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Technical name – A recognized chemical name or
microbiological name currently used in scientific and
technical handbooks, journals, and texts.
Transport vehicle – A cargo-carrying vehicle such
as an automobile, van, tractor, truck, semi-trailer,
tank car, or rail car used for the transportation of
cargo by any mode. Each cargo-carrying body
(trailer, rail car, etc.) is a separate transport vehicle.
UN standard packaging – A specification
packaging conforming to the standards in the UN
recommendations.
UN – United Nations.
Section 9 - Hazardous Material Page 9-21
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Section 10
SCHOOL BUSES
This Section Covers
• Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
• Loading and Unloading
• Emergency Exit and Evacuation
• Railroad-highway Grade Crossings
• Student Management
• Antilock Braking Systems
• Special Safety Considerations
Because state and local laws and regulations
regulate so much of school transportation and
school bus operations, many of the procedures in
this section may differ from state to state. You
should be thoroughly familiar with the laws and
regulations in your state and local school district.
10.1 – Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors
10.1.1 – Danger Zones
The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus
where children are in the most danger of being hit,
either by another vehicle or their own bus. The
danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from
the front bumper with the first 10 feet being the most
dangerous, 10 feet from the left and right sides of
the bus and 10 feet behind the rear bumper of the
school bus. In addition, the area to the left of the bus
is always considered dangerous because of
passing cars. Figure 10.1 illustrates these danger
zones.
10.1.2 – Correct Mirror Adjustment
Proper adjustment and use of all mirrors is vital to
the safe operation of the school bus in order to
observe the danger zone around the bus and look
for students, traffic, and other objects in this area.
You should always check each mirror before
operating the school bus to obtain maximum
viewing area. If necessary, have the mirrors
adjusted.
Figure 10.1
10.1.3 – Outside Left and Right Side Flat
Mirrors
These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front
corners of the bus at the side or front of the
windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check
clearances and students on the sides and to the rear
of the bus. There is a blind spot immediately below
and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the
rear bumper. The blind spot behind the bus extends
5o to 150 feet and could extend up to 400 feet
depending on the length and width of the bus.
Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you
can see:
200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
Along the sides of the bus.
The rear tires touching the ground.
Figure 10.2 shows how both the outside left and
right side flat mirrors should be adjusted.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-1
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Figure 10.3
Figure 10.2
10.1.4 – Outside Left and Right Side Convex
Mirrors
The convex mirrors are located below the outside
flat mirrors. They are used to monitor the left and
right sides at a wide angle. They provide a view of
traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the
bus. These mirrors present a view of people and
objects that does not accurately reflect their size
and distance from the bus.
You should position these mirrors to see:
The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
Front of the rear tires touching the ground.
At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.
Figure 10.3 shows how both the outside left and
right side convex mirrors should be adjusted.
10.1.5 – Outside Left and Right Side Crossover
Mirrors
These mirrors are mounted on both left and right
front corners of the bus. They are used to see the
front bumper “danger zone” area directly in front of
the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and to
view the “danger zone” area to the left side and the
right side of the bus, including the service door and
front wheel area. The mirror presents a view of
people and objects that does not accurately reflect
their size and distance from the bus. The driver must
ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted.
Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you
can see:
The entire area in front of the bus from the front
bumper at ground level to a point where direct
vision is possible. Direct vision and mirror view
vision should overlap.
The right and left front tires touching the ground.
The area from the front of the bus to the service
door.
These mirrors, along with the convex and flat
mirrors, should be viewed in a logical sequence to
ensure that a child or object is not in any of the
danger zones.
Figure 10.4 illustrates how the left and right side
crossover mirrors should be adjusted.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-2
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
10.2.1 – Approaching the Stop
Each school district establishes official routes and
official school bus stops. All stops should be
approved by the school district prior to making the
stop. You should never change the location of a bus
stop without written approval from the appropriate
school district official.
You must use extreme caution when approaching a
school bus stop. You are in a very demanding
situation when entering these areas. It is critical that
you understand and follow all state and local laws
and regulations regarding approaching a school bus
stop. This would involve the proper use of mirrors,
alternating flashing lights, and when equipped, the
moveable stop signal arm and crossing control arm.
Figure 10.4
10.1.6 – Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror
This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield
on the driver’s side area of the bus. This mirror is
used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus. It
may provide limited visibility directly in back of the
bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bottomed
rear emergency door. There is a blind spot area
directly behind the driver’s seat as well as a large
blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and
could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus.
You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor
traffic that approaches and enters this area.
You should position the mirror to see:
The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror.
All of the students, including the heads of the
students right behind you.
10.2 – Loading and Unloading
More students are killed while getting on or off a
school bus each year than are killed as passengers
inside of a school bus. As a result, knowing what to
do before, during, and after loading or unloading
students is critical. This section will give you specific
procedures to help you avoid unsafe conditions
which could result in injuries and fatalities during
and after loading and unloading students.
The information in this section is intended to provide
a broad overview, but is not a definitive set of
actions. It is imperative that you learn and obey the
state laws and regulations governing
loading/unloading operations in your state.
When approaching the stop, you should:
Approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed.
Look for pedestrians, traffic, or other objects
before, during, and after coming to a stop.
Continuously check all mirrors.
If the school bus is so equipped, activate
alternating flashing amber warning lights at least
200 feet or approximately 5-10 seconds before the
school bus stop or in accordance with state law.
Turn on right turn signal indicator about 100-300
feet or approximately 3-5 seconds before pulling
over.
Continuously check mirrors to monitor the danger
zones for students, traffic, and other objects.
Move as far as possible to the right on the traveled
portion of the roadway.
When stopping you should:
Bring school bus to a full stop with the front
bumper at least 10 feet away from students at the
designated stop. This forces the students to walk
to the bus so you have a better view of their
movements.
Place transmission in Park, or if there is no Park
shift point, in Neutral and set the parking brake at
each stop.
Activate alternating red lights when traffic is a safe
distance from the school bus and ensure stop arm
is extended.
Make a final check to see that all traffic has
stopped before completely opening the door and
signaling students to approach.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-3
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
10.2.2 – Loading Procedures
Perform a safe stop as described in subsection
10.2.1.
Students should wait in a designated location for
the school bus, facing the bus as it approaches.
Students should board the bus only when signaled
by the driver.
Monitor all mirrors continuously.
Count the number of students at the bus stop and
be sure all board the bus. If possible, know names
of students at each stop. If there is a student
missing, ask the other students where the student
is.
Have the students board the school bus slowly, in
single file, and use the handrail. The dome light
should be on while loading in the dark.
Wait until students are seated and facing forward
before moving the bus.
Check all mirrors. Make certain no one is running
to catch the bus.
If you cannot account for a student outside, secure
the bus, take the key, and check around and
underneath the bus.
When all students are accounted for, prepare to
leave by:
Closing the door.
Engaging the transmission.
Releasing the parking brake.
Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
Turning on left turn signal.
Checking all mirrors again.
Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
When it is safe, move the bus to enter traffic flow
and continue the route.
The loading procedure is essentially the same
wherever you load students, but there are slight
differences. When students are loading at the
school campus, you should:
Turn off the ignition switch.
Remove key if leaving driver’s compartment.
Position yourself to supervise loading as required
or recommended by your state or local regulations.
10.2.3 – Unloading Procedures on the Route
Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas
as described in subsection 10.2.1.
Have the students remain seated until told to exit.
Check all mirrors.
Count the number of students while unloading to
confirm the location of all students before pulling
away from the stop.
Tell students to exit the bus and walk at least 10
feet away from the side of the bus to a position
where the driver can plainly see all students.
Check all mirrors again. Make sure no students are
around or returning to the bus.
If you cannot account for a student outside the
bus, secure the bus, and check around and
underneath the bus.
When all students are accounted for, prepare to
leave by:
Closing the door.
Engaging transmission.
Releasing parking brake.
Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
Turning on left turn signal.
Checking all mirrors again.
Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
When it is safe, move the bus, enter the traffic flow
and continue the route.
Note. If you have missed a student’s unloading stop,
do not back up. Be sure to follow local procedures.
Additional Procedures for Students That Must
Cross the Roadway. You should understand what
students should do when exiting a school bus and
crossing the street in front of the bus. In addition,
the school bus driver should understand that
students might not always do what they are
supposed to do. If a student or students must cross
the roadway, they should follow these procedures:
Walk approximately 10 feet away from the side of
the school bus to a position where you can see
them.
Walk to a location at least 10 feet in front of the
right corner of the bumper, but still remaining away
from the front of the school bus.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-4
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Stop at the right edge of the roadway. You should
be able to see the student’s feet.
When students reach the edge of the roadway, they
should:
Stop and look in all directions, making sure the
roadway is clear and is safe.
Check to see if the red flashing lights on the bus
are still flashing.
Wait for your signal before crossing the roadway.
Upon your signal, the students should:
Cross far enough in front of the school bus to be in
your view.
Stop at the left edge of the school bus, stop, and
look again for your signal to continue to cross the
roadway.
Look for traffic in both directions, making sure
roadway is clear.
Proceed across the roadway, continuing to look in
all directions.
Note: The school bus driver should enforce any
state or local regulations or recommendations
concerning student actions outside the school bus.
10.2.4 – Unloading Procedures at School
State and local laws and regulations regarding
unloading students at schools, particularly in
situations where such activities take place in the
school parking lot or other location that is off the
traveled roadway, are often different than unloading
along the school bus route. It is important that the
school bus driver understands and obeys state and
local laws and regulations. The following
procedures are meant to be general guidelines.
When unloading at the school you should follow
these procedures:
Perform a safe stop at designated unloading areas
as described in subsection 10.2.1.
Secure the bus by:
Turning off the ignition switch.
Removing key if leaving driver’s compartment.
Have the students remain seated until told to exit.
Position yourself to supervise unloading as
required or recommended by your state or local
regulations.
Have students exit in orderly fashion.
Observe students as they step from bus to see that
all move promptly away from the unloading area.
Walk through the bus and check for
hiding/sleeping students and items left by students.
Check all mirrors. Make certain no students are
returning to the bus.
If you cannot account for a student outside the bus
and the bus is secure, check around and
underneath the bus.
When all students are accounted for, prepare to
leave by:
Closing the door.
Fastening safety belt.
Starting engine.
Engaging the transmission.
Releasing the parking brake.
Turning off alternating flashing red lights.
Turning on left turn signal.
Checking all mirrors again.
Allowing congested traffic to disperse.
When it is safe, pull away from the unloading area.
10.2.5 – Special Dangers of Loading and
Unloading
Dropped or Forgotten Objects. Always focus on
students as they approach the bus and watch for
any who disappear from sight.
Students may drop an object near the bus during
loading and unloading. Stopping to pick up the
object, or returning to pick up the object may cause
the student to disappear from the driver’s sight at a
very dangerous moment.
Students should be told to leave any dropped object
and move to a point of safety out of the danger
zones and attempt to get the driver’s attention to
retrieve the object.
Handrail Hang-ups. Students have been injured or
killed when clothing, accessories, or even parts of
their body get caught in the handrail or door as they
exited the bus. You should closely observe all
students exiting the bus to confirm that they are in a
safe location prior to moving the bus.
Section 10 – School Buses Page 10-5
Version: July 2017
Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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