The ten critical steps to master a school bus discharge
Most school bus drivers will admit that the most difficult part of the CDL road test is the student discharge. For this section of the test there are a number of procedures that must be completed in exact order.
There are a number of automatic failures included that insure that every driver interested in obtaining an “S” endorsement understands the responsibility of transporting their precious cargo.
A google search will reveal a multitude of procedures different safety professionals incorporate into their driver training agendas.
Information is relevant to the circumstances it will be used. Putting both feet flat on the floor, counting students, smiling, waving and tapping the horn are all great safety measures if they help.
The following 10 steps will satisfy all requirements. Statements in bold are information that must be offered to the test examiner in the order they are presented.
Activate the amber 8 way school light system 150 to 300 feet before the stop.
Decelerate while approaching the stop and check mirrors for traffic.
Check that students remain seated, and recheck mirrors for traffic.
Come to a complete stop, recheck mirrors, place vehicle in neutral and set parking brake.
Crack door or switch to activate red school warning lights.
Check mirrors to make sure all traffic is stopped, communicate with students, and open door to discharge.
Recheck mirrors and traffic until all students have reached point of safety.
Close door to turn off school lights, place vehicle in drive, and release parking brake.
Recheck mirrors for traffic and activate turn signal if returning to lane of traffic.
Check student safety, proceed
