle with a lift?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with driving vehicles that have a lift. If you haven’t driven a vehicle with a lift before, consider describing another time when you had to drive something large or heavy.

Example: “I’ve never driven a vehicle with a lift, but I did once drive a bus that was equipped with a wheelchair lift. The lift made it easier for me to transport passengers who needed assistance getting on and off the bus. It also helped me avoid having to transfer passengers from their wheelchairs into the bus seats.”

There is a mechanical issue with your vehicle and you are already late for your next stop. What would you do?

This question is designed to assess your decision-making skills and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you are able to make quick decisions while still prioritizing the safety of passengers.

Example: “If I am already late for my next stop, I would first call dispatch to let them know about the mechanical issue with the vehicle. Then, I would try to fix the problem as quickly as possible so I could get back on schedule. If it was a serious enough mechanical issue that I couldn’t drive the vehicle safely, I would arrange for another driver to take over my route until I was able to return.”