We all know what it felt like to hop on the bus in the morning and start your day with a warm greeting from your bus driver and a safe trip to school. Now, it’s your turn to step into the driver’s seat, get behind the wheel and experience firsthand the impact that being a bus driver can have on Henrico County Public Schools students — and your career.
HCPS’ “Drive the Bus” event is back on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glen Allen High School. The hands-on career showcase allows interested applicants to test drive one of our school buses through a course and learn the ins and outs of how our 400-plus drivers safely and efficiently transport more than 28,000 students to and from schools every single day. Participants are asked to sign up ahead of time with a form found at http://www.hcps.info/DriveTheBus2024.
Not only is this career rewarding in supporting students and their education, but it’s also rewarding financially. In February, the Henrico School Board fast-tracked a pay raise for all active and future bus drivers, which became effective on March 1. Another raise is set to be included with the school division’s next budget, meaning the minimum hourly rate for drivers will be $25 — a significant boost of nearly $6 from the $19.05 wage from the beginning of the year — when it takes effect on July 1.
Newly hired bus drivers are currently eligible for signing bonuses worth up to $3,000, paid in installments throughout the year. HCPS also offers safe driver and attendance incentives to drivers already on staff. Extended full-time contracts are available for drivers who wish to work during summer school, and referral bonuses are being offered to current drivers who recruit new hires. Don’t worry if you don’t have bus driving experience — if you’re a qualified driver candidate, you’ll be paid as you train.
Candidates for full-time and substitute bus drivers must: be at least 21 years old; have a valid Virginia driver’s license; be able to obtain a CDL Class B instructional permit or hold a CDL Class B license with endorsements in P/S (Passenger Transportation/School Bus) and airbrakes; and pass a physical and a drug test.
For more information, you can visit our Careers page (https://www.henricoschools.us/o/hcps/page/careers) or Transportation page (https://www.henricoschools.us/page/pupil-transportation). You can also call the HCPS Human Resources Department at 804-652-3664 to talk about our open positions.
HCPS “Drive the Bus” Event
When: Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Glen Allen High School, 10700 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen, Va. 23060
Who: Interested bus driver candidates and members of the media are invited to attend. If you intend to drive, please sign up ahead of time at http://www.hcps.info/DriveTheBus2024.