Training

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Training
Basic School Bus Driving!
2
What is required to obtain a Class B CDL

• Written exams
• General knowledge
• Must pass this test first. No other tests are
  given until you pass the General Knowledge

Passenger endorsement Must pass this to
transport any passengers. School Bus
endorsement Must pass this to transport
children.
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What is required to obtain a Class B CDL
Air Brake system Many buses now, have
airbrakes. So you have to pass this if you are
going to drive a bus with an air brake system.
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What is required to obtain a Class B CDL

• IAW AR Code 6-11-105
• To be a School Bus Driver in the State of
  Arkansas the following is also required.
• Current Commercial Drivers License
• Physical examination
• Proof of state and federal background check
• Proof of tuberculosis skin test
• Documentation of pre-employment and random drug
  and alcohol testing

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Hot Topics

• Defensive driving techniques
• Knowing the equipment you are operating
• Your responsibility as a School Bus Driver
• Pre-trip inspection
• On-Road Driving
• Rail Road precautions and Rules

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Defensive driving techniques

• Be prepared to drive.
• Get plenty of rest prior to driving a school bus.
• Only take medications that do not impair driving.
• Expect the unexpected
• Other drivers not paying attention.
• Using a cell-phone or reading something
• Use your lights to let others know your
  intentions
• Four-way hazard lights at rail crossings and
  other emergency needs.
• Eight-way warning lights when loading and
  unloading only.
• Roof mounted strobe light working.
• Headlights should be on for safety.

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Principles of Defensive Driving

• Staying alert to changes but looking well ahead.
• Scan the area ahead at least one block.
  Periodically scan to the sides.
• Always look both directions at intersections,
  crosswalks, pedestrian crossings etc.
• Check your mirrors as often as safety permits and
  always before changing lanes.

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Principles of Defensive Driving

• Observing the Situation
• Know where you are in relation to other vehicles
• Know where you are in relation to the situation
• Identify an escape route in the event of an
  emergency

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Principles of Defensive Driving

• Recognizing Potential Hazards
• Inattentive drivers
• A Construction zone
• An Aggressive driver passing vehicles unsafely
• A sharp turn
• A child on a bicycle
• Motorcycles
• Pedestrians

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Principles of Defensive Driving

• Deciding on an Appropriate response
• Watch for brake lights
• Following distance
• An erratic driver
• All of these observations will dictate a certain
  response. Be prepared to respond accordingly

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Principles of Defensive Driving

• Carrying out your plan
• Once you have decided on your response you need
  to carry it out.
• Maybe slowing down or increasing your following
  distance.
• Be prepared to act on the rest of your plan if
  the situation calls for it

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Factors Impacting Defensive Driving

• Light Level or Time of Day
• Sunrise and Sunset
• The glare could restrict your ability to see on
  coming traffic
• Weather
• Heavy rain, fog or snow all have an effect on the
  road surface
• Slow your speed and adjust to the situation
• Driver Condition
• As a School Bus Driver you must be both mentally
  and physically prepared to drive safely and
  defensively

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Knowing the equipment you are going to operate!

• What is the length of the bus?
• Axle to Axle and Bumper to Bumper
• What is the distance from the rear axle to the
  rear bumper?
• There can be as much as 8 foot difference
  depending on the bus you are using
• How much does the rear axle track inside when
  making a turn?
• This will differ depending on the length between
  axles.

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Knowing the equipment you are going to operate!

• What is tail swing?
• Tail swing happens when the bus is in a turn. On
  a right hand turn the left rear side of the bus
  swings out to the left as much as three feet. In
  a left hand turn the rear swings out to the right
  as much as three feet as well.
• The longer the distance between the rear axle and
  the rear bumper, the more TAIL SWING the bus will
  have.

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Most Common Factors Cited In Fatal Crashes

• Driving too fast
• Running off the road
• Failure to yield the right of way

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Professional Drivers Please help usShare the
Road Safely !

• BE AWARE OF YOUR NO-ZONE
• Other drivers may not be aware of the size of
  your blind spots.
• One-third of all crashes between large trucks and
  cars take place in the No-Zone areas around a
  truck. Adjust your mirrors and be vigilant in
  watching out for other vehicles

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Professional Drivers Please help us.Share the
Road Safely !

• PLEASE FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT
• Buckle up for safety and vehicle control.
• If you are in a crash, a seat belt will save your
  life and that of others. It will keep you in your
  seat and allow for you to maintain control of
  your truck. Increasing seat belt use is still the
  single most effective thing we can do to save
  lives and reduce injures on our roadways.

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Your responsibility as a School Bus Driver

• What makes up a good pre-trip?
• Driver attitude!
• Remember you should be mentally and physically
  prepared to drive the
• School Bus
• The driver sets the stage for how things
  will happen on a School Bus and for the rest of
  the day for the students. Safety starts with the
  driver. Dont drag along all the problems you
  will have to deal with day to day. Leave it at
  home and prepare yourself for your route.
  This is where the PRE-TRIP should start.

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FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIERS SAFTY ADMINISTRATION

• Before starting out, the driver must be
  satisfied that the motor vehicle is in safe
  operating condition.
• If the last vehicle inspection report notes any
  deficiencies, the driver should review and sign,
  noting that necessary repairs have been
  completed.

FMCSR Part 396 Inspection and Repair
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Pre-trip inspections
Pre-trip Inspection A pre-trip inspection will
help you find problems that could cause a crash
or breakdown.

• Safety is the most important reason you inspect
  your vehicle.
• Safety for yourself and for other road users.
• A vehicle defect found during an inspection could
  save you problems later. You could have a
  breakdown on the road that will cost time and
  dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the
  defect.
• Federal and state laws require that drivers
  inspect their vehicles prior to each trip. (FMCSR
  Part 396 Inspection and Repair)
• Federal and state inspectors also may inspect
  your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be
  unsafe, they will put it "out of service" until
  it is fixed.

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FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIERS SAFTY ADMINISTRATION

• Drivers are required to prepare a daily written
  post trip inspection report at the end of each
  driving day.

FMCSR Part 396 Inspection and Repair
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Post-trip inspections

• Post-trip Inspection A post trip inspection
  should be conducted at the end of each trip, day.
  This inspection will help your mechanics
  determine the need for any repairs.

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    Just Because Im Tried, Dont You Get
Fired! (Be sure to check all seats and floor
spaces for children left on or sleeping!)  
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FRONT HEADLIGHTS,SIGNALS CLEARANCE
LIGHTS WINDSHIELD WIPERS 8-WAY LOADING/UNLOADING
LIGHTS
FRONT SUSPENSION WHEEL,TIRE AND BRAKE
FRONT SUSPENSION WHEEL,TIRE AND BRAKE
ENGINE AREA
CAB OR DRIVER AREA
SERVICE DOOR
FUEL TANK AND CAP
BELOW BUS SIDE EMERGENCY DOOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE
WINDOWS
BELOW BUS EMERGENCY ESCAPE WINDOWS
REAR SUSPENSION,WHEEL,TIRE AND BRAKE
REAR SUSPENSION,WHEEL,TIRE AND BRAKE
REAR SIGNAL,BRAKE CLEARANCE LIGHTS 8-WAY
LOADING/UNLOADING LIGHTS REAR EMERGENCY DOOR
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Pre-Trip Inspection

• APPROACH
• No damage and no leaning.
• IE From flat tire, broken spring or shock
  absorber.
• Look to both sides of the bus for downed power
  lines, tree limbs, people or other objects in or
  around the bus.
• Look under the bus for leaks or other objects as
  listed above.
• Examples of leaks may be water pump, power
  steering pump, oil filters or fuel tank.

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• FRONT OF BUS
• Check the condition and operation of all lights
  and lenses.
• Name all
• Headlights,(high and low beam)
• Turn signals
• 4-way Hazard
• Reflectors
• Windshield for damage
• Wipers for condition and security
• Vehicle inspection for valid date
• Mirrors are secure not broken
• Child crossing gate for security and operation
• Bumper secure

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• LEFT SIDE OF THE BUS
• Clearance light and reflectors not broken and
  working properly
• Windows ( NO PLEXIGLASS)
• Not broken or cracked
• Fuse box
• No bare or frayed wiring Three spare fuses
• Coolant reservoir lid is secure and not leaking
• Stop sign secure, no bare wires and in good
  working condition

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Left Front Wheel Well
• Steering wheel shaft secure
• Steering Gear Box not leaking and securely
  mounted
• Power Steering Hoses not leaking
• Drag link securely mounted
• Cotter pin in place and secure at the front and
  rear of the Drag Link

STEERING ARMS
STEERING WHEEL
STEERING WHEEL SHAFT
FRAME
TIE ROD
STEERING RING KNUCKLE
DRAG LINK
STEERING GEAR BOX
PITMAN ARM
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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Suspension
• Spring Mounts
• Secure, not broken
• To the front and rear of the axle
• Spring leafs
• Secure not broken, bent or cracked
• Shock Absorber
• Secure not leaking
• Axle is in alignment with the opposite side

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PARTS TO AN AIR-BRAKE SYSTEM
BRAKE CHAMBER
PUSH ROD
SLACK ADHUSTER
BRAKE SHOE
BRAKE CAM
CAM ROLLER
AXLE
BRAKE SHOE
BRAKE DRUM
RETURN SPRING
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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Brakes
• Air line is secure not leaking
• Brake Chambers are secure not leaking
• Slack Adjuster is secure and properly adjusted.
• To Check Adjustment
• Park on level surface, CHOCK the rear tires,
  release the park brake. You should not have more
  than one inch of play.
• Brake drum
• Not cracked or welded
• Brake Pads
• No obstructions and have at least ¼ inch of wear
  remaining.

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Front Tires
• Condition
• No cuts or abrasions
• No mix matched sizes or radials and bias tires
• No recuts, regrooved, recapped or re-tread on the
  front axle
• Tread depth is no less than 4/32nd inch
• Air pressure
• At manufactures spec. or standard for your
  district
• Valve stem secure and has a cap on it

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Wheels and Rims
• No cracks or welds
• Lug nuts are secure to the touch
• Rust could indicate a loose nut
• Hub seal not leaking and nuts are secure
• Mud flap
• If installed it must be secure

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Battery Box
• Connections are tight to the touch
• No corrosion on cables or battery surface
• Battery secure to the battery tray
• Battery tray is secure to the box and security
  clip is in place

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Under the Bus
• Drive shaft is secure and not rubbing anything.
  (safety strap in place and secure)
• Exhaust is secure not leaking
• Chassis to Frame mounts are secure no missing
  hardware
• Scan for leaks

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Pre-Trip Inspection
Rear Wheel Well Suspension

• Spring mounts are secure, not broken or missing
  any hardware
• Spring leafs are secure, not broken or cracked
• Torque Bar is secure, not bent, broken or cracked
  and is secure.
• Shock Absorber is secure, not leaking
• Axle is in alignment with the opposite side

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Rear Brakes
• Two Air lines
• Secure and not leaking
• Brake Chambers
• Secure not leaking
• Slack adjuster
• Secure and adjusted properly
• To adjust Park on level surface, chock tires,
  release park brake. No more than one inch of
  play.
• Brake Drum
• No cracks or welds
• Brake Pads
• At least ¼ inch wear left on them

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Rear Tire
• Condition
• No cuts or abrasions
• No mix matched sizes or mixed bias and radial
• Recaps, recuts, regrooved are allowed on the
  rear.
• At least 2/32nd inch wear remaining
• Air pressure
• At manufactures spec. or standard for your
  district
• Valve stem secure and has a cap on it

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Wheels and Rims
• No cracks or welds
• Lug Nuts are secure to the touch
• Rust around the lug could indicate a loose nut
• Hub or Axle seal is not leaking and nuts are
  secure
• Wheel Spacers (if equipped are evenly centered
  and not bent or rusted through.)
• Space between tires is not obstructed and clear
  of foreign objects.Tires not rubbing.

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• BACK OF THE BUS
• Check the condition and operation of all lights
  and lenses.
• Name all lights
• Clearance lights Reverse lights work properly
• 8-way warning lights Turn Signals
• Tail lights 4-way hazards
• Brake lights Reflectors
• On top of the Bus, Strobe light is secure and
  working
• Emergency exit door is secure operates properly
  from the outside, Buzzer sounds when the door is
  open
• Bumper is secure no missing hardware
• Nothing in the tail pipe. (should extend not more
  than two inches past the bus body)

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Right side
• All lights are secure and work properly
• Windows not broken or cracked
• Right wheel well assembly is the same as the Left
  Rear Wheel Well Assembly.
• Be prepared to explain each step if ask by the
  examiner
• Fuel Tank
• Not leaking
• Cap is secure not leaking
• Tank guard is secure
• Service door is secure no broken or cracked glass

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Engine compartment
• All belts are secure no more than ¾ inch play at
  the longest extension
• All Hoses are secure not leaking
• Oil level is between add and full
• Coolant level is between add and full
• Power Steering pump is secure not leaking and
  service properly.
• Alternator is secure no bare wires
• Radiator is secured not leaking and has fluid in
  the sight gauge

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Engine compartment
• Water Pump is secure not leaking
• Cooling Fan secure not cracked or broken
• Transmission fluid level is between add and full
• Air compressor is secure, Governor secure not
  leaking (if equipped) (brake fluid level if
  equipped with hydraulic brakes)
• No bare wires
• Windshield washer fluid serviceable

44
Pre-Trip Inspection

• Inside the Bus
• Stair well is clear of obstruction
• Hand rail is securely mounted
• Stair well light is secure working and the lens
  is not broken
• Walk to the back of the Bus checking that each
  seat is secure and not missing any hardware
• Fire extinguisher secure and properly serviced. (
  one in the rear and one in the front)
• Emergency exit doors secure and buzzers sound
  when the door is opened. Not Obstructed!

45
Pre-Trip Inspection

• Inside the Bus
• All emergency exit windows are secure and
  function properly. (buzzer sounds when opened)
• Roof mounted Emergency exits are secure and work
  properly (buzzer sounds when opened)
• Activity lights work and are not broken
• You have Three RedTriangles

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• Drivers seat area
• Fire Extinguisher secure and properly serviced
• Seat is secure
• Seat belt installed properly and is serviceable
• Overhead bulkhead (anything mounted)
• First aide kit secure
• Body Fluid kit secure (Sept. 2004 or later)
• Fans secure (if equipped)
• Camera box secure (if equipped)
• Radio secure (if equipped)
• Mirror secure and clear
• Sun Visor is secure

47
Pre-Trip Inspection

• Brakes
• If equipped with hydraulic brakes
• Pump the brake pedal three times and hold it down
  for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
• To test the Mechanical/Manual Park Brake
• Put the transmission in gear, release your park
  brake, let the bus roll fwd and reset park brake.
  The bus should stop rolling

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Pre-Trip Inspection

• If equipped with Air Brakes the following test
  must be performed

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7 Step Air Brake System Test

• 1.Test Air Leakage Rate.
• With a fully charged air system
  (typically125 psi), turn off the engine. Cover
  the Service Brake and release the Park Brake,
  and time the air pressure drop. The loss rate
  should be less than two psi in one minute for
  single vehicles. Then apply 90 psi or more with
  the brake pedal. After the initial pressure drop,
  if the air pressure falls more than three psi in
  one minute for single vehicles, the air loss rate
  is too much. Check for air leaks and fix before
  driving the vehicle. Otherwise, you could lose
  your brakes while driving.

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7 Step Air Brake System Test

• 2. Test Low Pressure Warning Signal.
• With the engine off and you have enough air
  pressure so that the low pressure warning signal
  is not on. Turn the electrical power on and step
  on and off the brake pedal to reduce air tank
  pressure. The low air pressure warning signal
  (audible and light) must come on before the
  pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air
  tank (or tank with the lowest air pressure, in
  dual air systems.

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Step on and off the brake pedal to reduce the
air tank pressure. The "parking brake" knob
should pop out when the air pressure falls to the
manufacturers specification (usually in a range
between 40-20 psi). This causes the spring
brakes to come on.
7 Step Air Brake System Test
3. Check That the Spring Brake Comes on
Automatically.
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7 Step Air Brake System Test

• 4. Check Rate of Air Pressure Buildup.
• When the engine is at operating rpm, the
  pressure should build from 85 to 100 psi within
  45 seconds in dual air systems. (If the vehicle
  has larger than minimum air tanks, the buildup
  time can be longer and still be safe. Check the
  manufacturers specifications.) In single air
  systems (pre-1975), typical requirements are
  pressure buildup from 50 to 90 psi within three
  minutes with the engine at an idle speed of
  600-900 rpm.

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7 Step Air Brake System Test

• 5. Check Air Compressor Governor Cut-in and
  Cut-out Pressures.
• Compressor should engage by 100 psi and should
  disengage by 125 psi.

54
7 Step Air Brake System Test
6. Test Parking Brake.
With the park brake set. Put the vehicle in gear
and attempt to move the bus by gently applying
pressure to the throttle pedal. The vehicle
should not move.
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7 Step Air Brake System Test

• 7. Test Service Brakes.
• Wait for normal air pressure, release the parking
  brake, move the vehicle forward slowly (about
  five mph), and apply the brakes firmly using the
  brake pedal.
• Note any vehicle "pulling" to one side, unusual
  feel, or delayed stopping action.

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Air Brake System Test

• Please note that the first three steps of this
  test are required (in the correct order)
  knowledge to pass the skills test.

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SKILLS TEST

• Forward Stop
• Straight Line Backing
• Alley Dock
• Right Turn
• Backward Serpentine

• Parallel Parking Driver and
  Conventional Sides (not required in Arkansas but
  is good to practice)

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Forward Stop

• Pull forward to the stop line, leaving the
  front bumper between the two white lines.

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Straight Line Backing

• Back out without encroaching on the cones to
  the left and right of the bus.

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Alley Dock

• From a forty-five degree angle to the left of
  the bus. Back in leaving the rear bumper between
  the two white lines at the back of the dock area.

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Right Turn

• Approach an intersection and make a right
  hand turn without stopping and without striking a
  cone.

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Backward Serpentine

• Starting with the Bus left rear bumper even
  with the first cone. Back through the cones
  without striking any of them. Ending with the Bus
  front bumper even with and to the right of the
  last cone.

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On-Road Driving

• How You Are Tested
• Turns
• Use turn signals to warn others of your turn.
• Intersections
• Is the driver looking both directions?
• Did the driver make a full stop before the stop
  line or sign?
• ( allowed to move forward after the stop to see
  clearly)
• Lane Usage
• Does the driver use the correct lane?
• Stop and Start movements, Speed, Curves and Signs.

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Rail Road precautions and Rules
In 2006 there where 530 fatalities nationally
involving trespass of Rail Road property. 6 of
these were in Arkansas. Rail grade crossing
collisions 80. Arkansas ranked 11th in the
nation in collisions
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Rail Road Related Facts

• 64 of all collisions occur in daylight hours.
• Nearly half of all highway-rail crashes occur
  when the train is traveling under 30 mph.
• Three of four collisions occur within 25 miles of
  the drivers home.

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Rail Road Related Facts

• At 55 mph, the average freight train may take
  mile or more to stop.
• Nearly 50 of all collisions occur at crossings
  equipped with automatic warning devices.
• You are 20 times more likely to die in a
  collision with a train than in a collision
  involving another motor vehicle.
• In the USA, approximately every 2 hours a
  collision occurs between a train and vehicle or a
  train and a pedestrian.

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Special ProceduresPolice Officer or Flagman at
the Crossing

• No person shall cross a rail grade crossing when
  the lights are flashing except when
• A police officer directs it is safe to do so.
• A rail road representative directs it is safe to
  so.

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Rail Road precautions and Rules

• The approach to a track.
• Stopping at a Rail Road Track.
• Crossing the track.
• What should I do if I am stuck on a track?

LOOK LISTEN AND LIVE
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Rail Road Rules

• The approach to a track!
• Activate the four-way hazard lights approximately
  200 feet before the crossing.
• Scan your surroundings and check for traffic
  behind you. Make sure your intentions are known.
• Choose an escape route in the event of a brake
  failure or problems behind you.
• Slow down, shift to a low gear (if manual
  transmission) and test your brakes.

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Rail Road Rules

• Turn off the AM-FM radio and noisy equipment, and
  silence the passengers.
• Open the service door and drivers window. Look
  and listen for an approaching train..
• Check the crossing signal again before
  proceeding.
• At a multiple-track crossing, stop ONLY before
  the first set of tracks. When you are sure no
  train is approaching on any track, proceed across
  all of the tracks until you have completely
  cleared them.
• Do not change gears while crossing.

• All school buses must make a full stop at all
  rail road crossings and be sure it is clear to
  cross the tracks.

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Rail Road Rules

• Stopping at a Rail Road Track. Stop no closer
  than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the
  nearest rail, where you have the best view of the
  tracks.
• Look beyond the tracks to see if there is traffic
  congestion, a signal or STOP sign. Is the
  containment area large enough to allow the bus to
  completely clear the crossing when stopped? Are
  you absolutely sure? Be familiar with your bus.
  Know how long it is.

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Rail Road Rules

• Crossing the track.
• If you have more than one track, stop only at the
  first track.
• Never stop on a track or between two tracks.
• Continue monitoring the tracks and other traffic
  as you cross.

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Rail Road Rules

• What should I do if I am stuck on a track?
• If you stall or breakdown on the tracks, evacuate
  the bus immediately.
• If a train is approaching you should move toward
  the train and at a 45 degree angle away from the
  track.

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Containment Areas

• If it won't fit, don't commit! Know the length
  of your bus and the size of the containment area
  at highway-rail intersections on the bus route.
  When approaching a crossing with a signal or STOP
  sign on the opposite side, pay attention to the
  amount of room there. Be certain the bus has
  enough containment area to clear the railroad
  tracks completely on the other side, in case
  there is a need to stop.

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    FIVE ALIVE  SAFETY STEPS
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MAKE IT A FULL STOP!
84
REMIND THE STUDENTS IT IS FOR THEIR SAFETY!
85
IF YOU NEED TO PULL UP TO SEE, DO IT AFTER YOU
MAKE A FULL STOP!
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LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT AND THEN LOOK LEFT AGAIN
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ONCE CLEAR AND YOU COMMIT TO GO, DONT STOP!