Driver Training Program
British Columbia School Bus Driver Training Program
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.
British Columbia School Bus Driver Training Program
What’s New in Version 2.5
In March 2021, Version 2.5 was released containing an updated course manual and PowerPoint slides. New material was added to reflect changing industry standards. This Version replaced Version 2.0 which has been in use since September 2018. The training program now consists of 8 modules ranging from 2- 7 hours plus a practical coaching session.
School Districts currently training with Version 2.0 will continue until their training program is complete. They can upgrade to the current Version when it is time to re-certify their drivers.
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 – 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 2 ..............................................................................................................
Module 3 - Attitude (This is a 2.5-hour session.)
Personal Factors ..................................................................................................................................
Stress .....................................................................................................................................................
Anger .....................................................................................................................................................
Aggressive Driving ................................................................................................................................
Road Rage .............................................................................................................................................
Emotional IQ .........................................................................................................................................
Review Questions – Module 3 ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Module 4 – Driving a School Bus (This is a 4 – 6 hour session.)
Think and Look Ahead .........................................................................................................................
Anticipate Hazards ...............................................................................................................................
Keep your Options Open .....................................................................................................................
Manage the Risk ...................................................................................................................................
Control with Finesse ............................................................................................................................
Review Questions – Module 4 ............................................................................................................
Module 5 – 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 5 .............................................................................................................
Module 6 – Student Relations and Management (This is a 4-5 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 6 .............................................................................................................
Module 7 – Emergencies, Bus Evacuations, Emergency Equipment and First Aid (This is a 4 - 5 hour session.)
Evacuating the Bus ...............................................................................................................................
Evacuation Procedures ........................................................................................................................
Organize Bystanders to Render Assistance .......................................................................................
Emergency Equipment Required on a School Bus ............................................................................
First Aid ..................................................................................................................................................
Seat Belt Cutter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Review Questions – Module 7 .............................................................................................................
Module 8 – Transporting Students with Disabilities (This is a 4–7-hour session)
General Guidelines for Dealing with Students with Disabilities .......................................................
Student Comfort ....................................................................................................................................
Helping with Coats …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Assisting Ambulatory Students ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Types of Mobility Aids ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….
Driver Considerations when Dealing with an Unfamiliar Mobility Device ………………………………..
Suggestions for Manual Wheelchair Handling ..................................................................................
Loading and Unloading Students with Disabilities ………………………………………………………………….
Mobility Aid Loading and Unloading Locations ………………………………………………………………………
Positioning the School Bus .................................................................................................................
Loading a Student Using a Lift ............................................................................................................
Bus Monitor ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….,,
Unloading a Student Using a Lift ..................................................................................................,.....
Lift Failure .........................................................................................................................................,,,,,
Occupant Securement Systems ………………………………………………………………………………………….
Securing Students ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Tips for Securing Mobility Aids .......................................................................................................
Scooters .............................................................................................................................................
Securing a Scooter ............................................................................................................................
Child Safety Seat ...............................................................................................................................
Emergency Evacuation of Students with Disabilities ...................................................................
General Lifting Techniques ...............................................................................................................
Guide/ Service Dog.............................................................................................................................
Oxygen Containers ............................................................................................................................
Review Questions – Module 8 ..........................................................................................................
APPENDIX 1: Diagnoses ..........................................................................................................