Driver Training and Bus Safety
School bus drivers are in safety sensitive jobs which are heavily regulated by federal, state, and local mandates because they transport the most precious cargo: students. The Transportation Department has an excellent safety record. Training drivers how to transport students securely to and from school is an important component of the department. Training has evolved over the years. The focus, however, continues to be on the development of exceptional drivers and the ongoing improvement of safety standards.
Prior to 1998, training for new bus drivers was conducted by existing drivers who would work with trainees in between their morning and afternoon runs. By the end of 1998, full-time bus drivers were placed on special assignment to train behind the wheel driving skills for new-hire drivers. In 2000, driver training instructor positions were created and began to provide support to both new and existing bus drivers.
CCSD currently employs 14 full-time instructors. The driver training is a 14 day program in which trainees receive a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training. The training standards far exceed the state requirements. Training does not focus solely on how to drive a bus. Trainees learn about bus inspections, student loading/unloading procedures, student checks, and student management.
Today, training extends beyond the new driver’s initial instruction. The Transportation Department provides pre-training classes as well as assistance to prospective employees who are studying for the Commercial Driver’s License permit test. Transportation employs staff members called the Task Force Team who provide support to probationary employees by conducting ride-along evaluations to help new drivers become more comfortable behind the wheel. Task Force members also offer daily workshops to all drivers on topics such as safety, student management, bus inspections, emergency response, and other important topics relevant to the job.