| School Bus Driver Safety Requirements The contract for transportation services contains specific requirements related to school bsu driver training, responsibilities, and operations.
School Bus Driver Training Requirements
Minimum Driver Training Standards Each contractor must develop and maintain a comprehensive training program for drivers operating under this contract that conforms to the school bus driver training requirements contained in Minnesota Statute §171.321.
In addition to the areas specified in MS 171.321, the driver training 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 that must be covered for all drivers operating under this contract.
The following driver training standards represent the minimum areas of training that 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
Visible leaks under engine or fuel tank
The engine compartment - belts, hoses, valves, fluid leaks
How to check oil and transmission fluid levels.
Battery box door closed and secured
Wheels, rims, hub oil seals, and tires
Engine belts: power steering, alternator, air compressor, etc.
Suspension components
Steering system defects
Exhaust system defects
Fuel system, tank, and cap secure
Service brakes
a. High Power type hydraulic brake systems, including backup brake system pump.
b. Air brake systems, if applicable
c. Emergency brake systems, if applicable
Exterior Lights - headlights, brake lights, marker lights, turn signals
Exhaust system
Windows, windshield, and inspection certificate
Windshield wipers and defrosters
Interference with visibility
Eight-light system and stop arm
SCHOOL BUS signage front and rear
Engine start, warning lights, gauges, horn
Fuel levels
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
Reverse gear interlock alarm
Interior – passenger seating, floor, lights
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
Wheelchair securement equipment, inspection, care, and maintenance
Emergency equipment - first aid kit, reflectors, two-way radio, body fluid clean-up kit
Warning devices including horn and internal/external public address system
Driver’s seat and seat belt assembly
Heaters, defrosters, and defroster fans
Driver’s pre-trip inspection responsibilities under DPS Rule 7470.1300 and these Specifications
Driver’s post-trip inspection responsibilities under these Specifications
Completion of pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
Use of Electronic Driver Inspection Report equipment, if applicable
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.
Lane usage including how to choose a safe gap for changing lanes and how to change lanes.
How to cross or enter traffic.
Overtaking and passing, when not to pass, and how to be overtaken and passed.
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.
Stopping the school bus on a hill.
Starting the school bus on a hill.
Parking the school bus uphill, down hill, or on a level street.
How to secure the school bus so it will remain stationary and protected from unauthorized entry or use.
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.
Weight restricted roads and bridges.
Tail Swing.
Defensive driving - Preferably the Smith System
Driving in inclement weather conditions
(a) reduced visibility - rain, snow, fog
(b) wet roads including water/oil road surface mixtures and hydroplaning
(c) icy roads including bridge decks and black ice
(d) skid control and recovery including over braking, over steering, over acceleration, and speed
(e) adjusting speed to reflect prevailing driving conditions
(f) wet brakes in heavy rain or standing water and effect upon brake system performance
(g) Watching for potential road hazards
(h) Awareness of the height, weight, and width of the school bus
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.
Entering and exiting various roadway configurations including city streets, arterial streets, and metered and un-metered freeway ramps.
Operating in a highway or freeway environment.
Operating in rain and on wet roadways.
Operating in winter weather conditions.
Driving in high winds.
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.
Use of the rooftop strobe light, if so equipped, under Minnesota Statute §169.64 Subd. 8 and
the requirements of this contract.
Right and left turn maneuvers.
Tail Swing.
Gauging the speed of other vehicles on cross streets.
Use of safety systems, including lights, horns, and fire extinguisher.
Use of mirrors.
Location and how to compensate for the blind spots around the school bus.
Merging into traffic.
Visual search and proper visual search methods.
Visual perceptions.
Safe following distances.
Safe passing procedures.
Operations in areas of heavy pedestrian congestion.
Operation on narrow streets with parked cars.
Entering and crossing intersections.
Operations under conditions with difficult visibility.
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.
Approaching a student pick-up or drop-off location.
Loading and unloading procedures at student pickup and drop-off locations.
The “Count them out and count them across” procedure.
Knowledge of the Danger Zone concept
Alertness to dropped objects
Knowledge of the potential for handrail clothing hang-ups
Identification of route hazards
Procedures for reporting route problems and hazards
Procedures for checking the bus at end of each route trip for vandalism and sleeping children
Operation of the Child Check system required under these Specifications
Emergency use of the Public Address System
Procedure for reacting to the approach of an emergency vehicle with bus in motion
Response to an approaching emergency vehicle while loading or unloading
Function and purpose of Traffic Priority Control Systems
Speed in school loading areas
Unloading and loading procedures at school sites
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. Railroad Crossings
(a) Policies, Procedures, and contract requirements for Grade Level Railroad Crossings
(b) Types of railroad crossings
(c) Warning signs, devices, and pavement markings
(d) Correct vehicle positioning while stopping at Grade Level Railroad Crossings
(e) Identification and procedures for blind curve railroad crossings
(f) Procedures for approaching and crossing exempt railroad crossings
(g) Procedures for obstructed view of tracks
(h) Procedure if bus stalls or is trapped on tracks
5. 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.
6. Speed Management
The importance of understanding the effects of speed and distances, including:
(a) Speed, following distances, 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.
(f) Factors that increase stopping distances:
(1) Perception Distance
(2) Reaction Distance
(3) Brake lag distance
(4) Effective braking distance
(5) Total cumulative stopping distances
(6) The effect of vehicle weight on stopping distances
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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, accessories, and medical equipment.
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
10. 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.
Use and placement of emergency warning devices such as reflective emergency triangles
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
(e) Operation and use of the emergency escape roof hatch
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
11. 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
12. 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
Basic knowledge of symptoms of anaphylactic reaction
Handling emergency situations involving student use of an EpiPen® used to treat a severe anaphylactic reaction
Recognition and handling of Epileptic Seizures
Recognition and handling of allergic reactions, including bee and yellow jacket stings
Recognition and handling of asthma attacks
13. Operational Security
Never opening the bus door to speak with someone the driver does not know.
Never allowing an unauthorized person, or adult the driver does not know, to enter the school bus.
Never accepting boxes, packages, or bags for transportation from a person not known to the driver.
Reporting any vehicles following the school bus via the two-way radio system and attempting to obtain the vehicle license number if possible.
Never discussing details of routes, stops, or passengers in public.
Checking buses both inside and outside as part of the pre-trip and post-trip inspections and whenever a bus has been left unattended, including park outs and layovers on field, athletic, and Community Education trips for the following:
(a) Unusual foreign objects.
(b) Evidence of forced entry.
(c) Opened or disturbed compartments or components.
(d) Condition of the bus tires, including objects under or near tires such as spikes, nails, or metal objects.
(e) Drops or puddles of fuel, brake fluid, coolant, or any unknown substance.
(f) Objects placed on or in the bus such as bags, bottles, or boxes.
Parking buses on field, athletic, and Community Education trips as close to the main flow of activity and people as possible.
Parking in a location that is under or near outside lighting in hours of darkness.
Never parking a school bus in a remote area of a parking lot or street where the bus is hidden and out of public view.
Never leaving buses running unattended at locations outside the terminal.
Removing ignition keys whenever the driver leaves the vehicle at a location outside of the terminal.
Maintaining vehicles in a clean and uncluttered condition.
Immediately contacting the dispatcher via the two-way radio system about any situation that causes immediate security concerns.
Procedure to follow if the driver believes his/her bus has been struck by gunfire or other projectile.
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
17. Human Relations
Sensitivity to a diverse student population
Relations with parents and school staff
Working with the special education bus assistant
18. 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
19. Chemical Abuse
Contract requirements on drug/alcohol use
How alcohol and/or drugs can affect driving skills
20. Public Relations
How to interact with parents, staff, and public
How to respond if approached by the news media
21. Other Areas
The effects of fatigue and poor health on the ability to operate a school bus
District Driver Identification Cards
District Smoking Policy
Contract requirements on use of cellular telephones
Policies and Procedures unique to this contract
Fueling Interval
Post Trip Inspection Procedures
Procedures for Reporting Vehicle Defects and Problems
Proper two-way radio procedure and etiquette
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Ability to Perform Job Responsibilities
Ability to Perform Job Responsibilities Each contractor is responsible for ensuring that all drivers employed on District service have the ability to read and understand uniform traffic signage, school bus instrumentation and warning devices, signs, or markings within the vehicle; have the ability to understand and complete fully and correctly all required reports, including load counts, Incident Report Forms, Racial/Sexual Harassment Forms, and accident reports.
Drivers must be able to communicate with their students at the level necessary to enforce disciplinary policies, understand emergency situations, and clearly direct student action in an emergency situation; and be able to understand the requirements of state regulations, District Policies, and Transportation Administrative Procedures pertaining to student transportation. Failure to understand a Law, Rule, Policy, or Guideline shall not be accepted as a valid reason for failure to obey, comply, or perform.
Upon the request of the District, the contractor shall remove any driver from service under this contract who has been found by District officials to be unable to satisfactorily perform the duties described in this section.
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Competency to Operate Equipment
Each contractor must ensure that all drivers operating under this contract possesses competency, by reason of experience and training, to safely operate the type of vehicle and/or specialized equipment required.
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Bus Driver Licensure Requirements
All drivers must have a valid Minnesota Commercial Driver's License for the class of vehicle operated, or equivalent out-of-state Commercial Driver's License, with a school bus and passenger endorsement in their possession while operating a school bus for Independent School District No. 625. Drivers operating air brake equipped vehicles must not be air brake restricted. Drivers shall be required to produce this license when requested by Transportation Department representatives. A driver will not be allowed to proceed without a valid CDL in his/her possession as required by law.
No contractor may knowingly allow, require, permit, or authorize a driver to operate a school bus under this contract during any period in which the driver's commercial drivers license and/or school bus endorsement, has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.
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Driver License Checks
Driver License Record Checks by Contractor Successful bidder(s) shall run a Minnesota Department of Public Safety commercial motor vehicle driver license record check on each applicant who seeks to operate a school bus under this contract prior to employment as a driver. A copy of each pre-employment license check shall be provided to the District Manager of Safety Operations along with the Contract Driver Assignment Form.
Each contractor shall also run a minimum of two driver license checks on each driver operating under this contract during the term of the contract. This includes substitute drivers and drivers who will be operating field trips, athletic trips, and Community Education service. A copy of each license check shall be provided to the District Manager of Safety Operations.
The District will, upon request, run the pre-hire driver license record check for the contractor without charge. As outlined in Section III-F-184, the District will treat drivers license information supplied by the contractor as confidential information as required by the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, Public Law 103-322 (18 U.S.C. § 2721).
Driver License Record Checks by District The District Transportation Department shall perform driver license record checks on all drivers operating under this contract at least three times during the school year. Each successful bidder shall supply the Traffic Operations Coordinator with a complete listing of all drivers operating under this contract no later than September 1, 2009, December 1, 2009, and March 1, 2010. The District Transportation Department will supply the employing contractor with copies of drivers’ license checks run by the District on contract drivers.
The contractor shall treat all driver license information provided by the School District as confidential information in accordance with the requirements of the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, Public Law 103-322 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and the School District’s contract agreement with the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Driver license record information provided by the School District shall be maintained in the driver qualification file required under these Specifications and shall be accessible only by authorized management and safety personnel.
The contractor shall not share driver license information provided by the District with any third parties without the permission of the District and the Driver and Vehicle Services Division. In the event of release or misuse of driver license data provided to a contractor by the School District, the contractor shall be responsible for reimbursing the School District for all penalties, criminal or civil, resulting from the contractors release or misuse of the data.
As outlined in Section III-F-184, the District will treat drivers license information on contractor employed drivers that is run by the District as confidential information as required by the Drivers Privacy Protection Act, Public Law 103-322 (18 U.S.C. § 2721).
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Drivers of Special Education Routes
Each driver that is assigned to operate a District route transporting special education students, whether as a regular assignment or as a substitute driver, shall be carefully chosen by the contractor after consideration of his/her experience, capabilities, attitude, sensitivity, and ability to deal with the unique requirements and responsibilities of special needs transportation.
Assignment of drivers to District special education service shall be made solely on the driver's ability to safely transport the special need students and successfully interact with students, parents, bus assistants, and school staff. Drivers shall not be assigned to District special education service based solely upon a seniority system, collective bargaining unit agreement, or other system that fails to consider the qualifications required in this section.
The Transportation Coordinator supervising a special education route, or the Director of Transportation, Manager of Safety Operations, or Traffic Operations Coordinator may direct reassignment of any driver to other service who has demonstrated through actions, statements, omissions, or attitude, that he/she does not have the ability, or sensitivity, to interact effectively with special education students.
Assignment of drivers to special education service who do not demonstrate the requirements of this section may result in the reassignment of the route(s) to another contractor. In the event that the reassignment of service results in increased costs to the District, the contractor shall be required to reimburse the District for the difference between the original contract (bid) cost and the cost of the reassigned service.
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Fitness for Service Evaluation
The contractor is responsible for determining that all drivers employed under this contract are fit to operate commercial motor vehicles and in particular to transport school children. All drivers shall be able to perform all essential functions of a school bus driver, including emergency evacuations of students.
In addition to and as part of the annual evaluation required under Section III-F-302 of these Specifications, each contractor shall review the driving record of each driver operating under this contract to determine that the driver meets the requirements for safe driving and is qualified to operate a school bus.
The contractor shall consider the driver’s driver license record, the driver’s accident record, any evidence that the driver has violated laws governing the operation of motor vehicles and in particular commercial motor vehicles, and shall give great weight to violations such as speeding, reckless driving, careless driving, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or that indicate that the driver has exhibited a disregard for the safety of the public.
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Mandatory Annual School Bus Driver Safety Evaluations
Each contractor must conduct an annual evaluation of each school bus driver employed under this contract. The evaluation shall determine that, at a minimum, the each school bus driver meets the training competencies in Minnesota Statute §171.321 subdivision 4. The contractor shall report the results of these evaluations to the District Manager of Safety Operations.
Each contractor shall provide the Manager of Safety Operations with written certification to the District that all drivers employed under this contract meet the school bus driver training competencies required under Minnesota Statute §171.321 Subd. 4. The written certification must be provided to the Manager of Safety Operations no later than April 1, 2010.
The contractor shall ensure that the driver complies with the training and performance requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Department of Public Safety Rules, Saint Paul Public Schools Policies, procedures and guidelines, and these Specifications. The District will treat training and performance reports supplied by the contractor as confidential information to the extent possible under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
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Employment History of Drivers
Employment History - New Drivers Each contractor shall obtain a detailed employment history on all new drivers operating under this contract that complies with the requirements of §49CFR 391.21. This history must cover a period of not less than ten (10) years prior to the date of application and must contain the following information:
1. The addresses at which the applicant has resided for the previous ten (10) years.
2. The names and addresses of each employer for the previous ten (10) years, the dates which the applicant was employed by each employer, the nature of each employment, the exact position occupied at each employer, and the reason for leaving the employ of each employer.
3. The name and location of all educational institutions attended by the driver.
4. A listing of all states in which the applicant has been issued a driver’s license since first licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
5. The nature and extent of the applicant’s experience in the operation of motor vehicles, including the type of equipment which he/she has operated.
6. A list of all violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances, other than parking related offenses, of which the applicant was convicted or forfeited bond or collateral during the five (5) years preceding the date of application.
7. A listing of all convictions for DUI, Implied Consent, reckless, or careless driving since the applicant was first licensed to drive.
8. A statement explaining in detail the facts and circumstances of any denial, revocation, or suspension of any drivers license, endorsement, or privilege to operate a motor vehicle.
The employment history must be made available to the District Director of Transportation, Manager of Safety Operations, or Traffic Operations Coordinator upon request. Failure to provide the information when requested shall be deemed to be noncompliance with the terms of the transportation contract. The District will treat employment history information that is supplied by contractors as confidential information to the extent possible under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
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