Build a Stable, Rewarding Career as a School Bus Driver in Tennessee

Join a Growing Transportation Team in Tennessee

From Nashville and Memphis to Knoxville, Chattanooga, and smaller towns, Tennessee families rely on safe school transportation every day. Ecco Ride partners with school districts to provide that service—and they need dependable drivers to keep everything running smoothly.

If you’re looking for a steady, community-centered job with clear purpose, becoming a school bus driver with Ecco Ride in Tennessee could be the perfect move. With sign-on bonuses and paid training, you can start a new career without needing prior commercial driving experience.

What a Tennessee School Bus Driver’s Day Looks Like

As a school bus driver, your core responsibility is to transport students safely. Your day often includes:

• Arriving early enough to inspect your bus before starting your route

• Following a prescribed route to pick up students in the morning

• Dropping students at school on time, every time

• Completing an afternoon run to bring students back home

• Communicating any route changes, concerns, or incidents to dispatch or school staff

You’ll also be an extra set of eyes and ears for what’s happening with students outside the classroom. Many drivers build strong relationships over time with the families on their route.

Why Choose Ecco Ride as Your Employer?

In Tennessee, Ecco Ride invests in its drivers because they know reliable transportation starts with people, not buses. When you join Ecco Ride, you can expect:

• Sign-On Bonuses – Qualified new drivers may receive a bonus as a thank-you for joining the team.

• Full Paid Training – From classroom instruction to behind-the-wheel practice, you’ll be paid while you learn.

• Route Consistency – You’ll typically drive the same route day after day, which helps build routines for you and your passengers.

• Flexible Extra Hours – Optional trip work for sports, band, or other activities can increase your earnings.

• A Team That Has Your Back – Local managers, trainers, and mechanics work with you to keep buses safe and on schedule.

In addition to competitive pay, many drivers appreciate the respect and appreciation they receive from Ecco Ride leadership and their local communities.

Who Thrives as a Tennessee Ecco Ride Driver?

There is no single “type” of school bus driver. Ecco Ride’s Tennessee team includes:

• Parents and grandparents who want a job that aligns with school schedules

• Retirees seeking a structured routine and meaningful work

• People transitioning from hospitality, retail, or warehouse roles

• Drivers who want to move from long-haul to local routes

You’re likely to thrive if you:

• Stay calm under pressure

• Care about safety and doing things the right way

• Communicate clearly and respectfully

• Enjoy working with kids and teens

• Show up consistently and on time

Training and CDL Licensing Support in Tennessee

If you’ve never driven a large vehicle, that’s okay. Ecco Ride’s training program is designed to turn beginners into confident professional drivers.

Training typically includes:

• Safety classes on state and federal regulations

• Student management skills, including how to handle common issues calmly

• Hands-on practice driving a bus, parking, and maneuvering in real conditions

• Preparation for written and road CDL exams, including the endorsements needed to transport students

You’ll be paid during training, and your team will guide you through Tennessee’s licensing requirements step by step.

Work-Life Balance with Predictable Hours

One of the largest benefits of school bus driving is a schedule that works with your life instead of against it. With Ecco Ride, you can usually count on:

• Morning work, a long break mid-day, and afternoon work

• Evenings mostly off for family time, classes, or a second job

• Weekends and major holidays free in most cases

• A schedule that roughly follows the school calendar

That rhythm can be especially valuable if you have children in school, are easing into retirement, or want predictable hours.

How to Apply for School Bus Driver Jobs with Ecco Ride in Tennessee

If you’re ready to explore school bus driving in Tennessee:

1. Go to Ecco Ride’s careers page and choose Tennessee as your location.

2. Look for openings near your city or county.

3. Fill out the online application with your background and availability.

4. A recruiter or local Ecco Ride leader will reach out to discuss openings, training dates, and sign-on bonus details.

Driving a school bus is more than a job—it’s a responsibility and a source of pride. When you join Ecco Ride in Tennessee, you become part of a team that keeps students safe and supports schools across the state.