Driver Training Program

BC School Bus Driver Training Program

COST

We currently have a team of 7 trainers certified to train throughout the province.

Cost of training is $350.00 / day plus expenses for travel and prep time for the trainer at $40.00/hr.

The Manuals are purchased through Thinking Driver at a cost of $41.75/ea. ASTSBC members receive a 10% discount, and when training is completed by a certified Instructor, ASTSBC will reimburse you to get manual costs down to $25.00/ea.

Contact ASTSBC to Book Training at info@astsbc.org

BC School Bus Driver Training Program

The Training program consists of 7 modules ranging from

2- 8 hours plus a practical coaching session.

Program Contents

Module 1 – Introduction (This is a 2 hour session)

Driver Responsibilities ...........................................................................................................................

Motor Vehicle Safety Act Regulations (MVSAR) (Canada) ....................................................................

National Safety Code.............................................................................................................................

Canadian Standards Group - Standard D250 ........................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 1 ............................................................................................................

Module 2 - Driving a School Bus (This is a 6 – 8 hour session It can be taught in 2 parts A and B)

Part A - Attitude ...........................................................................................................................

Personal Factors ..................................................................................................................................

Stress ...................................................................................................................................................

Anger ...................................................................................................................................................

Aggressive Driving ...............................................................................................................................

Road Rage ...........................................................................................................................................

Emotional IQ .......................................................................................................................................

Part B - Defensive Driving Principles and Practices - The Five Fundamentals ...................................

Think and Look Ahead .........................................................................................................................

Anticipate Hazards ..............................................................................................................................

Keep your Options Open .....................................................................................................................

Manage the Risk ..................................................................................................................................

Control with Finesse ...........................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 2 ............................................................................................................

Module 3 – School Bus Inspection and Maintenance (This is a 3-4 hour session)

Pre-Trip Inspection ..............................................................................................................................

On Road Checking Procedures ............................................................................................................

General Maintenance Tasks ................................................................................................................

Child Check-Mate System ...................................................................................................................

Mechanical Breakdown .......................................................................................................................

Fueling Procedures..............................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 3 ............................................................................................................

Module 4 – Loading and Unloading Students (This is a 3-4 hour session)

General Procedures ............................................................................................................................

Basic Procedures – Right Side Using Alternating Flashing Red lights .................................................

Basic Procedures - Left Side (Students Must Cross Highway) .............................................................

Basic Procedures –Not Using Alternating Flashing Lights ...................................................................

Basic Procedures - Stops Including a Turnaround ..............................................................................

When Traffic is Following the Bus .......................................................................................................

Safety Zones ........................................................................................................................................

School Pickup/Drop-off .......................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 4 ............................................................................................................

Module 5 – Student Relations and Management (This is a 3-4 hour session)

Driver Objectives .................................................................................................................................

Professionalism ...................................................................................................................................

Appearance .........................................................................................................................................

Attitude ...............................................................................................................................................

Driver Conduct ....................................................................................................................................

Dealing with Difficult People...............................................................................................................

Managing Student Behaviour .............................................................................................................

School Administration Role .................................................................................................................

What Professional Drivers can do .......................................................................................................

Student Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................

Rewards...............................................................................................................................................

Acceptable Consequences ..................................................................................................................

Dealing with Conflict ...........................................................................................................................

Student Management Techniques ......................................................................................................

Promoting Discipline and Responsibility .............................................................................................

Using Misconduct Reports ..................................................................................................................

Bullying ................................................................................................................................................

Suggested Steps for Driver Intervention in Bullying Situations ..........................................................

Child Abuse .........................................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 5 ............................................................................................................

Module 6 – Emergencies, Bus Evacuations, Emergency Equipment and First Aid (This is a 3-4 hour session)

Evacuating the Bus ..............................................................................................................................

Evacuation Procedures .......................................................................................................................

Organize Bystanders to Render Assistance .........................................................................................

Emergency Equipment Required on a School Bus ..............................................................................

First Aid ...............................................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 6 ..........................................................................................................

Module 7 – Transporting Students with Disabilities (This is a 4-8 hour session)

General Guidelines for Dealing with Students with Disabilities .......................................................

Student Comfort ...............................................................................................................................

Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Loading and Unloading Locations ............................................................

Basic Handling for Mobility Aids .......................................................................................................

Suggestions for Wheelchair Handling ...............................................................................................

Loading and Unloading Students with Disabilities ............................................................................

Positioning the School Bus ................................................................................................................

Helping with Coats ............................................................................................................................

Assisting Ambulatory Students .........................................................................................................

Loading a Student Using a Lift ...........................................................................................................

Unloading a Student Using a Lift .......................................................................................................

Lift Failure .........................................................................................................................................

Mobility Aid and Student Restraint Systems ....................................................................................

Securing Wheelchairs and Students .................................................................................................

Tips for Securing Mobility Aides .......................................................................................................

Scooters ............................................................................................................................................

Securing a Scooter ............................................................................................................................

Child Safety Seat ...............................................................................................................................

Emergency Evacuation of Students with Disabilities ........................................................................

General Lifting Techniques ...............................................................................................................

Restraint Cutters ...............................................................................................................................

Guide/ Service Dog............................................................................................................................

Oxygen Containers ............................................................................................................................

Bus Monitor ......................................................................................................................................

Review Questions – Module 7 ..........................................................................................................

APPENDIX 1: TYPES OF DISABILITIES ..............................................................................................