School Bus Driver Training

1. School Bus Driver Training Bob Ramsdell NSTA April 9, 2015

2. Overview • Industry background • License and Training Requirements • Training Practices • Sample Classroom and BTW Training

3. Student Transportation • 500,000 school bus drivers • Over 100,000 entry level drivers per year • Over 25 Million school children transported daily • 65% of drivers are employed by school districts; 35% by private contractors • Drivers are part-time and work split shifts • Funding comes from school districts • Safest mode of surface transportation

4. License Requirements • Commercial Driver’s License • Passenger Endorsement • School Bus Endorsement

5. Training Requirements • Regulated by States • 90% of States have mandatory, pre-service, entry-level school bus training requirements • Average of 20 hours classroom; 20 hours behind the wheel • Combination of skill and time-based training • In-service training also required by most states • Additional training required for “up-grading” license for other types of school buses

6. Training Practices • Training is primarily provided by Districts and Contractors; in some instances States provide training • Trainees do not pay for training provided by Districts or Contractors • Instructor certification varies, depending upon State Law and District of Company Policy • Training is most often provided between routes by driver trainers who also drive routes

7. Basic Operation Permit training Orientation Unique features of a school bus Vehicle inspection (pre and post-trip) Control Systems Proficiency development Massachusetts Training • Safe Operating Procedures • Mirrors & reference points • Off road skills • Offset alley • Parallel parking • Alley dock • On road skills • Turns, right & left • Intersections • Backing • Highway Driving • City driving • Winter driving • Communications • Vehicle dimensions

8. Advanced Operations Hazard perception Defensive driving Following distance Space cushion Skid control and recovery Special Situations Student pick up and drop off Railroad Crossing Student management Special Needs School bus evacuation Massachusetts Training • Vehicle Maintenance • Vehicle systems • Anti-idling • Diagnosing malfunctions • Preventative maintenance • Out of service criteria • Non-Driving Activities • Crash procedures/safety equipment • First aid/blood borne pathogens • Terrorist & security training • Trip planning • Hours of service

9. School Bus Certificate Requirements Bus Operation, Use, Laws and Regulations Vehicle Components General Defensive Driving Techniques Specialized Driving Techniques California Classroom Training • Passenger Loading and unloading • Emergency Procedures • Passenger Management • Activity Trips • Special Needs Passengers • Public Relations

10. Basic vehicle familiarization and movement Precision training in vehicle movement and driving fundamentals General defensive driving techniques Specialized defensive driving techniques Passenger loading and unloading procedures Emergency procedures Final appraisal California BTW Training

11. Student Transportation is regulated by State Law Training is predominately conducted by Districts and Contractors Training is free to entry level drivers Process for instructor certification varies Current training practices have resulted in excellent safety performance Summary

12. Questions and Answers