KY CDL School Bus flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Amber warning light distance

Activate amber lights at least 300 feet before a stop where the speed limit is 55 mph or less, and at least 500 feet before the stop where the limit exceeds 55 mph.

Danger zone

The area within 10 feet around the school bus, especially in front of the bumper and along the right rear side, where the driver must account for every student before moving.

Student crossing signal

The driver gives a hand signal to cross only after making eye contact and confirming all traffic in both directions has stopped; if a vehicle fails to stop, students remain on the bus.

Stop arm use rule

The stop signal arm is extended whenever students load or unload on a roadway, and it is not used at locations where no students are entering or exiting the bus.

Left-behind check

After every unloading, the driver performs a face-to-name or seating chart count to confirm no student remains asleep or left behind on the bus.

Driver discipline authority

The driver is responsible for order and safety from boarding to exiting, and may redirect, reassign seats, contact parents, and refer major conduct to the principal.

Conduct report contents

A written referral states the student's name, date, time, location, specific behavior, rule violated, and prior interventions, so the principal can act on it.

Physical contact limit

The driver never disciplines physically; contact is limited to preventing imminent harm or assisting a student with a disability, and any restraint is reported immediately.

Seating chart purpose

Assigned seats reduce conflict and provide a written record the driver uses to account for every student during an evacuation or after a crash.

Bullying report duty

Bullying and harassment reports go to the principal the same day under district policy; the driver documents witnesses and statements rather than investigating independently.

Grade crossing stop distance

Kentucky school buses stop at all railroad crossings between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, unless an official control device or officer directs otherwise.

Crossing look and listen

At the crossing, open the driver's window, silence fans and radio, and look and listen in both directions before proceeding across the tracks.

Stalled on tracks

Evacuate students at least 100 feet from the tracks and away from an approaching train, then call 911 and the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.

Lowered gate rule

Flashing red lights, a lowering gate, or a sounding bell require the driver to stop and stay stopped; never drive around a lowered gate even with no train visible.

Multiple track check

At multiple-track crossings, check each track separately because a train on one track can hide a second train approaching on another track.

Evacuation decision rule

Evacuate for fire, smoke, fuel leak, danger on or near tracks, risk of being hit, or water; otherwise keep students aboard and call for help.

Evacuation assembly point

Students move at least 100 feet upwind and away from traffic to a designated assembly point, where the driver recounts them against the seating chart.

Post-crash sequence

Secure the scene and set warning devices, check for injuries, call 911, account for all students on the roster, give first aid, and notify the dispatcher.

Student release rule

After a crash, students are released only to a parent, guardian, or authorized emergency responder; the driver releases names only to officials.

Tire tread minimums

Reject a tire with tread below 4/32 inch on the front steering axle or below 2/32 inch on other axles, or with cuts, bulges, or exposed cords.

Pre-trip light check

Use a helper or reflective surface to verify headlights, high beams, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, backup lights, and the eight-way warning system.

Emergency exit check

Confirm every emergency exit opens freely, the buzzer sounds when an exit is opened, and exit instructions are legible during the pre-trip inspection.

Post-trip inspection

At the end of each route, walk the bus for sleeping students and lost items, and report any mechanical issue found during the run in writing.

Defect reporting rule

A defect found en route is reported in writing to the dispatcher and entered on the driver vehicle inspection report; the bus stays out of service if safety is affected.

School bus following distance

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of bus length plus one second; a 40-foot bus needs a minimum of 5 seconds, and more in rain, snow, or fog.

Backing rule

Use a spotter when available, check mirrors and the rear camera, and stop immediately if the spotter is lost from view; avoid backing whenever possible.

Front-wheel skid recovery

Release the brake, steer in the direction of the skid, avoid hard acceleration, and straighten the wheel while reducing speed to regain traction.

Mirror scan interval

Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead for hazards and check the mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds, covering the brake near intersections, crosswalks, and stopped traffic.

Eight-way light use

Amber lights warn traffic of an approaching stop and red lights with the stop arm control traffic; the system is used only for loading and unloading students.

Passing a stopped bus

Kentucky prohibits passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing from either direction; the driver records the violator's plate and reports it to law enforcement.

Wheelchair securement

Secure a wheelchair with four-point tie-downs and use lap and shoulder belts; the driver must be trained on the lift and each device before use.

Evacuation drill requirement

Emergency evacuation drills are conducted at least twice per school year, and the driver documents the date, time, and students who participated.