MS CDL School Bus cheat sheet

The danger zone is the area within 10 feet of the bus on all sides; students in it are hidden from the driver's view and at greatest risk.

The most dangerous area is directly in front of the bus, where the hood and driver's seating position block the view of a small student.

Before loading or unloading, the driver secures the bus: transmission in Park (or Neutral with parking brake set for manual), parking brake applied, and students signaled to wait until the driver gives the hand signal.

The driver counts students as they leave and again after they clear the danger zone; a recount is required before the bus moves.

Students crossing the road must wait for the driver's hand signal and cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus, never behind it.

The stop arm, red flashing lights, and crossing gate (if equipped) are deployed during loading and unloading; the driver verifies traffic has stopped before signaling students.

The driver must account for every student before releasing the parking brake; a missing count means the driver rechecks the bus and the danger zone.

Loading/unloading is prohibited where students must cross a multi-lane highway, divided highway, or where visibility is inadequate, unless no safer alternative exists and the driver follows district procedure.

Approach a stop by activating the amber (warning) lights at least 100 feet (or as required by state law) before the stop, then activate red lights and stop arm once stopped.

The stop arm extends from the left side of the bus; the driver checks mirrors before and after deployment to confirm it is fully extended.

The driver opens the door only after the bus is fully stopped, the parking brake is set, and traffic has been checked in all mirrors.

Mirror checks: crossover mirrors for the front bumper area, convex mirrors for the sides, and flat mirrors for the rear; scan all before moving.

A pre-trip stop inspection includes checking that the stop arm, red lights, and crossing gate operate and retract fully.

The bus should stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet from the student's crossing path and the rear of the bus clear of the travel lane where possible.

If a motorist passes the stopped bus, the driver does not pursue; the driver records the plate and reports it under state law and district policy.

Railroad crossings and stop procedures require the driver to open the door and window to listen before proceeding when required by law.

Evacuation order: front door first, rear emergency door second, roof hatch or side windows only when primary exits are blocked.

The driver's evacuation sequence: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, activate hazard lights, and announce the evacuation.

Students evacuate at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind of any fire or hazard; a student leader counts evacuees at the assembly point.

The driver conducts a post-evacuation sweep of the bus, including under seats and in the aisle, before leaving the vehicle.

Emergency equipment to carry during evacuation includes the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and emergency reflector triangles if safe to retrieve.

Behavior management uses clear expectations, seat assignments, and progressive consequences; physical restraint is limited to imminent danger and follows district policy.

The driver reports serious misconduct in writing to the school administrator the same day, including time, location, witnesses, and description.

Fire on the bus: evacuate immediately, move students upwind, and do not attempt to fight a fire that has spread beyond a small incipient stage.

Pre-trip inspection items include brakes, steering, lights, stop arm, mirrors, tires, emergency exits, horn, wipers, and first aid/fire equipment.

Air brake check: with the engine off, the air pressure should not drop more than 3 psi in one minute (single vehicle) with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi per minute with the brakes applied.

Brake adjustment: with the parking brake released and the system at full pressure, a brake chamber pushrod should not stroke more than 2 inches for a standard chamber; a longer stroke indicates adjustment is needed.

Low air pressure warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi; the emergency spring brakes apply automatically at low pressure.

The bus must have a working fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency triangles, and a seat belt cutter or equivalent per district equipment list.

Tire inspection: minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch on front tires and 2/32 inch on rear tires; check for cuts, bulges, and proper inflation.

Post-trip inspection confirms no students remain aboard, all lights are off, windows are closed, and the bus is secured; report defects in writing.

Stop at least 15 feet and no more than 50 feet from the nearest rail at every railroad crossing, unless the crossing is exempted by law.

Before crossing, the driver turns off all noise sources, opens the door and window, and listens for a train.

Look both directions along the track before and after the initial stop; a second look is required after the bus begins to move.

Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks; maintain a steady speed and cross without stopping.

If the bus stalls on the tracks, evacuate students immediately and move them at least 100 feet from the tracks and upwind, then call 911 and the railroad emergency number.

Never cross if a train is visible or audible, if gates are down, or if the warning lights are flashing; a stopped train blocks the crossing and requires an alternate route.

The driver must not stop on the tracks or in a crossing area; ensure there is room on the far side before starting across.

At school loading zones, follow the school's traffic pattern and load/unload only at designated areas with the bus fully stopped and secured.

The driver counts students before opening the door and after unloading; the count is recorded and reconciled with the school's attendance where applicable.

Students must not cross in front of the bus at school unless the driver signals and the crossing is marked; otherwise use the school's crossing guard or walkway.

At designated stops, the driver stops with the door adjacent to the curb or safe standing area and avoids stopping on a hill, curve, or where visibility is limited.

The driver releases students only after confirming traffic in both directions has stopped and the stop arm and red lights are deployed.

If a student does not appear at the stop, the driver does not wait beyond the scheduled time; the driver reports the no-show to dispatch and the school.

The driver confirms the bus is empty after the last stop and completes the post-trip walk-through.

In fog, rain, or snow, reduce speed and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds; use low-beam headlights and avoid high beams in fog.

On ice or snow, brake gently and steer smoothly; avoid sudden movements and use a lower gear on downgrades.

In high winds, reduce speed and grip the wheel firmly; be alert for crosswinds on bridges and open stretches.

At a hazardous-materials stop or incident, keep students on the bus if safe, move upwind and uphill, and follow the incident commander's directions.

When roads are flooded, do not drive through moving water; turn around and report the condition to dispatch.

At special stops (e.g., daycare, medical facility), the driver verifies the authorized adult receives the student and documents the release.

During severe weather, the driver follows district hold or shelter-in-place procedures and communicates status to dispatch.

Post-crash sequence: stop, secure the bus, check for injuries, call 911, and account for all students before moving anyone unless there is fire or imminent danger.

Set out emergency triangles at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the bus (or as required) to warn traffic.

Do not move an injured student unless there is immediate danger; keep the student still and wait for EMS.

Exchange information with other drivers: name, license, insurance, and vehicle information; record witness statements and photos if safe.

Report the crash to dispatch and the school administrator immediately, and complete the district crash report the same day.

Security: never leave the bus unlocked or unattended with students aboard; report suspicious persons or packages to dispatch and law enforcement.

Preserve the scene and do not discuss fault; provide facts only to law enforcement and district officials.