What does a Shuttle Driver do?

Often found in the travel and hospitality industries, Shuttle Drivers transport riders along a designated route and drop them off at predetermined stops. They often work for airports, hotels, resorts, tour companies, cities or universities. Some Shuttle Drivers follow a constant loop, such as a route between the parking lots at the airport and the main terminal. A University Shuttle Driver might travel around campus along a particular route and stop at each designated bus stop. Other Shuttle Drivers go to different designations. A Resort or Hotel Shuttle Driver often takes guests to different nearby locations.

Regardless of the route, the Shuttle Driver is responsible for keeping riders safe and following all designated traffic rules and regulations.

Shuttle Driver skills and qualifications

Successful Shuttle Drivers use their current skills and qualifications to transport their passengers safely. Some skills and qualifications you might list in your Shuttle Bus Driver job description include:

• Familiarity with and adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations
• Mechanical aptitude to perform basic shuttle maintenance
• Ability to estimate driving time and fuel efficiency
• Customer service and payment processes skills
• Comfort with reading schedules and following routes
• Clean driving record
• Accurate record-keeping skills to track mileage, fuel, number of passengers and other details
• Adaptability and decision-making skills

Shuttle Driver experience requirements

If you’re hiring a Shuttle Driver, you may want to look for candidates with previous experience. It’s helpful to have a certain type of shuttle driving experience. For example, an Airport Shuttle Driver job description might request applicants who have driven a similar shuttle type. Related experience might satisfy the requirements in a Hotel Shuttle Driver job description. Previous driving experience with a vehicle of a similar size is also helpful.

Shuttle Driver education and training requirements

This career path doesn’t have any standard education requirements. Shuttle Drivers typically need to have commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to operate larger vehicles that hold multiple passengers. To drive vehicles holding 16 passengers or more, the Driver may need a Class C CDL. Training takes place on the job for new Shuttle Drivers who don’t have previous experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

Not looking for a Shuttle Driver job description? Try one of these similar job description samples:

• CDL Driver
• Delivery Driver
• School Bus Driver
• Route Driver

Shuttle Driver job description FAQs

What should you look for on a Shuttle Driver resume?

Check for previous driving experience in a professional setting, particularly on the same type of vehicle your organization uses. Working in the travel, hospitality, transportation or customer service industry can also give the candidate knowledge that helps them succeed as a Shuttle Driver. Look for mention of a CDL to determine if the candidate already has the necessary licensing for the position.

What makes a good Shuttle Driver?

A good Shuttle Driver has a keen awareness of safe driving skills and remains alert at all times. They can handle distractions, such as loud passengers, without losing sight of or focus on the road. Strong, fast decision-making allows a Shuttle Driver to react to changing traffic situations. A Shuttle Driver with mechanical experience notices when the vehicle isn’t performing right and may need repairs. They can also handle some light maintenance to keep the shuttle running smoothly. Customer service skills are beneficial because the Shuttle Driver interacts with passengers throughout the trip.

How can you write an effective Shuttle Driver job description?

Describe the type of vehicle and a typical day for the Driver. Include specific details based on the type of position. In an Airport Shuttle Driver job description, explain that the driver will follow a loop that goes between a long-term parking lot and the airport terminal. For a Hotel Shuttle Driver job description, describe the types of locations the shuttle takes hotel guests.