1. SETTING UP YOUR TRAINING CLASS
Driver Trainer Inservice 2017
Introduction: Authorized Driver Trainers are responsible for their training. There are set elements of training required to authorize a driver. However, training programs need to be set up according to the location of, and resources in each district.

2. Today’s Focus Basic responsibilities of training
Scheduling class time and sequence
Establishing training routes
Using department resources
Training a CDL driver
Training time and availability challenges
Today we are going to discuss
Basic responsibilities of driver training,
Scheduling classroom time and sequence,
Establishing a training route,
Utilizing transportation resources,
Training for a driver already possessing a CDL and,
Ways to address driver trainer time and availability.
This will be a chance to learn from each other so that regardless of your experience, we will all benefit from sharing what we know. Every trainer has the opportunity to mentor a new trainee, driver or driver trainer.
You have several handouts which we will refer to during this presentation.
Please take notes on the evaluation sheet H-1. Answers to your evaluation questions will be highlighted in RED in the PowerPoint. It is your option to follow the Lesson plan outline on H-2. Let’s get started. H-1/H-2

3. Trainer Responsibilities
Presentation: It is important to know and understand WA State as well as your own district’s requirements regarding training. There is no one set progression in teaching someone to be a school bus driver; however, the sequence should be logical. You are the one with the expertise in training.

4. Trainer Responsibilities
Teach all required course content.
Verify proficiency in knowledge and skill.
Sign off on all verified training.
Authorized Driver Trainers are Responsible for their Training.
When you became an authorized driver trainer, you were provided an instructor’s guide to assist you in the performance of your duties.
Authorized driver trainers are required to verify proficiency and they are the only ones authorized sign off that each trainee meets all requirements.
Aside from the training you may provide for the CDL tests, there are 39 units of instruction required by OSPI. The Training Units require both knowledge and skill.
This instruction is defined in WAC (8)
"School bus driver training course" means a course established by the superintendent and taught or overseen by an authorized school bus driver instructor. This course shall be successfully completed by all applicants for a school bus driver's authorization.
Teach ALL training units and elements of the state required course.
It is not mandatory for every word, sentence or paragraph of the training guide be utilized, except those which are required by statute or rules and regulations where identified.
Authorized driver trainers have the option to choose the way they present materials in each unit. Use of teaching materials such as films, handouts and examples are trainer discretion. Develop relevant lessons and make sure materials are updated.
There are no minimum or maximum hours required in teaching the comprehensive program. The trainer must decide on an individual basis how much time needs to be spent with each candidate to meet proficiency.
Trainers authorized to conduct this course must complete and keep on file a Training Units Completion Record for each person trained.

5. Classroom Training Classroom Training H-1
This is an important planning part of training. You can choose the order in which you wish to cover the training topics and you can develop your own lesson plans. Take a look at question #1 on your Evaluation Sheet and get ready to answer.

6. Classroom Training Timing is a basic element in training.
Time your lessons.
Work within your time constraints.
Cover all information.
Don’t drag it out.
Timing is a basic element in training.
This is the part of your training that you can efficiently and effectively combine a group of trainees.
There is more than one way to set up your classroom schedule. Remember, you are working with adults that need to see progress.
Whether you have 2 or 10 trainees or more, you have probably experienced that you can closely time each training unit lesson.
Consider your available time as well as when your trainees are available.
If you make yourself available from 10 – 2 and your trainees can only attend after 5 PM, then you can see there will be a problem.
It’s important to cover all the information but don’t drag it out. Many trainees are lost because the process takes too long.
Let’s look at Handout H-3
Here are examples of three training days which vary in length of time

7. Classroom Training 8-Hour Class Sample
What works? What doesn’t work? H-3
Date
Start
Stop
Topic
Homework
Day 1
7:00
7:30
Classroom- Introductions
8 -Hour
8:00
Paperwork /Expectations
8:30
Authorization/ Disclosure
9:15
Professional Driver /Driver Handbook/Attitude
Personal Appearance/Radio Use
Note: Pre-Employment Drug test results, Medical Card & Permit are required before BTW training.
9:30
Break
10:00
Qualifications & Disqualifying Conditions (WAC )
11:00
Harassment on the Bus-Video
11:30
Sexual Harassment Video
12:15
Lunch
1:30
Under Bus & Physical Agility
2:15
Inside Pre-trip
3:15
Outside Pre-Trip / Pictures / Badges
3:45
Questions / Review
Quiz HOs
ASK: For the 8 hour class, does this schedule work or not work for you and why?

8. Classroom Training 6-Hour Class Sample
What works? What doesn’t work? H-3
Day 2
9:00
9:30
Q & A / Quiz Review
6 -Hour
10:00
Substitute Drivers / Sub. Procedures
11:00
Rules for Bus Drivers (WAC )
11:15
Break
12:00
Rules of the Road
12:45
Lunch
1:30
Driver Fatigue/OTC Drugs
2:15
Railroad Crossings
3:00
Accessory Equipment / Types of Buses
3:30
Gauges & Meters / Fuel Conservation & Idling
3:45
Questions / Review
Quiz HOs
ASK: For the 6 hour class, does this schedule work or not work for you and why?

9. Classroom Training 4-Hour Class Sample
What works? What doesn’t work? H-3
Day 3
9:00
9:30
Quiz Review / Q & A
4-Hour
10:45
Loading and Unloading-- Video
11:30
Driver Liability - Video
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Lines and Signs-Traffic Video
1:30
Distracted Driving/Field Trips
1:45
Questions / Review
Quiz HOs
ASK: For the 4 hour class, does this schedule work or not work for you and why?
Now let’s put Handout 3 down and talk about your training schedule.
ASK: What are the scheduling advantages and challenges for you and your trainees when you train in-between bus routes?
ASK: What are the advantages and challenges for you and your trainees if you train only during business hours, for example. 7 AM - 4 PM?
ASK: How many of you train on Saturday or after hours? What are the advantages and challenges for you and your trainees?
Thank you for sharing your training schedule experience. Now please find your Evaluation Sheet so you can finish answering question # H-1

10. Classroom Training Sequence is a basic element in training.
Basics are your foundation.
Follow a logical sequence.
Classroom and behind the wheel training can integrate.
Sequence is also a basic element of training The examples we just looked at were put together to maximize training time for those districts. The timing and sequence you present material go hand-in-hand.
Start with basic information and lay the foundation for your student’s learning.
Follow a logical sequence i.e., teach gauges and meters in class before covering them on the bus.
Most classroom training units relate in some way to behind the wheel training. This is an important consideration.

11. Classroom Training Class & BTW Sample
What works? What doesn’t work? H-4
Date
Start
End
Topic
Homework
DAY 1
7:00
7:30
Classroom- Introductions
8:00
Orientation /Expectations
9:00
Authorization/Certifications
9:15
Break
11:30
BTW Lesson 1
12:15
Lunch
1:00
Mirrors/Physical Agility Test /Types of Buses/ Accessory Equipment
2:00
Qualifications & Disqualifying Conditions (WAC )
2:30
Questions / Review
Quiz/ HOs
Here is an example of a training day that includes some class and some behind the wheel H-4
ASK: What might be some of the challenges of doing a training schedule like this?
Now, I’m going to ask those of you that have experience instructing new driver candidates to share what works for you.
ASK: What topics work well in sequence for your classroom presentation?
ASK: How did you first figure your schedule out?
ASK: How do you measure understanding of your classroom topics?
Thank you for sharing.
Just to explain, we will answer all the evaluation questions as a group at the end of the lesson. Let’s revisit question #1 one more time and then we will continue talking about classroom training.

12. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#1 Name two basic elements of setting up a training class.
Please write your answer now.
#1. Name two basic elements of setting up a training class H-1

13. Classroom Training Keep information interesting and current.
Freshen up with inservice material information.
Use other department staff.
Attend industry meetings and workshops.
Remember to keep your information interesting and current.
Although your training book has basic information, it is your responsibility to keep your information up-to-date and interesting.
You can use inservice lessons to freshen up existing lesson plans.
Use others in your department to teach – we will talk about this more in just a few minutes.
Attend your regional Driver Trainer meetings and if you have a question, ask the group.
Attend workshops and conferences for new ideas.
Familiarize yourself with the new bus recently added to your fleet.
ASK: What department resources do you use?
ASK: How effective is it to use a variety of resources or presenters?
I think we can all agree that variety is a very good thing when training.
You and your trainee have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s put first things first.

14. Classroom Training Start with the CDL.
Preparing a driver to take the skills test is a major focus of training. Presenting the information starts in the classroom.
The CDL tests are always changing.
Use the current book.
Ask a mechanic for clarification.
Attend trainings put on by Third Party Examiners and chapter meetings.
Ask your Regional Transportation Coordinator for more resources.
There are three parts to the skills test. Vehicle Inspection, Basic Controls, Skills Drive.
The Vehicle Inspection does not require driving the vehicle on the roadway but it will require access to buses.
Ask your Third Party Examiner questions about commonly missed items on the test or suggestions for better skills test outcomes.
Vehicle inspection, or what we call a CDL pre-trip is almost entirely memorization, however, the trainee must have some access to a bus. Vehicle inspection should be introduced by a driver trainer.
Provide training aides including
a session with your mechanic to explain the parts of a bus,
a list of buses and their availability and,
written materials and diagrams.
Set trainees up for success and be clear on expectations for trainees practicing pre-trips on their own.
Set up a timeline and benchmarks for progress.
Encourage trainees to help each other practice.
They can always recite to friends or family members.
Let them know if they may or may not enlist other trainers or drivers.
Before we continue, take a look at question # H-1
Start with the CDL.
CDL info and tests are always changing.
CDL Vehicle Inspection (pre-trip) is mostly classroom and memorization.

15. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.
Classroom Training
Document all training for each trainee.
Document test scores and progress ratings.
Golden Rule
If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.
Document your trainings.
This is the golden rule and one of the basics you learned as a trainer: If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.
Keep a primary document on all training for each trainee.
You can put test scores and ratings on the document.
This gives you a good reference as you review your trainee’s progress.
Use written evaluations as proof that your trainees understand what you taught.
Use the test questions guide at the end of each training unit or use them as a guide to create your own test questions.
Document all CDL and Authorization training.
Often when someone fails they need to blame someone other than themselves.
Documenting shows your due diligence to train them properly.
Review training records to find clues where you might need to spend more or less time on.
Network with other trainers and find out what they are using for documentation and test questions.

16. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#2 Write the Golden Rule of Training Documentation.
Please write your answer now.
Please make sure you answered the second Evaluation question H-1
#2. Write the Golden Rule of Training Documentation

17. Training Documentation Example H-5
Here are a few examples of primary documentation
Please look at H-5 & H-6.
Advance to next slide to show the second example

18. Training Documentation Example H-6
Please look at H-5 & H-6. (from previous page)
Ok, we have the classroom covered. We have lots of options. And we know there is more than one right way. Now let’s talk about setting up your training behind the wheel.

19. Behind the Wheel Training
Behind the Wheel Training For many students this is the part they really want to get to. You may want to use BTW training as a reward after important memorization has been accomplished.
I’m going to wait a moment so you can find your evaluation sheet and notice question # H-1

20. Behind the Wheel Training
Always start training off the roadway.
Use parking lot/empty space.
Use cones and curbs or other features.
Describe, talk through, give examples for each basic skill.
Always start your training off the roadway
Use a parking lot or empty space so your trainee can become comfortable and make it serious but fun.
Teach reference points and mirror use for each skill.
Use cones and established curbs.
Teach the basics:
Describe and demonstrate each process.
Talk the pupil through the process.
Give examples to clarify each basic skill.

21. Behind the Wheel Training
The basics start in a parking lot:
Right turn
Backing into a stall/line
School bus stop procedure
Backing through a serpentine
The basics start in a parking lot and will be built into your training routes. Those skills are:
Right Turn: Approach position, speed control, use of reference point and position at completion
Backing into a Stall/Line: This includes providing a Measurement from the rear line.
School Bus Stop Procedure: Includes approach position, 8-light system operation, stop location and departing location.
Backing Through a Serpentine
Never throw a trainee into traffic without basic skills.

22. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#3 Describe the first place you should start behind the wheel training.
Please write your answer now.
Now please make sure you answer this question on your Evaluation Sheet
#3. Describe the first place you should start behind the wheel training H-1

23. Behind-the Wheel Training
Three elements of Established Training Routes The route or routes you use to guide your trainees on need some planning too. Routes should be set and formalized.
Many of us used a mentor to show us the ropes. Some of us had to figure it out out on our own.
Driver trainers support each other, so don’t try to do it all on your own. That said, let’s look at three important elements that training routes should have. Be sure to make notes on Question #4. H-1
Build in opportunities to practice CDL Skills.
Include turns with all proper mirror checks.
Find a good location for left and right turns.
Repetition is the key.
Start out with easy turns and then when ready, practice on the tougher ones.
Controlled and non-controlled Intersections
Freeway/highway/rural driving
Lane changes
Curves
Rail grade crossing
Student stop
Roadside stop and start
Other general driving behaviors
Consider less congested areas.
Be mindful of housing developments and respect those that express their concerns about your activity.
This will also keep the stress down for you and your trainee.
Identify challenging locations in your district.
You will know when a trainee has started to gain proficiency. Then and only then is it time to introduce challenge.
Cover challenging turn arounds, tight loading and unloading areas and, complicated rail grade crossings if you have them.
When training in district, follow existing routes.
This can help show your service area and familiarize your trainee with a route that is covered often due to trips or illness.
Design routes to go by your local schools. Taking trainees in and out of school zones familiarizes them with school locations and you can point out any challenges that go with that particular school.
Identify common collision areas.
Check with your safety committee if you have one.
Visiting these areas with a trainer for the first time can lessen the likelihood of a collision later.
Behind-the Wheel Training
Three elements of Established Training Routes
Build in opportunities to practice CDL Skills.
Consider less congested areas.
Identify challenging locations in your district.

24. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#4 Name three elements of established training routes.
Please write your answer now.
It is time to answer the next question on your Evaluation Sheet.
#4. Name three elements of established training routes H-1  
TRAINER NOTE: A white board or flip chart is suggested for this next discussion question. Use it to record answers from your group discussion. You may use your training partner or a driver trainer from your class to record the responses. It’s your choice.

25. Behind the Wheel Training
Discussion
Who showed you?
How do you document and share?
How did you go about identifying?
Let’s put our heads together and brainstorm I want those of you who have been training for awhile to think back to those beginning times and remember how you established your training routes.
ASK: Who showed you where the best places were for training?
ASK: Describe how you have documented your training routes for the next person that succeeds you?
ASK: How did you go about identifying a good place to do right and left turns?

26. Behind the Wheel Training
Some trainees already have a CDL.
Don’t assume proficiency.
Verify the Class (A, B, or C) CDL and Endorsements (S1 & P1) and restrictions (K removed).
All drivers must at a minimum hold a license appropriate for the largest vehicle in which they will transport students.
Occasionally drivers come to us with a CDL Before we continue, I will give you a few moments to make some notes on question # H-1
Don’t assume proficiency.
To drive a public school bus, you must hold a Class A, B or C CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements as well as air brake restriction removed.
If a driver needs even one endorsement, they must go through the CDL permit process and they must take written and skills tests.
All drivers must at a minimum hold a license appropriate for the largest vehicle in which they will transport students.

27. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#5 What license is required to transport public school children on a school bus?
Please write your answer now.
Make sure you answered the question on your Evaluation Sheet H-1
#5 What license is required to transport public school children on a school bus?

28. Behind the Wheel Training
Some trainees have school bus experience.
- Each school district must verify proficiency in all training units defined by OSPI and a license appropriate for the vehicle to be driven.
- Drivers must be authorized in each district they drive in.
Before we continue, please make some notes on question # H-1
I will give you a few moments to write it down.
Occasionally drivers come to us with previous school bus driving experience.
WA State public school bus drivers must be authorized to transport students to and from school
Each school district must verify proficiency in all training units defined by OSPI and a license appropriate for the vehicle to be driven.
Drivers must be authorized in each district they drive in and each district is responsible to have a driver trainer sign off that the required training has been verified.

29. Behind the Wheel Training
Some trainees have school bus experience.
Out of state drivers must go through WA training.
Test and verify district transfers and obtain training records.
Re-train if driver has not maintained an authorization. You can make up 1 – 2 years of inservice AND verify proficiency.
Out-of-state drivers must go through OSPI Authorization S-29 Training.
Current transfers from other districts must be tested for proficiency and knowledge – or trained from scratch if so required by the district.
Drivers with long expired authorizations must go through the comprehensive authorization training.
Obtain transferring driver’s training records
Knowledge and skills test them because you do have to sign off on them just as you do a newly authorized driver.
If a driver that was once an authorized driver has not driven for several years, treat them as a new driver.

30. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#6 What kind of training is required to authorize a school bus driver?
Please write your answer now.
Now answer the question on your Evaluation Sheet
#6. What kind of training is required to authorize a school bus driver? H-1
Behind the wheel training is by far the most time consuming, so let’s talk about that now…

31. Trainer Time and Availability
Consider # of Trainees
Divide your time fairly
Trainer Time and Availability
Consider the number of people you are training.
If you have only one trainee, then this is not such a challenge.
To give everyone a fair time to drive, take the time you have and divide it by trainees. For example:
You set up 4 hours to train with 3 trainees for 1 hour 20 min. each or
You create a route that drives out 40 min. then come back and switch drivers or,
You drive out 80 min. and switch drivers.
Some districts have a training program in their district but are experiencing a driver trainer shortage.
There can be any number of reasons why a district has a driver trainer shortage:
Injury or illness
Retirement or resignation to take another job
Promotion to another job in your department may leave the trainer with less time to train.

32. Trainer Time and Availability
Other options for training
Train some good drivers – train a trainer.
Contact your neighbor or independent trainer.
Encourage independent or partner study.
Enlist your mechanic.
Encourage those with training potential.
If there is at least one authorized trainer in district, there are options. Ideally, all those training are authorized.
You can supplement your training needs.
If allowed by your district, you can utilize authorized, experienced drivers to assist in the behind the wheel training.
Remember: Trainees driving on a CDL permit must be accompanied by an experienced driver who has no less than 2 years driving experience in the type of commercial vehicle being operated.
Use mechanics for under the bus instruction.
Sometimes there is no driver trainer in a district.
The district can use an Independent Driver Trainer from another district. If you are available, you may consider notifying districts that could use your services.
The district can work on identifying a driver that has the qualities they are looking for and encourage that person to attend the Driver Instructor Training Course and become state authorized.
Remember, there is no substitute. An authorized Driver Trainer must be the one signing off on training records.
Regardless of the number of trainers in your district, communication and consistency is crucial. Each trainee should be given complete instruction and should meet a standard and high level of proficiency.

33. Please write your answer now.
Evaluation Sheet
#7 Describe two resources you can use in your training.
Please write your answer now.
Now answer the question on your Evaluation Sheet
# 7. Describe two resources you can use in your training H-1

34. Summary Training is our responsibility.
Timing and sequence are important.
Keep CDL materials current.
Start BTW training off-road.
Maintain formal training routes.
Summary:
Driver trainers take their responsibilities seriously. We just took the opportunity to share and learn - which is what we do best. In addition to basic responsibilities, we discussed:
Timing our class materials and presenting them in a logical and efficient sequence. Preparing current CDL materials is also very important as we start each new class. And always, we keep materials fresh and up to date.
Behind the wheel training starts off road. We teach basic skills, reference points and mirror use. We set up our formal routes so that trainees can include the practice of CDL skills and become familiar with challenging areas of our district.

35. Summary Any Questions? Always maintain high standards.
Verify before signing off.
Use your time wisely.
Be creative and supplement your training.
Any Questions?
We also talked about drivers that come to us with different backgrounds in training and licensing. Always expect the high levels of knowledge and skill from your trainees and yourself. All training must be verified and documented. Know the specific CDL licensing and testing requirements.
We ended with a touch on driver trainer time and availability. Sometimes we are stretched thin - there are many different situations out there and there are creative ways to supplement your training program.
Are there any questions?
Let’s now review the evaluation questions you answered during the presentation.

36. Evaluation
#1 Name two basic elements of setting up a training class. Timing and Sequence
Click to show answers

37. Evaluation
#2 Recite the Golden Rule of Training Documentation. If it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.
Click to show answers

38. Evaluation
#3 Describe the first place you should start behind the wheel training. Parking lot or off road area
Click to show answers

39. Evaluation
#4 Name three elements of established training routes. Build-in opportunities to practice CDL Skills Consider less congested areas Identify challenging locations in your district
Click to show answers

40. Evaluation
#5 What license is required to transport public school children on a school bus? Hold a current Class A or B CDL with P1 and S1 endorsements and air brake restriction (K) removed
Click to show answers

41. Evaluation
#6 What kind of training is required to authorize a school bus driver? All training units defined by OSPI and a license appropriate for the vehicle to be driven
Click to show answers

42. Evaluation
#7 Describe two resources you can use in your training. Two-year or more experienced drivers Independent or neighboring trainer Mechanics Identify a future driver trainer
Click to show answers

43. Thank you for your dedication to training
The Beginning