NM CDL School Bus cheat sheet

Before moving, account for every student: the driver or a designated student helper checks the aisle and seats; a student standing or in the aisle means the bus does not move.

Loading: stop the bus so students do not cross the roadway to board where avoidable; open the door only after the bus is fully stopped, transmission in neutral or park, parking brake set.

Unloading: students cross only on a signal from the driver; the driver signals with a hand motion only after checking traffic in both directions and confirming the crossing is clear.

At a railroad crossing, stop the bus no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the service door and driver's window, and listen before crossing.

Never stop on railroad tracks; cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and shift to a gear that lets you cross without shifting.

Unloading at a railroad crossing is prohibited when students would have to cross the tracks; the driver must move the bus so unloading occurs clear of the tracks.

Student management: the driver's authority covers conduct on the bus; discipline problems are reported to school officials in writing rather than handled physically by the driver.

A driver may not leave the bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must leave, the bus is secured, keys removed, and students remain supervised per district policy.

Use the horn only for warning; flashing lights and the stop arm are used for loading and unloading, not for disciplining traffic or students.

Pre-trip inspection covers: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, leaks), lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, brakes, steering, mirrors, emergency exits, and the stop arm.

The pre-trip inspection must be performed before each trip, and the driver must be satisfied the bus is in safe operating condition before transporting students.

The post-trip inspection is required at the end of each trip or route: walk the bus, check every seat and the aisle, and confirm no student remains aboard.

Brake check: with the engine running and air pressure built up, apply the service brake and hold; a pressure drop or a warning buzzer indicates a defect requiring the bus be placed out of service.

Tire inspection: check tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation; dual tires must not touch, and any cut, bulge, or exposed cord makes the bus unsafe.

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the front bumper, both sides of the bus, and the area immediately behind the rear wheels before moving.

Emergency exits (rear door, side door, roof hatch, windows) must be checked for unobstructed operation, and the exit release must function from inside.

The stop arm and flashing red lights must be tested before the route; a failed stop arm means the bus cannot be used for loading and unloading students.

A defect found during inspection must be reported and corrected before operation; the driver documents the defect and the corrective action.

Loading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, open door, supervise boarding, count students, close door, then proceed.

Unloading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, check mirrors and traffic, signal students to cross only when clear, count students after they are clear of the bus.

Students must never be left on the bus after the route; the driver performs a walk-through of every seat, including the rear, and checks under seats.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lights; then open the nearest usable exit.

Rear emergency door evacuation: the driver or a trained student opens the door, and students exit one at a time and move at least 100 feet from the bus to a safe assembly point.

Roof hatch evacuation is used when doors are blocked; students boost each other up and out, and the driver assists until all are clear.

The driver accounts for every student at the assembly point by name or count; no student re-enters the bus until the driver confirms it is safe.

Fire evacuation: evacuate upwind and away from the bus, keeping students clear of traffic and the fuel tank area.

Emergency exit drills are conducted at least twice per school year per state requirements, and the driver documents the date and participants.

Students with disabilities may require the bus to stop at a specific door, a lift or ramp operation, or a wheelchair securement check before moving.

Wheelchair securement: the wheelchair is secured to the floor with four-point tiedowns, and the occupant is secured with a lap and shoulder belt; the driver confirms both before moving.

A student with a behavior plan or medical condition may require a trained aide aboard; the driver follows the individual transportation plan.

Head counts are required at every loading and unloading stop, and again after any stop where students leave the bus.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving; standing, moving in the aisle, or extending arms out windows is prohibited.

The bus driver is responsible for student safety from boarding until the student is released to a parent, guardian, or school personnel per policy.

Special-needs buses may not use the stop arm and flashing lights for loading and unloading when the stop is off the roadway; the driver follows state law for that situation.

Bus capacity limits apply: never exceed the rated seating capacity, and count standing students as a violation of safe loading.

A CDL is required to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the passenger (P) endorsement; both are needed to drive a school bus with students.

The general knowledge test, the passenger endorsement test, and the school bus endorsement test must be passed, plus a skills test in a school bus.

The driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet the physical qualification standards.

A background check and fingerprint clearance are required for school bus drivers under state and federal rules.

The CDL is issued by the state, and the driver must carry the license and endorsements while operating the bus.

A bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers may not require a CDL but still requires the state school bus endorsement where applicable.

Knowledge tests for the school bus endorsement cover loading and unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency exits.

The passenger (P) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; the school bus (S) endorsement requires an additional knowledge test.

A CDL holder is disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for one year for a first conviction of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher.

A second conviction for a major offense results in lifetime disqualification, with no reinstatement.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can result in a 60-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation, such as failing to stop or failing to have room to clear, results in disqualification.

A school bus driver who leaves a student unattended on the bus may face license suspension or revocation under state law.

A driver may not operate a school bus while using a hand-held mobile phone, and texting while driving is prohibited for CDL holders.

The school bus endorsement can be suspended for violations of loading and unloading rules, such as failing to use the stop arm or flashing lights when required.

Before moving, account for every student: the driver or a designated student helper checks the aisle and seats; a student standing or in the aisle means the bus does not move.

Loading: stop the bus so students do not cross the roadway to board where avoidable; open the door only after the bus is fully stopped, transmission in neutral or park, parking brake set.

Unloading: students cross only on a signal from the driver; the driver signals with a hand motion only after checking traffic in both directions and confirming the crossing is clear.

At a railroad crossing, stop the bus no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the service door and driver's window, and listen before crossing.

Never stop on railroad tracks; cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and shift to a gear that lets you cross without shifting.

Unloading at a railroad crossing is prohibited when students would have to cross the tracks; the driver must move the bus so unloading occurs clear of the tracks.

Student management: the driver's authority covers conduct on the bus; discipline problems are reported to school officials in writing rather than handled physically by the driver.

A driver may not leave the bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must leave, the bus is secured, keys removed, and students remain supervised per district policy.

Use the horn only for warning; flashing lights and the stop arm are used for loading and unloading, not for disciplining traffic or students.

Pre-trip inspection covers: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, leaks), lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, brakes, steering, mirrors, emergency exits, and the stop arm.

The pre-trip inspection must be performed before each trip, and the driver must be satisfied the bus is in safe operating condition before transporting students.

The post-trip inspection is required at the end of each trip or route: walk the bus, check every seat and the aisle, and confirm no student remains aboard.

Brake check: with the engine running and air pressure built up, apply the service brake and hold; a pressure drop or a warning buzzer indicates a defect requiring the bus be placed out of service.

Tire inspection: check tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation; dual tires must not touch, and any cut, bulge, or exposed cord makes the bus unsafe.

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the front bumper, both sides of the bus, and the area immediately behind the rear wheels before moving.

Emergency exits (rear door, side door, roof hatch, windows) must be checked for unobstructed operation, and the exit release must function from inside.

The stop arm and flashing red lights must be tested before the route; a failed stop arm means the bus cannot be used for loading and unloading students.

A defect found during inspection must be reported and corrected before operation; the driver documents the defect and the corrective action.

Loading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, open door, supervise boarding, count students, close door, then proceed.

Unloading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, check mirrors and traffic, signal students to cross only when clear, count students after they are clear of the bus.

Students must never be left on the bus after the route; the driver performs a walk-through of every seat, including the rear, and checks under seats.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lights; then open the nearest usable exit.

Rear emergency door evacuation: the driver or a trained student opens the door, and students exit one at a time and move at least 100 feet from the bus to a safe assembly point.

Roof hatch evacuation is used when doors are blocked; students boost each other up and out, and the driver assists until all are clear.

The driver accounts for every student at the assembly point by name or count; no student re-enters the bus until the driver confirms it is safe.

Fire evacuation: evacuate upwind and away from the bus, keeping students clear of traffic and the fuel tank area.

Emergency exit drills are conducted at least twice per school year per state requirements, and the driver documents the date and participants.

Students with disabilities may require the bus to stop at a specific door, a lift or ramp operation, or a wheelchair securement check before moving.

Wheelchair securement: the wheelchair is secured to the floor with four-point tiedowns, and the occupant is secured with a lap and shoulder belt; the driver confirms both before moving.

A student with a behavior plan or medical condition may require a trained aide aboard; the driver follows the individual transportation plan.

Head counts are required at every loading and unloading stop, and again after any stop where students leave the bus.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving; standing, moving in the aisle, or extending arms out windows is prohibited.

The bus driver is responsible for student safety from boarding until the student is released to a parent, guardian, or school personnel per policy.

Special-needs buses may not use the stop arm and flashing lights for loading and unloading when the stop is off the roadway; the driver follows state law for that situation.

Bus capacity limits apply: never exceed the rated seating capacity, and count standing students as a violation of safe loading.

A CDL is required to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the passenger (P) endorsement; both are needed to drive a school bus with students.

The general knowledge test, the passenger endorsement test, and the school bus endorsement test must be passed, plus a skills test in a school bus.

The driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet the physical qualification standards.

A background check and fingerprint clearance are required for school bus drivers under state and federal rules.

The CDL is issued by the state, and the driver must carry the license and endorsements while operating the bus.

A bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers may not require a CDL but still requires the state school bus endorsement where applicable.

Knowledge tests for the school bus endorsement cover loading and unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency exits.

The passenger (P) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; the school bus (S) endorsement requires an additional knowledge test.

A CDL holder is disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for one year for a first conviction of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher.

A second conviction for a major offense results in lifetime disqualification, with no reinstatement.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can result in a 60-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation, such as failing to stop or failing to have room to clear, results in disqualification.

A school bus driver who leaves a student unattended on the bus may face license suspension or revocation under state law.

A driver may not operate a school bus while using a hand-held mobile phone, and texting while driving is prohibited for CDL holders.

The school bus endorsement can be suspended for violations of loading and unloading rules, such as failing to use the stop arm or flashing lights when required.

Before moving, account for every student: the driver or a designated student helper checks the aisle and seats; a student standing or in the aisle means the bus does not move.

Loading: stop the bus so students do not cross the roadway to board where avoidable; open the door only after the bus is fully stopped, transmission in neutral or park, parking brake set.

Unloading: students cross only on a signal from the driver; the driver signals with a hand motion only after checking traffic in both directions and confirming the crossing is clear.

At a railroad crossing, stop the bus no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the service door and driver's window, and listen before crossing.

Never stop on railroad tracks; cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and shift to a gear that lets you cross without shifting.

Unloading at a railroad crossing is prohibited when students would have to cross the tracks; the driver must move the bus so unloading occurs clear of the tracks.

Student management: the driver's authority covers conduct on the bus; discipline problems are reported to school officials in writing rather than handled physically by the driver.

A driver may not leave the bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must leave, the bus is secured, keys removed, and students remain supervised per district policy.

Use the horn only for warning; flashing lights and the stop arm are used for loading and unloading, not for disciplining traffic or students.

Pre-trip inspection covers: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, leaks), lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, brakes, steering, mirrors, emergency exits, and the stop arm.

The pre-trip inspection must be performed before each trip, and the driver must be satisfied the bus is in safe operating condition before transporting students.

The post-trip inspection is required at the end of each trip or route: walk the bus, check every seat and the aisle, and confirm no student remains aboard.

Brake check: with the engine running and air pressure built up, apply the service brake and hold; a pressure drop or a warning buzzer indicates a defect requiring the bus be placed out of service.

Tire inspection: check tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation; dual tires must not touch, and any cut, bulge, or exposed cord makes the bus unsafe.

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the front bumper, both sides of the bus, and the area immediately behind the rear wheels before moving.

Emergency exits (rear door, side door, roof hatch, windows) must be checked for unobstructed operation, and the exit release must function from inside.

The stop arm and flashing red lights must be tested before the route; a failed stop arm means the bus cannot be used for loading and unloading students.

A defect found during inspection must be reported and corrected before operation; the driver documents the defect and the corrective action.

Loading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, open door, supervise boarding, count students, close door, then proceed.

Unloading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, check mirrors and traffic, signal students to cross only when clear, count students after they are clear of the bus.

Students must never be left on the bus after the route; the driver performs a walk-through of every seat, including the rear, and checks under seats.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lights; then open the nearest usable exit.

Rear emergency door evacuation: the driver or a trained student opens the door, and students exit one at a time and move at least 100 feet from the bus to a safe assembly point.

Roof hatch evacuation is used when doors are blocked; students boost each other up and out, and the driver assists until all are clear.

The driver accounts for every student at the assembly point by name or count; no student re-enters the bus until the driver confirms it is safe.

Fire evacuation: evacuate upwind and away from the bus, keeping students clear of traffic and the fuel tank area.

Emergency exit drills are conducted at least twice per school year per state requirements, and the driver documents the date and participants.

Students with disabilities may require the bus to stop at a specific door, a lift or ramp operation, or a wheelchair securement check before moving.

Wheelchair securement: the wheelchair is secured to the floor with four-point tiedowns, and the occupant is secured with a lap and shoulder belt; the driver confirms both before moving.

A student with a behavior plan or medical condition may require a trained aide aboard; the driver follows the individual transportation plan.

Head counts are required at every loading and unloading stop, and again after any stop where students leave the bus.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving; standing, moving in the aisle, or extending arms out windows is prohibited.

The bus driver is responsible for student safety from boarding until the student is released to a parent, guardian, or school personnel per policy.

Special-needs buses may not use the stop arm and flashing lights for loading and unloading when the stop is off the roadway; the driver follows state law for that situation.

Bus capacity limits apply: never exceed the rated seating capacity, and count standing students as a violation of safe loading.

A CDL is required to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the passenger (P) endorsement; both are needed to drive a school bus with students.

The general knowledge test, the passenger endorsement test, and the school bus endorsement test must be passed, plus a skills test in a school bus.

The driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet the physical qualification standards.

A background check and fingerprint clearance are required for school bus drivers under state and federal rules.

The CDL is issued by the state, and the driver must carry the license and endorsements while operating the bus.

A bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers may not require a CDL but still requires the state school bus endorsement where applicable.

Knowledge tests for the school bus endorsement cover loading and unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency exits.

The passenger (P) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; the school bus (S) endorsement requires an additional knowledge test.

A CDL holder is disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for one year for a first conviction of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher.

A second conviction for a major offense results in lifetime disqualification, with no reinstatement.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can result in a 60-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation, such as failing to stop or failing to have room to clear, results in disqualification.

A school bus driver who leaves a student unattended on the bus may face license suspension or revocation under state law.

A driver may not operate a school bus while using a hand-held mobile phone, and texting while driving is prohibited for CDL holders.

The school bus endorsement can be suspended for violations of loading and unloading rules, such as failing to use the stop arm or flashing lights when required.

Before moving, account for every student: the driver or a designated student helper checks the aisle and seats; a student standing or in the aisle means the bus does not move.

Loading: stop the bus so students do not cross the roadway to board where avoidable; open the door only after the bus is fully stopped, transmission in neutral or park, parking brake set.

Unloading: students cross only on a signal from the driver; the driver signals with a hand motion only after checking traffic in both directions and confirming the crossing is clear.

At a railroad crossing, stop the bus no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the service door and driver's window, and listen before crossing.

Never stop on railroad tracks; cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and shift to a gear that lets you cross without shifting.

Unloading at a railroad crossing is prohibited when students would have to cross the tracks; the driver must move the bus so unloading occurs clear of the tracks.

Student management: the driver's authority covers conduct on the bus; discipline problems are reported to school officials in writing rather than handled physically by the driver.

A driver may not leave the bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must leave, the bus is secured, keys removed, and students remain supervised per district policy.

Use the horn only for warning; flashing lights and the stop arm are used for loading and unloading, not for disciplining traffic or students.

Pre-trip inspection covers: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, leaks), lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, brakes, steering, mirrors, emergency exits, and the stop arm.

The pre-trip inspection must be performed before each trip, and the driver must be satisfied the bus is in safe operating condition before transporting students.

The post-trip inspection is required at the end of each trip or route: walk the bus, check every seat and the aisle, and confirm no student remains aboard.

Brake check: with the engine running and air pressure built up, apply the service brake and hold; a pressure drop or a warning buzzer indicates a defect requiring the bus be placed out of service.

Tire inspection: check tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation; dual tires must not touch, and any cut, bulge, or exposed cord makes the bus unsafe.

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the front bumper, both sides of the bus, and the area immediately behind the rear wheels before moving.

Emergency exits (rear door, side door, roof hatch, windows) must be checked for unobstructed operation, and the exit release must function from inside.

The stop arm and flashing red lights must be tested before the route; a failed stop arm means the bus cannot be used for loading and unloading students.

A defect found during inspection must be reported and corrected before operation; the driver documents the defect and the corrective action.

Loading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, open door, supervise boarding, count students, close door, then proceed.

Unloading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, check mirrors and traffic, signal students to cross only when clear, count students after they are clear of the bus.

Students must never be left on the bus after the route; the driver performs a walk-through of every seat, including the rear, and checks under seats.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lights; then open the nearest usable exit.

Rear emergency door evacuation: the driver or a trained student opens the door, and students exit one at a time and move at least 100 feet from the bus to a safe assembly point.

Roof hatch evacuation is used when doors are blocked; students boost each other up and out, and the driver assists until all are clear.

The driver accounts for every student at the assembly point by name or count; no student re-enters the bus until the driver confirms it is safe.

Fire evacuation: evacuate upwind and away from the bus, keeping students clear of traffic and the fuel tank area.

Emergency exit drills are conducted at least twice per school year per state requirements, and the driver documents the date and participants.

Students with disabilities may require the bus to stop at a specific door, a lift or ramp operation, or a wheelchair securement check before moving.

Wheelchair securement: the wheelchair is secured to the floor with four-point tiedowns, and the occupant is secured with a lap and shoulder belt; the driver confirms both before moving.

A student with a behavior plan or medical condition may require a trained aide aboard; the driver follows the individual transportation plan.

Head counts are required at every loading and unloading stop, and again after any stop where students leave the bus.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving; standing, moving in the aisle, or extending arms out windows is prohibited.

The bus driver is responsible for student safety from boarding until the student is released to a parent, guardian, or school personnel per policy.

Special-needs buses may not use the stop arm and flashing lights for loading and unloading when the stop is off the roadway; the driver follows state law for that situation.

Bus capacity limits apply: never exceed the rated seating capacity, and count standing students as a violation of safe loading.

A CDL is required to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the passenger (P) endorsement; both are needed to drive a school bus with students.

The general knowledge test, the passenger endorsement test, and the school bus endorsement test must be passed, plus a skills test in a school bus.

The driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet the physical qualification standards.

A background check and fingerprint clearance are required for school bus drivers under state and federal rules.

The CDL is issued by the state, and the driver must carry the license and endorsements while operating the bus.

A bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers may not require a CDL but still requires the state school bus endorsement where applicable.

Knowledge tests for the school bus endorsement cover loading and unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency exits.

The passenger (P) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; the school bus (S) endorsement requires an additional knowledge test.

A CDL holder is disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for one year for a first conviction of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher.

A second conviction for a major offense results in lifetime disqualification, with no reinstatement.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can result in a 60-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation, such as failing to stop or failing to have room to clear, results in disqualification.

A school bus driver who leaves a student unattended on the bus may face license suspension or revocation under state law.

A driver may not operate a school bus while using a hand-held mobile phone, and texting while driving is prohibited for CDL holders.

The school bus endorsement can be suspended for violations of loading and unloading rules, such as failing to use the stop arm or flashing lights when required.

Before moving, account for every student: the driver or a designated student helper checks the aisle and seats; a student standing or in the aisle means the bus does not move.

Loading: stop the bus so students do not cross the roadway to board where avoidable; open the door only after the bus is fully stopped, transmission in neutral or park, parking brake set.

Unloading: students cross only on a signal from the driver; the driver signals with a hand motion only after checking traffic in both directions and confirming the crossing is clear.

At a railroad crossing, stop the bus no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the service door and driver's window, and listen before crossing.

Never stop on railroad tracks; cross only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and shift to a gear that lets you cross without shifting.

Unloading at a railroad crossing is prohibited when students would have to cross the tracks; the driver must move the bus so unloading occurs clear of the tracks.

Student management: the driver's authority covers conduct on the bus; discipline problems are reported to school officials in writing rather than handled physically by the driver.

A driver may not leave the bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must leave, the bus is secured, keys removed, and students remain supervised per district policy.

Use the horn only for warning; flashing lights and the stop arm are used for loading and unloading, not for disciplining traffic or students.

Pre-trip inspection covers: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, leaks), lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, brakes, steering, mirrors, emergency exits, and the stop arm.

The pre-trip inspection must be performed before each trip, and the driver must be satisfied the bus is in safe operating condition before transporting students.

The post-trip inspection is required at the end of each trip or route: walk the bus, check every seat and the aisle, and confirm no student remains aboard.

Brake check: with the engine running and air pressure built up, apply the service brake and hold; a pressure drop or a warning buzzer indicates a defect requiring the bus be placed out of service.

Tire inspection: check tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation; dual tires must not touch, and any cut, bulge, or exposed cord makes the bus unsafe.

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the front bumper, both sides of the bus, and the area immediately behind the rear wheels before moving.

Emergency exits (rear door, side door, roof hatch, windows) must be checked for unobstructed operation, and the exit release must function from inside.

The stop arm and flashing red lights must be tested before the route; a failed stop arm means the bus cannot be used for loading and unloading students.

A defect found during inspection must be reported and corrected before operation; the driver documents the defect and the corrective action.

Loading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, open door, supervise boarding, count students, close door, then proceed.

Unloading sequence: stop, set parking brake, transmission in neutral or park, check mirrors and traffic, signal students to cross only when clear, count students after they are clear of the bus.

Students must never be left on the bus after the route; the driver performs a walk-through of every seat, including the rear, and checks under seats.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lights; then open the nearest usable exit.

Rear emergency door evacuation: the driver or a trained student opens the door, and students exit one at a time and move at least 100 feet from the bus to a safe assembly point.

Roof hatch evacuation is used when doors are blocked; students boost each other up and out, and the driver assists until all are clear.

The driver accounts for every student at the assembly point by name or count; no student re-enters the bus until the driver confirms it is safe.

Fire evacuation: evacuate upwind and away from the bus, keeping students clear of traffic and the fuel tank area.

Emergency exit drills are conducted at least twice per school year per state requirements, and the driver documents the date and participants.

Students with disabilities may require the bus to stop at a specific door, a lift or ramp operation, or a wheelchair securement check before moving.

Wheelchair securement: the wheelchair is secured to the floor with four-point tiedowns, and the occupant is secured with a lap and shoulder belt; the driver confirms both before moving.

A student with a behavior plan or medical condition may require a trained aide aboard; the driver follows the individual transportation plan.

Head counts are required at every loading and unloading stop, and again after any stop where students leave the bus.

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving; standing, moving in the aisle, or extending arms out windows is prohibited.

The bus driver is responsible for student safety from boarding until the student is released to a parent, guardian, or school personnel per policy.

Special-needs buses may not use the stop arm and flashing lights for loading and unloading when the stop is off the roadway; the driver follows state law for that situation.

Bus capacity limits apply: never exceed the rated seating capacity, and count standing students as a violation of safe loading.

A CDL is required to operate a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the passenger (P) endorsement; both are needed to drive a school bus with students.

The general knowledge test, the passenger endorsement test, and the school bus endorsement test must be passed, plus a skills test in a school bus.

The driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate and meet the physical qualification standards.

A background check and fingerprint clearance are required for school bus drivers under state and federal rules.

The CDL is issued by the state, and the driver must carry the license and endorsements while operating the bus.

A bus designed to carry fewer than 16 passengers may not require a CDL but still requires the state school bus endorsement where applicable.

Knowledge tests for the school bus endorsement cover loading and unloading, railroad crossings, student management, and emergency exits.

The passenger (P) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a skills test in a passenger vehicle; the school bus (S) endorsement requires an additional knowledge test.

A CDL holder is disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for one year for a first conviction of driving a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or higher.

A second conviction for a major offense results in lifetime disqualification, with no reinstatement.

Serious traffic violations, such as excessive speeding or reckless driving, can result in a 60-day disqualification for a second offense within three years.

A railroad-highway grade crossing violation, such as failing to stop or failing to have room to clear, results in disqualification.

A school bus driver who leaves a student unattended on the bus may face license suspension or revocation under state law.

A driver may not operate a school bus while using a hand-held mobile phone, and texting while driving is prohibited for CDL holders.

The school bus endorsement can be suspended for violations of loading and unloading rules, such as failing to use the stop arm or flashing lights when required.