School Bus: Danger Zone and Student Loading
Maryland's School Bus domain tests the highest-risk part of the job: loading and unloading children. The exam expects precise use of lights, mirrors, the stop arm, and the danger zone.
Loading and unloading
Use amber warning lights before the stop and red lights with the stop arm when stopped. The danger zone is the area within about 10 feet around the bus. Count students as they leave, and do not move until each student is clear of the danger zone or seated. Students must cross in front of the bus, never behind it, and only on the driver's signal. If a student drops something, signal the student to stop and secure the item yourself or direct the student safely. Use the mirrors to check the front, sides, and rear before moving.
Railroad crossings and inspections
Stop at railroad crossings, open the service door, listen, close the door, and cross without stopping on the tracks. Do a post-trip inspection for sleeping students and left items. Check emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, and stop arm. Maryland law requires drivers to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing; as the bus driver, your job is to make that stop predictable.
Worked example
A student drops a book in the danger zone after exiting. The driver should keep the red lights on, signal the student to stop, secure the bus, and either retrieve the book or guide the student back only when it is safe. Moving the bus first is the error.
Traps
Letting students cross behind the bus; moving before the count is complete; forgetting the post-trip check; not using the stop arm; and failing to check mirrors before leaving a stop.