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The informa- tion contained in this manual provides information to assist you in passing the required knowledge and skills tests. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulation 383.5 defines a school bus as “a CMV used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students from home to school, from school to home, or to and from school-sponsored events. School Bus does not include a bus used as a common carrier.” To operate a school bus or school activity bus under this definition, you must have the proper class CDL with P and S endorsements [NC General Statutes (GS) 20-37.12(a); 20-31.16(a)(b)(c) and 20-218(a)]. NC GS 20-4.01(27d4) defines a school bus as, “a vehicle whose primary purpose is to transport school students over an established route to and from school for the regularly scheduled school day, that is equipped with alternately flashing red lights on the front and rear and a mechanical stop signal and that bears the plainly visible words “School Bus” on the front and rear. The term includes a public, private or parochial vehicle that meets this description.” (School bus words are about 8”). North Carolina Administrative Code 19A (NCAC) 03G.0205(i) states that school bus driver applicants “shall complete the training course for school bus drivers.” A Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Education Program Specialist (DEPS) teaches this course. FOR SCHOOL BUS CERTIFICATION FOR ACTIVITY BUS CERTIFICATION • Meet physical and legal requirements. • Meet physical and legal requirements. • Public school activity bus drivers must complete the • Complete the 3-day School Bus Driver Training school bus certification process. Course. • All others may complete the school bus certification • Pass all required knowledge tests with a score of process or 80% or better. • Pass all knowledge and skills tests with a DEPS (the DEPS may provide training before testing) or • Complete behind-the-wheel training with a DEPS. • Pass knowledge tests at a driver license office (a • Pass three skills tests. DEPS has to administer the “S” endorsement test), obtain a learners permit, practice driving with a • Go to any NC DMV Driver License Office for licensed activity bus driver and pass all skills tests issuance of your CDL. with a DEPS. • After obtaining your CDL, present it to the proper • Go to any NC DMV Driver License Office for school official for completion of the certification issuance of your CDL. process and administrative procedures. • After obtaining your CDL, present it to the proper school official for completion of administrative procedures. Table of Contents CHAPTER ONE: DRIVER REQUIREMENTS Physical Requirements........................................................................................................................................................1 Legal Requirements ............................................................................................................................................................1 The Commercial Driver’s License Tests and Other Safety Rules ......................................................................................2 CDL Tests............................................................................................................................................................................2 Obtaining Your CDL...........................................................................................................................................................2 Other CDL Safety Regulations ...........................................................................................................................................2 CHAPTER TWO: THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER Driving Defensively............................................................................................................................................................4 Operating on Schedule ........................................................................................................................................................4 Maintaining Good Discipline..............................................................................................................................................5 Standing Passengers............................................................................................................................................................5 Requesting a Substitute Driver ...........................................................................................................................................5 Reporting Mechanical Bus Defects ....................................................................................................................................5 Cleaning the Bus .................................................................................................................................................................5 Recordkeeping.....................................................................................................................................................................5 CHAPTER THREE: PUPIL TRANSPORTATION ADMINISTRATION The Principal .......................................................................................................................................................................6 The Passengers....................................................................................................................................................................6 Transportation Director .......................................................................................................................................................6 Others Involved in Pupil Transportation.............................................................................................................................7 The State Board of Education .....................................................................................................................................7 Local Board of Education ...........................................................................................................................................7 Superintendent of Schools...........................................................................................................................................7 Commissioner of Motor Vehicles................................................................................................................................7 Driver Education 00 RR OO GG RR AA MM Specialist..........................................................................................................................7 CHAPTER FOUR: SAFE DRIVING PROCEDURES Care and Maintenance of the Bus.......................................................................................................................................8 School Bus Inspections: Why Inspect?...............................................................................................................................8 Safety...........................................................................................................................................................................8 Legal Requirements.....................................................................................................................................................8 Types of Inspections............................................................................................................................................................8 Pre-Trip Inspection......................................................................................................................................................8 During the trip .............................................................................................................................................................8 Post-Trip Inspection ....................................................................................................................................................8 Inspection Procedure...........................................................................................................................................................8