Residents of St. Johns County, echoing a widespread challenge faced by many Florida school districts, are being called upon to consider the rewarding role of a bus driver. The district welcomes all individuals with a valid driver’s license to attend the event scheduled for Saturday morning, October 25, from 8 to 11 a.m. Here, participants can get behind the wheel and experience firsthand what it’s like to drive a school bus.

Denise Perkins, a seasoned bus operator and trainer for the St. Johns County School District, shared her personal journey into the role. Having trained numerous new drivers over the years, Perkins brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her position.

“My daughter actually rides the bus with me,” she mentioned, reflecting on the personal benefits of her job. Perkins initially applied for the position to enjoy more time with her three children and to combine her passion for driving with her love for working with kids.

The district hopes events like these will encourage more community members to consider this fulfilling career, ultimately helping to alleviate the ongoing driver shortages.

“It’s like a giant minivan,” Perkins describes.

All new hires receive commercial driver’s license (CDL) instruction — including a week in the classroom, two weeks of behind-the-wheel practice, and two days of road training with an instructor.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are the most regulated vehicles on American roads — designed with multiple safety systems to protect students and drivers alike.

The event takes place at the Public Safety Campus Test Track on Gaines Road in St. Augustine.

Participants can test drive a real school bus, meet district trainers, and connect with community partners like the Big Red Bus Bloodmobile and Buddy Bus mammogram unit.

Organizers hope the event inspires more people to consider joining the team that keeps students safely moving every day.