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)