MO CDL School Bus key terms

The area around a school bus where children are hidden from the driver's view. It extends about 10 feet in front, behind, and to each side, plus the area beside the rear wheels.

Any area around a school bus that mirrors do not show the driver. School buses have larger blind spots than cars, especially directly behind and beside the bus.

A school bus mirror that shows objects at their true size and distance. Drivers use flat mirrors to judge how close a student or vehicle is to the bus.

A curved school bus mirror that gives a wide view of the sides of the bus. Objects look smaller and farther away, so drivers must not rely on it to judge distance.

A convex mirror mounted on the front fenders of a school bus. It lets the driver see the hood, front bumper, and the danger zone directly in front of the bus.

The step of setting every school bus mirror before driving so the driver can see the sides, front bumper, and rear wheels. Mirrors should be checked again after loading students.

A red, octagonal sign that swings out from the left side of a school bus when it stops to load or unload students. Traffic in both directions must stop unless divided by a median.

Warning lights on a school bus that flash when the bus is stopped to load or unload children. Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.

The area beside a school bus where students get on or off. It includes the door area, the sidewalk, and the danger zone near the bus, and must be clear before moving.

The ordered steps a driver follows to let students off the bus safely: stop, secure the bus, set the brake, activate warning lights, open the door, and supervise students crossing.

Counting students as they board or leave the bus to confirm the number matches the route list. A head count helps prevent leaving a child on the bus.

A hand signal the driver gives students to tell them when it is safe to cross the street after getting off the bus. Students must wait for the signal before crossing.

The planned movement of students out of a school bus during an emergency. It requires a safe exit route, a meeting place, and supervision until help arrives.

Any door, window, roof hatch, or other opening on a school bus designed for quick escape. Exits must be kept clear and marked so students can find them.

A rear or side door on a school bus used for evacuation when the main door is blocked. It has a release handle and should be checked during the pre-trip inspection.

An opening in the roof of a school bus that serves as an emergency exit. It is used when doors are blocked or when the bus is on its side.

A spot away from traffic and the school bus where evacuated students gather and wait. It should be at least 100 feet from the bus and clear of the roadway.

A practice exercise in which students learn to leave the bus quickly and safely through emergency exits. Drills should be held regularly and include all exit types.

A place where a road crosses train tracks at the same level. School bus drivers must stop, look, and listen before crossing, even when warning signals are absent.

A white X-shaped sign at a railroad crossing. It means drivers must yield to trains, and a sign below it may give the number of tracks.

A railroad crossing signal that warns with lights, bells, or gates. Drivers must stop when the device is activated and may not go around a lowered gate.

The space beyond the tracks that must be long enough for the entire school bus to cross without stopping. Drivers must confirm the bus can clear the tracks before starting across.

The set of skills a school bus driver uses to keep students calm, seated, and safe. It includes clear rules, fair enforcement, and attention to behavior before it becomes a distraction.

A plan that assigns students to specific seats on a school bus. It helps the driver learn names, separate students who cause problems, and manage behavior consistently.

Anything that takes a school bus driver's attention away from driving, such as loud students, cell phones, or eating. Drivers must address distractions without taking their eyes off the road.

A braking system that prevents wheels from locking during hard stops. It lets the driver steer while braking and is monitored by a dashboard warning light.

A dashboard light that shows the antilock braking system has a fault. If it stays on after the engine starts, the driver should report it, though normal brakes may still work.

A sensor at each wheel that tells the antilock braking system how fast the wheel is turning. A bad sensor can make the ABS warning light come on.

A braking method in which the driver presses the pedal hard enough to slow quickly but not so hard that the wheels lock. With ABS, the driver holds firm pressure.

The outward movement of the rear of a school bus when the front wheels turn. Drivers must check mirrors and allow room so the rear does not hit students, vehicles, or objects.

The tendency of the rear wheels of a school bus to follow a tighter path than the front wheels. Drivers must swing wide enough to keep the rear wheels on the road.

When a school bus's tires ride on a layer of water instead of the road. The driver loses steering and braking control, so speed should be reduced on wet roads.

A loss of traction in which the school bus slides instead of rolling. Drivers should ease off the accelerator and steer gently, and avoid hard braking that makes it worse.

A check of the school bus before driving, covering tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, emergency equipment, and fluids. It is required by law and helps prevent breakdowns and crashes.

A check of the school bus after a route, including walking to the rear to look for sleeping students and reporting any damage or defects found during the trip.

The final walk through the school bus after unloading to make sure no student is left asleep or hiding. It is required after every route and must be documented.

Any problem with a school bus that could affect safety, such as a bad tire, broken light, or faulty brake. Defects must be reported and repaired before the bus is used.

A written record of defects and damage found on a school bus during inspection. The driver signs it and gives it to the operator so repairs can be made.