School Bus Entry Level Training (SBELT) Program (for prospective bus drivers)
This course has been designed for those wanting to obtain their Class 2 or 4 License, comprised of a combination of theory and practical training over approximately 5 days.
PREQUISITES
1) Students must obtain their Class 2 or 4 Learners license beforehand; more information can be found here.
2) Students must obtain their airbrake endorsement beforehand (if applicable to those that will be driving a bus with airbrakes); more information can be found here.
COST
We currently have a team of 10 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 course manuals are purchased through Thinking Driver at a cost of $45.90/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 drivertraining@astsbc.org.
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PROGRAM CONTENTS
Module 1 – Overview of the Student Transportation Industry
Introduction
What are Employers Looking for?
What I’ll Learn on This Course
Driver Licence Requirements
Overview of the Education System in British Columbia
Types of School Buses
Are School Buses Safe?
Additional Training
Module 2 – Components and Systems
Exterior Features
Interior Features
Gauges, Switches, Warning Lights, and Indicator Symbols
Module 3 – Trip Inspection
Pre-Trip
En Route
Post-Trip
Additional Driver Responsibilities
Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP)
Module 4 – Basic Driving Techniques
Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Steering
Stopping
Curves
Parking on a hill
Turns
Intersections
Right of Way at Intersections
Traffic Circles and Roundabouts
Entering and Exiting Traffic
Fuel-efficient Driving Techniques
Module 5 – Professional Habits and Attitudes
Part 1 - Attitude
Safe Driving Triangle
Defensive Driving
Risk Tolerance
Personal Factors
Managing Stress
Area of Concern and Control
Anger
Aggressive Driving
Road Rage
Emotional IQ
Part 2 – The Five Fundamentals of Defensive Driving
Think and Look Ahead
Anticipate Hazards
Keep Your Option
Manage the Risk
Control with Finesse
Module 6 – Off-Road Tasks and Manoeuvres
Safe Backing
Seven Backing Fundamentals
Straight line backing
Right side turnaround
Left side turnaround
Parallel parking
Mirror Adjustment
Mirrors required on school buses
How to adjust your mirrors
Chain Up
Types of chain and traction devices
Tire chain disadvantages
Common causes of tire chain failure
Pre-season tire chain inspection
Installing tire chains
Removing tire chains
Module 7 - Legal and Regulatory
National Safety Code
Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) and Motor Vehicle Act Regulations (MVAR)
Criminal Code of Canada
Consequences of traffic (federal and provincial) convictions
Overview of commercial vehicle laws
Documentation requirements
Hours of service (HOS)