Prepare for Bus Driver Assessment Tests

When applying for a job as a bus driver, you may be intimidated by the many steps involved in the hiring process. Below we have outlined all of the steps involved in getting hired for bus driver jobs, as well as some tips on how to prepare for your pre-employment assessments and your bus driver interview. 

What Is the Hiring Process for Bus Driver Jobs?

1. Apply

Send your resume and cover letter to the company’s website or fill out an application form online.

Some companies ask you to create an online profile on their website and apply through their jobs portal, so be sure to have a valid email address. Have all your driver’s license details available at the ready so that the application goes smoothly.

2. Pass pre-employment assessments

For many driver positions, candidates must take pre-employment tests, such as a mechanical reasoning test, a personality test, a reading comprehension test and a numerical reasoning (basic math) test.

Don’t worry—all of these tests are described in detail below, and JobTestPrep can help you prepare for whatever exam you must take.

3. Complete an interview

If you pass your pre-employment test, you will be invited to an in-person interview. It can take weeks to months after taking the assessment test to get a call about an interview; however, if you are worried, you can always follow up with the company after your test.

At the interview, you will be asked questions about how you act in work-related situations and what you would do in various hypothetical scenarios. Two key qualities that your interviewer is looking for are excellent customer service skills and proper road safety skills. 

4. Drug test and medical exam

Most companies require successful candidates to take a drug test and pass a medical exam before making a job offer.

What Tests Do I Need to Take?

While every bus company or transportation authority uses different exams, these are the most popular pre-employment assessments for bus driver jobs:

Personality Test

Bus drivers need to have strong customer service skills and an ability to deal with difficult people while maintaining their cool. The purpose of personality tests is to see if you would be a good fit for the job in terms of your attitude and behaviors.

While you should be honest while completing the test, you can learn how to choose the best answers that will portray you in a positive light. Practicing in advance can help you understand what employers are looking for.

Mechanical Reasoning Test

This is one of the toughest tests for many bus driver candidates because many applicants are unfamiliar with the concepts related to mechanical reasoning.

JobTestPrep’s practice mechanical reasoning tests can help you bridge the gaps in your knowledge and bring your skills up to par.

Numerical Reasoning Test

Numerical reasoning tests are basic math tests, and they evaluate your ability to solve basic equations and interpret graphs and tables.

If you haven’t done any math since high school, you may find it helpful to practice for your numerical reasoning test so you feel confident and prepared.

Reading Comprehension Test

This test evaluates your ability to understand and use written materials and draw conclusions based on a test.

Other Bus Driver Tests

If you are applying to a MTA Bus Operator and Train Conductor and have to take those specific tests check out our specialized PrepPack™ that will help you succeed. 

If you are looking for UK Bus driver tests, please see our page on our sister, UK, site. 

Top Bus Driver Interview Questions

Below you can find some of the most popular questions asked at interviews for bus driver jobs.

1. Why do you want to work for our company?
2. Why do you want to be a bus driver?
3. What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?
4. How would you deal with a customer that was extremely inebriated and causing a scene?
5. If a bus fare is $1.65, and I give you two one dollar bills, what is the correct change?
6. What is your approach to safety?