School Bus Driver Training

Unit AThe School Bus Driver:

Role, Responsibilities, and Requirements

ObjectivesAt the end of this session school bus

operators will be able to:Describe their role and responsibilitiesRecognize that their appearance and

behavior affect community attitudesDemonstrate positive and supportive

attitudes and habitsKnow their responsibilities to their

supervisor, fellow employees, and the school district

Understand the process for becoming a school bus operator in Pennsylvania

IntroductionCompetent school bus drivers are essential!School bus drivers have specific

RolesResponsibilities

Becoming a school bus driver has certainRequirements

Roles, Responsibilities, Requirements

Role as a driverResponsibilities as a driverWhat do I need to do to become a School Bus

driver in PA?

Role as a DriverAttitudeYou are importantYou are responsibleYou are a member of the Safety Team

AttitudeStay positiveRecognize your moodsBe prepared to make allowances for the poor

attitudes of othersAlways be mentally alert

You are ImportantProfessionalPart of the educational systemRepresentative of the school systemInfluence

You are ResponsibleSafely transport studentsYou control your drivingYou control your attitude

You are a Member of the Safety Team

Safety starts with youYou are transporting students in buses on

public roadwaysYou are a key member of the safety team that

works with the students each day

Responsibilities as a DriverHigh standard of conductDriving techniquePassengersPublic relationsAppropriate dressSupervisor and fellow employeesRelationship to Transportation Director

High Standard of ConductStandard of conduct is highYour conduct cannot be open to criticismYou are a role model to studentsYou are a representative of the school district

Driving Technique

Driver attitudeKnowledgeSkill

PassengersThe conduct of passengers depends upon the

driverExpress an interest in your student

passengersShow that rules are about safetyBe fairCommunication is businesslike, yet friendly

Public RelationsYou influence public opinion about the school

districtYou represent the school district to parentsConsider all enforcement officers as part of

the safety teamShow pride in your workRespect co-workers

Appropriate DressThe school bus driver should be identified as

a professionalDress to instill respectWear appropriate shoes for driving

Supervisor and Fellow EmployeesYour supervisor is a member of your safety

teamCooperation is essential to transportation

safetyCommunicateReportComplyAssist

Transportation DirectorYour advisorYour partnerTheir typical responsibilities include:

Assigning drivers to busesEstablishing bus routes, stops, and turnaroundsAssigning passengers to busesEnsuring buses are safe to operateAppointing monitors/aids as needed

Understand your working relationship and cultivate it!

What Do I Need to Do to Become a School Bus Driver in PA?

First Step - Initial requirementsSecond Step - Knowledge Test

Authorization and School Bus Learner’s Permit

Third Step – Training and skills testing requirements

Health and safety requirementsDriver recertification

First Step – Initial Requirements

Apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Knowledge Test Authorization/Learner’s Permit

Second Step – Knowledge Test Authorization and Learner’s PermitIf your documents are in order, andYou have no license suspensions, thenYou are issued

a CDL knowledge test authorization, andschool bus learner’s permit.

Third Step – Training and Skills Testing Requirements

The School Bus Driver Training CourseSkills examination: Three parts

Safety inspectionBasic skill testOn-road driving test

The School Bus Driver Training Course

20 hours of instruction14 hours of classroom instruction6 hours of in-bus training

In-bus training must be one-on-one with a certified instructor

The School Bus Driver Training Course

There are two ways to complete the training:Complete the full 20 hours of instruction, then

attempt to pass the skills examinationComplete 10 hours of instruction (7 classroom, 3

in-bus) and attempt to pass the skills examination If successful, complete the remaining 10 hours of

instruction within 120 days

A Certificate of Completion Card will then be issued, keep it! You will need it for your skills exam.

The School Bus Driver Training Course

Documentation for skills test:Valid driver’s licenseValid PA CDL learner’s permitValid Physical Examination Certificate (DL-742)Valid Certificate of Completion Card (DL-713)Current bus registrationProof of financial responsibility for busValid driver’s license for driver accompanying you

The Skills Examination Will be Administered in Three Parts

First part – safety inspectionSecond part – basic skills testThird part – on-road driving test

The Skills ExaminationThree attempts on a valid learner’s permitOne attempt a dayFailure of a portion requires retesting for just

that portionThree failed attempts requires a new

learner’s permit and all training requirements

The Skills ExaminationSuccessfully completing the skills examination:

Passing result credited to your driving recordIf all minimum requirements are met, you will

receive a CDL with “S” and “P” endorsementsYou will receive a school bus endorsement card

(valid for approximately one year)If you successfully complete the skills

examination with only 10 hours of training:You have 120 days to complete the remaining 10

hours of training

Health and Safety Requirements

GeneralDrug and alcohol testing for school bus

drivers

Health and Safety Requirements: General

To establish fitness you must:Comply with PA Department of Health and

local regulations for communicable diseasesClean criminal history recordClean child abuse history recordLimited traffic violations or crashes recordedDrug-free and Alcohol-free when driving

Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers

Required by Federal governmentDrug testing by urine sample for:

MarijuanaCocaineOpiatesAmphetaminesPhencyclidine

Alcohol testing by breath analysis

Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers

Federal government requires:Pre-employment testingRandom testingPost-crash testingReasonable suspicion testingLocal policy dictates:

Return-to-duty testing Follow-up testing

State law requires testing after ALL Reportable crashes involving a school bus.

Driver RecertificationRecertification Process in GeneralAnnual physical examinationChange of information on license

Driver Recertification GeneralPA law requires recertification every 4 years10 hours of instruction

7 hours classroom instruction3 hours in-bus instruction

“S” endorsement skills and knowledge examTo be completed no more than 12 months

prior to expiration date of school bus endorsement card

Annual Physical Examination

Annual requirementExamination by a health care providerSchool bus endorsement card will not be

renewed without physical exam

Change of Information on LicenseNew camera card or photo license issued

when:Adding or deleting an endorsementRemoving a restrictionUpgrading class of license

When changing name or address on CDL or school bus endorsement card, submit form DL-80CD with appropriate fee

Key Resource…

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/centers/SchoolBusCenter.shtml