Being able to bring my son with me has been a blessing. I don’t have to stress about expensive childcare, and we actually get more time together throughout the day.

I love seeing my grandkids on the bus!

RCS allows drivers to bring their own state school enrolled children along on their route, helping make it easier to balance work and family life.

For school enrolled children, this can also provide the opportunity to ride your bus rather than their assigned route, allowing for more time together during the school week. Many drivers find comfort in knowing their children are close by, safe, and part of their day!

This opportunity is especially great for grandparents wanting to transport their grandkids!

Please note: This opportunity is subject to director approval. If transporting school enrolled children, they must be zoned for the same schools served by your assigned route.

That break in the middle of the day is so nice. I run errands, work around the house, or just have some time off for myself.

I like that I can pick up extra trips when I want to make more money. But I’m not stuck working all day if I don’t want to.

Instead of a traditional 9–5 schedule, drivers typically work morning and afternoon routes, leaving a large block of time in the middle of the day. This break provides flexibility to run errands, meet appointments, rest, complete house chores, or take care of personal responsibilities.

For those looking to earn additional income, there are often opportunities to pick up optional trips during the day, such as field trips, athletic events, or special routes. These extra trips allow drivers to supplement their income while staying active and engaged.

In many cases, drivers may even have the chance to transport students for their own children’s field trips or extracurricular activities. A unique opportunity to be present for important moments while getting paid!

This opportunity is especially appealing for grandparents who want to be more involved and help transport their grandchildren!

Having the same schedule as my kids is amazing. No more childcare costs during breaks and we can easily plan our trips!

It’s ideal for me as a retiree. My wife says it gets me out of the house, and I have plenty of time off to do my own things.

When school is out, you can enjoy time off or choose to take on additional work. Your schedule aligns closely with the district calendar, meaning when students are out of school for holidays, breaks, or summer, you are off as well!

This built-in flexibility gives you more opportunities to plan vacations, spend quality time with family, and enjoy extended breaks throughout the year. It can also help reduce or eliminate childcare needs during school holidays, saving you money!

This schedule is especially appealing for retirees, stay-at-home parents, or anyone looking for meaningful part-time work that fits naturally around their family’s routine.

Please note: some non-school days may be designated as professional development and it is required for transportation employees to attend

You don’t need years of schooling or an expensive CDL program to get started. RCSTN provides comprehensive training programs designed to help you earn your Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

Our training includes both hands-on instruction and computer-based coursework that aligns with FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements, ensuring you receive the knowledge and skills needed to operate safely and confidently.

For those who already hold a CDL, you’re already one step ahead! Additional training is provided to help you obtain the required P and S endorsements and become familiar with school bus-specific procedures.

I enjoy being on my own out in the country. You see something new everyday. It’s peaceful, and I can just focus on driving.

Parking my bus at my house is great. I do the route, and come back home to do what I need to do around the house before hopping back on in the afternoon.

While you’re part of a supportive team, much of your day is spent independently driving your assigned route without constant supervision. This allows you to take ownership of your work while enjoying a sense of autonomy on the job.

In some cases, drivers may have the opportunity to park their bus at or near their home, reducing the need to report to a central location each day. Communication and support are always available through two-way radio and dispatch, ensuring you’re never truly on your own if assistance is needed.

I get to see the seasons change and all the new houses and neighborhoods.

Best office view ever!

Forget sitting in an office, this role keeps you active and out in the community instead of behind a desk or in a building. You’ll travel through different parts of the county, giving you the chance to explore and stay connected to the area you call home.

As you drive your route, you’ll build familiar relationships with students, parents, and neighborhoods along the way. From quiet back roads to busy community streets, every route offers a different view and a deeper connection to the community you serve.

Drivers often become familiar, friendly faces for students and families, creating positive daily interactions and lasting relationships. Over time, you get to know your riders and become an important part of their daily routine.

From celebrating birthdays and holidays to sharing in school spirit and special moments, drivers have the opportunity to create a welcoming and positive environment on their bus. These small interactions can make a big difference in a student’s day.

By building trust and strong connections, you’re helping create a supportive and encouraging start and end to their school day.

I was always nervous to try, but now it just feels so easy. I actually miss all the extra mirrors on my own car.

I feel more in tune with the school bus and my surroundings. The practice driving and dry runs before each school year really help me.

Operating a larger vehicle may seem intimidating at first—but many of our drivers started with the exact same concern.

Myth: Driving a big school bus is scary.
Reality: With proper training and support, drivers quickly gain confidence and often feel more comfortable driving their bus than their personal vehicle.

School buses are designed to give drivers a clear, elevated view of the road, along with a comprehensive mirror system (including crossover mirrors and side mirrors) that helps minimize blind spots and improve visibility. Many newer buses are also equipped with backup cameras to assist with recognizing obstacles, structures, and pedestrians.

With time and experience, drivers develop strong awareness, control, and confidence. These are skills that carry over into everyday driving as well!

School bus drivers play a vital role in their communities by helping ensure students have access to safe, reliable transportation to and from school. It’s an opportunity to be part of your community in a meaningful way.

From transporting students to and from school, as well as to field trips and athletic events, to supporting school spirit, drivers stay connected and involved in what’s happening across local schools.

Along the way, you’ll build relationships, celebrate student achievements, and take pride in knowing the work you do makes a difference every single day.

• The applicant is at least twenty-five (25) years of age; or
• The applicant is at least twenty-three (23) years of age and:
  • An honorably discharged veteran of the United States armed forces;
  •  A member of the national guard or a reserve component of the United States armed forces; or
  • A licensed teacher employed by an LEA;

No. Once hired and clearing all screening and background checks, we provide training and resources to help you earn your Class B CDL with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements.

To view the most current CDL Manual, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/commercial-driver-license.html

While you may be able to obtain your CDL permit through the DMV prior to being hired, completing the Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsement requires specialized training and a skills test conducted in a school bus.

It’s important to note that a permit does not authorize you to operate a commercial vehicle independently. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) also requires new drivers to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before obtaining a CDL.

We know the process can seem overwhelming, that’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

• No out-of-pocket expenses
• Unlimited visits
• No claims filed through your insurance

Appointments are easy to schedule online. Learn more about their services

• YMCA membership discount
• Optional dental insurance
• Access to USAble benefits (employee-paid, voluntary services)
• Attendance bonus opportunities
• Bereavement leave
• Sick leave
• 2 Personal leave days each year (If unused, these days roll over into sick leave at the end of the school year)

Drivers typically work morning and afternoon routes with a break in the middle of the day. Schedules follow the school calendar, meaning you’re generally off during school holidays and summer break.

A route may include preK and after-school runs.

Please note: some non-school days may be designated as professional development and it is required for drivers to attend

Yes! Drivers may have opportunities to take on additional work such as field trips, athletic events, and other extracurricular transportation.

This depends on your assigned route. Buses may be parked at the bus shop in Springfield, at a designated school within your assigned zone, or at another approved location near your residence.

In some cases, drivers may also be permitted to park their bus at their residence.

School bus monitors play a big role in our department. Our department hires school bus monitors to assist with student management so our drivers can focus on the route.

You may be assigned a route with a bus monitor but that is based on availability in that school zone.

Communication and support are always available through two-way radio and dispatch, ensuring you’re never truly on your own if assistance is needed!