Instructor's Behind-the-wheel Guide for California's Bus Driver's Training Course

Book excerpt: Intended to help produce safe, competent California school bus drivers, this document contains instructor's materials for a bus driver education course with eight sequential skill levels, including a final appraisal. The first section contains the curriculum's purpose and objectives, the California standards for a state-certified bus driver instructor, the California standards for a delegated behind-the-wheel trainer, and general guidelines for selection of training sites. In addition, information is provided on vehicle inspection training, brake system inspection training, and undercarriage training. Copies of a driver's inspection report and a driver's performance review also appear. Each of the next eight sections contain materials for one of the following skill levels: (1) basic vehicle familiarization; (2) precision training in vehicle movement and driving fundamentals; (3) transmission control and shifting procedures; (4) general defensive driving techniques; (5) specialized defensive driving techniques; (6) passenger loading and unloading procedures; (7) emergency procedures; and (8) final appraisal. The first seven sections each contain a table of contents, purpose and objectives, a note to the instructor, a glossary of terms, an outline of content to be taught, and a sheet on which the instructor can record the trainee's demonstrated competence at each task covered. The final appraisal section includes the purpose and objectives of the appraisal, advice to instructors on being tough but fair, final appraisal procedures, and a form on which to document the final appraisal. (CML)