Coach / Bus Operator Sample Questions

For the purposes of this test, the mission of a Bus Operator is:

“To efficiently and safely transport customers in a timely and friendly manner, while promoting the benefits of mass transit with excellent customer service.”

Interest & Willingness Samples:

This questionnaire lists working conditions which you must accept to become a bus operator. Some people find driving a bus is not for them because of one or more of these conditions. Successful bus operators find these work conditions acceptable; some operators enjoy these conditions.

Use the following scale to show which statement best describes you:

B. I am willing to accept this work condition.
C. I am not willing to accept this work condition.

1. Make good choices on the job even when no one is looking; work without supervision
    A. Would Enjoy B. Willing C. Not willing

2. Process information quickly; anticipate a situation before it happens
   A. Would Enjoy B. Willing C. Not willing

3. Communicate to all types of people effectively; deal with kids/children
    A. Would Enjoy B. Willing C. Not willing

Self-Rating Checklist Samples:


1. A. Willing to treat people as human beings
    B. Has good night vision

2. A. Able to work without supervision
    B. Able to separate a person and their actions

3. A. Has a good memory
    B. Willing to see the other person’s point of view

4. A. Is understanding of people’s needs
    B. Has knowledge of different bus equipment

Critical Incident Sample Questions:

This test is a select sample of situations which Bus Operators must be capable of handling. Each item represents an actual critical incident that a Bus Operator either excelled or failed in the performance of the job. This test exposes you to those situations, which make a significant difference in a Bus Operator’s job performance and effectiveness. Your choice of action reveals your readiness and potential to perform as a bus operator.

1. A small group of teenage riders sitting in the back of the bus are talking inappropriately and using offensive language. How should you deal with this situation?

A. Since the teenage riders will be getting off the bus soon, do nothing.
B. Ask one of the other passengers to say something to the teenage riders.
C. Ask the teenage riders to stop their inappropriate language.
D. Wait for one of the other passengers to complain before taking any action.
E. Ask the teenage riders to stop and if they do not, then immediately remove them from the bus.

2. You are on an inbound route and running behind schedule. You have a customer in a wheelchair on board and they are concerned about making their transfer on time. What should you do?

A. Ask a supervisor to meet you at the transfer station so they can help expedite the unloading and loading of the wheelchair customer.
B. Call dispatch and have them hold the customer’s connecting bus so they can make their transfer.
C. Do nothing since delays are part of using the transit system.
D. Arrive as quickly and safely as possible and maybe the customer will make their connection.
E. Apologize to the customer and inform them they will have to wait for the next transfer.

3. You are on your route and a friend boards your bus but shows you an expired bus pass. What should you do?

A. Inform your friend he will need to update his pass before he will be able to ride.
B. Let him ride the bus and don’t do anything.
C. Let him ride the bus and inform him his pass is out of date and he will need to get a new one.
D. Make a friendly announcement over the bus PA to all passengers reminding them to check the expiration date of their bus pass and inform them how they can renew their passes.
E. Let him ride but call him at home later that evening and speak with him privately about the situation.