|  | Minimum Driver Training Areas
233. Minimum Driver Training Standards Each contractor must develop and maintain a comprehensive training program for drivers operating under this contract which conforms to the school bus driver training requirements contained in Minnesota Statute 171.321.
In addition to the areas specified in MS 171.321, this program must contain the elements required under this section. It is not the intent of the School District to dictate the entire content of the contractor's driver training program, but rather the elements contained in these Specifications represent the minimum areas which must be covered for all drivers operating under this contract.
The following driver training standards represent the minimum areas of training which each driver operating under this contract must receive prior to entering service to the school district.
1. PreTrip Inspection
The contractor is responsible for ensuring that both new and experienced drivers are familiar with the elements of the mandatory pre-trip inspection required under Minnesota Statutes and these Specifications. The driver must be trained in and demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:
The effect of undiscovered malfunctions upon safety
The engine compartment - belts, valves, fluid leaks
Engine start, warning lights, gauges, horn
Fuel level
Brakes: (a) pedal reserve
(b) air/vacuum gauges and/or other low pressure monitoring device
(c) operating controls
(d) monitoring devices and alarms
(e) operation of air/vacuum system with engine running
Interior - seats, floor, lights
How to check oil and transmission fluid levels.
Electrical charging system
(a) ammeter
(b) voltmeter
Interior lights,
Emergency Exits
(a) smooth latch operation
(b) alarm buzzer
Entrance door operation
Lift door operation and alarm
Lift equipment for wheelchairs
Wheels, rims, and tires
Steering system defects
Exhaust system defects
Service brakes and emergency brakes
Exterior Lights - headlights, brake lights, marker lights, turn signals
Exhaust system
Windows, windshield, and inspection certificate
Interference with visibility
Eight light system and stop arm
Emergency equipment - first aid kit, reflectors, two-way radio, body fluid clean-up kit
2. Knowledge and use of school bus safety control systems
Headlights and marker lights
Electric and air horns
Side and rear-view mirrors
How to adjust all mirrors, including side view and crossover mirrors, for optimum visibility
Use and operation of the fire extinguisher
Use of emergency reflectors and hazard lights
Symptoms of improper operation revealed through instruments
Motor vehicle operational characteristics
Recognizing and diagnosing malfunctions
Implications of low air pressure readings and warnings.
3. Fundamentals and Techniques of School Bus Driving
Contractors must ensure that drivers are experienced in the fundamentals of the operation of the school bus. The driver-training program must include:
Identification of the major mechanical components of the school bus.
The purpose and function of all controls, instruments, and warning devices
normally found on school buses.
How to adjust the driver’s seat in every type of school bus the driver might operate
How to start, warm-up, and shut down the engine of the school bus.
Knowledge of how to start and stop the school bus smoothly using proper coordination of the accelerator, clutch where applicable, and brakes.
Stopping a school bus a specified distance from another object or point using over the hood, rear, and curb reference points.
Basic control of the school bus.
Where applicable, how to shift gears on a moving school bus with a manual transmission in a manner that provides a safe and pleasant ride to passengers and avoids damage and unnecessary wear to the bus components.
How to choose a safe gap for changing lanes, passing other vehicles, and crossing or entering traffic.
Where applicable, the safe and proper use of the two speed rear axle.
Where applicable, the use of shifting the manual transmission in slowing and stopping the bus.
How to bring the school bus to a smooth stop.
The need to keep eight lights clean and school bus sign clear of snow or dirt.
How to observe the road and the behavior of other motor vehicles, particularly
before changing speed and direction.
How to signal appropriately when changing speed and/or direction.
Defensive driving - Preferably the Smith System
Driving in inclement weather conditions
(a) reduced visibility - rain, snow, fog
(b) wet roads
(c) icy roads
Dealing with pedestrians and children in traffic
Operation of the manual or automatic transmission
The use of the drive train for stopping the school bus
Situations where the hand brake will and will not stop a moving bus
The use of the DOT brake to stop an air brake equipped school bus and the sudden effect
of such an action.
Turning techniques, including how to position the school bus to negotiate right and left turns
Steering techniques for control in different situations
How to maintain a safe following distance depending upon the condition of the roadway and
visibility
How to adjust operation of the school bus to prevailing weather conditions, including speed
selection, braking, direction changes and following distance to maintain control.
Right and left turn maneuvers
Gauging the speed of other vehicles on cross streets
Use of safety systems, including lights, horns, and fire extinguisher
Use of mirrors
Merging into traffic
Visual search and proper visual search methods
Visual perceptions
Safe following distances
Safe passing procedures
Safe backing procedures including how to check the path and clearances while backing and
how to back the school bus in a straight line, along a curved path, and through a turn.
How to follow routes and route time schedules, including reading route copies.
Use of the eight light system and district policy regarding its use
Loading and unloading procedures
Knowledge of the Danger Zone concept
Policies and Procedures for Grade Level Railroad Crossings
Procedures for reporting route problems and hazards
Procedures for checking the bus at end of each route trip for vandalism and sleeping children
Emergency use of the Public Address System
Response to an approaching emergency vehicle while loading or unloading
Function and purpose of Traffic Priority Control Systems
Leaving bus unattended at school sites
Required documentation including incident and accident reports
Completion of Incident Report Forms, load counts, and other reports required by the District.
4. Use of the School Bus Eight Light System
Each driver must be trained in the use of the school bus eight light system including the requirements of Minnesota Statute 169.443 and the written eight light policy and procedures of Independent School District No. 625.
5. Speed Management
The importance of understanding the effects of speed, including:
(a) Speed and stopping distances
(b) Speed and surface conditions
(c) Speed and the shape of the road
(d) Speed and visibility
(e) Speed and traffic flow
How to adjust speed to the conditions of the roadway, weather and visibility conditions, traffic conditions, motor vehicle conditions, and driver condition.
6. Space Management
The procedures and techniques for controlling space around the vehicle, including:
(a) The importance of space management
(b) Space cushions, e.g., controlling space ahead and to the rear;
(c) Space to the sides;
(d) Space for traffic gaps
7. Night and Early Morning Operations
Preparations and procedures for driving at night or in early morning conditions, including:
(a) Night driving factors: vision, glare, fatigue, and low or variable illumination;
(b) Night driving procedures
8. Special Education Transportation
Special Education Transportation requires skills and abilities that exceed those required to provide normal school bus service. Contractors must ensure that drivers assigned to special education route service are familiar with:
First Aid and CPR and procedures for emergency response to special education students
What to do in a medical emergency
Handling of wheelchairs
Operation of lift equipment
Proper use of wheelchair securement devices
How to properly assist disabled students in accessing or leaving the school bus.
District policies on the use of seat belts on designated students
Proper securement of Child Safety Restraint Systems (car seats)
Proper securement and use of restraining vests
Securement of wheelchair trays and accessories
Characteristics of the handicapping conditions likely to be encountered
Responses to emergency situations related to handicapping conditions
Proper responses to unacceptable behavior related to handicapping conditions
Principles of non-violent intervention
Responsibilities of the bus driver and the bus assistant
District policy in situations where a responsible person is not available to receive a student
9. Emergency Procedures
Drivers must be prepared to deal with emergency situations while operating on routes and field trips. Included in these emergency situations are mechanical breakdown, fire, accident, medical emergencies, or passenger injury. Drivers shall receive training in:
Procedures for dealing with loss of brake systems.
Procedures for skid control and recovery, including the major types and causes of skids.
Identifying a safe stopping area in the event of a mechanical breakdown.
Identifying the degree of the emergency before beginning an evacuation
Identifying a safe evacuation unloading area
Preplan emergency evacuations for both conventional and lift buses
(a) front, rear, and both door evacuations
(b) evacuation of special education students
(c) evacuation of physically handicapped and wheelchair bound students
(d) placement of students in a safe location
Cooperation in Emergency Evacuation Drills
Mechanical breakdown
(a) stop bus in safe location
(b) keep passengers in bus if safe to do so
(c) Take steps to warn motorists
(d) radio or call for assistance
How to secure the school bus and place emergency triangles
Use of the FM or digital two-way radio in an emergency
When is it appropriate to evacuate the school bus?
How to supervise an emergency evacuation
10. Emergency evacuation of the handicapped
Emergency evacuation of handicapped students, including those in wheelchairs
Special considerations when evacuating a lift bus
Lifting techniques for handling handicapped students in an emergency situation
11. Medical Emergencies
Priorities when dealing with injured passengers
How to use the school bus first aid kit
When to request Fire Para-Medic Assistance
Control of Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens
Use of Body Fluid Clean Up Kits
Use of Sharps Kits
District Policy on Medical Emergencies
Recognition and handling of Epileptic Seizures
Recognition and handling of allergic reactions, including bee and yellow jacket stings
Recognition and handling of asthma attacks
Specifications for Pupil Transportation - 2003-2004 - Bid No. A-8809-C Page 85
Minimum Driver Training Standards - continued:
12. Accident Procedures
Basic accident procedures
Who to immediately notify
Cooperation with police and District safety staff
Accident statements
District parent notification form
Dealing with other motorists
Dealing with parents or public
Dealing with news media
13. Confidential Student Information
Types of student information that is considered confidential under the provisions of Section 34
of United States Code, Chapter 13 of Minnesota Statutes, and these Specifications
14. Student Discipline
Creating a positive attitude on the school bus
Oral and visual Communications skills between driver and passenger
Dealing confidently with a disruptive student
Techniques for development of appropriate behavior
Procedures for dealing with inappropriate or unacceptable student behavior that
creates emergency conditions or poses a risk to health and safety
District discipline policy
Developing and enforcing workable rules
Completion and submission of Incident Report Forms
District policy on possession of weapons by a student as contained in these Specifications
District policy on racial bias as contained in these Specifications
District policy on sexual harassment as contained in these Specifications
District policy on smoking as contained in these Specifications
Indications of gang membership and gang activity
Procedures for reporting of activity that is possibly gang related
15. Human Relations
Sensitivity to a diverse student population
Relations with parents and school staff
Working with the special education bus assistant
16. District Policy on School Bus Idling
The requirements of Minnesota Statute 123B.885
The general concerns about diesel engine emissions
The requirements of this contract with respect to school bus idling
17. Chemical Abuse
Contract requirements on drug/alcohol use
How alcohol and/or drugs can affect driving skills
18. Other Areas
The effects of fatigue and poor health on the ability to operate a school bus
District Driver Identification Cards
District Smoking Policy
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