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
23 times safer than travel in a parent’s vehicle and 58 times safer than travel with a teen driver.

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. Massachusetts Training
Basic Operation
Permit training
Orientation
Unique features of a school bus
Vehicle inspection (pre and post-trip)
Control Systems
Proficiency development
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. Massachusetts Training
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
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. California Classroom Training
School Bus Certificate Requirements
Bus Operation, Use, Laws and Regulations
Vehicle Components
General Defensive Driving Techniques
Specialized Driving Techniques
Passenger Loading and unloading
Emergency Procedures
Passenger Management
Activity Trips
Special Needs Passengers
Public Relations

10. California BTW Training
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

11. Summary 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

12. Questions and Answers