NY CDL School Bus cheat sheet

New York requires the school bus endorsement (S) plus a passenger (P) endorsement; drivers must hold a CDL with both to operate a school bus with students aboard.

Pre-trip inspection items unique to school buses: stop arm extends and retracts fully, red/amber eight-way lights flash, crossing gate swings freely, emergency exits open from inside and outside, and the bus's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and charged.

Loading: students must be seated and silent before the bus moves; the driver counts students at each stop and confirms the count before departing, and again after unloading.

Unloading decision rule: the driver signals students to cross only after the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and the driver has confirmed traffic in both directions has stopped.

Students who must cross the road cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to remain visible to the driver, and wait for the driver's hand signal before proceeding.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and evacuate students to a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic.

A driver may never leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must exit, students stay seated and the driver remains within sight and voice contact.

Report any student misconduct or safety incident to the district in writing the same day; physical discipline and removing a student from the bus are not permitted.

Pre-trip inspection sequence: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, steering, suspension), then walk-around (lights, tires, brakes, coupling), then in-cab checks (gauges, horn, wipers, brake tests).

Air brake leak test: with the engine off and full pressure, the system must lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi in one minute with the brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums: 4/32 inch for steering axle tires, 2/32 inch for all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, and matching tire sizes on duals.

Backing rule: get out and look (GOAL) before backing; if you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately if you lose sight of the spotter.

Shifting: double-clutch or float gears per the transmission; do not coast in neutral downhill, and select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade.

Speed management: reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit on curves, ramps, and wet roads; increase following distance to at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Communication: signal at least 100 feet before a turn (200 feet at highway speeds), flash brake lights when slowing, and use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and identify escape routes before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving: text messaging and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers; a single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds.

Fatigue rule: after 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and do not cross until you are certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, including those with active warning devices, unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

Work zones: obey posted reduced speeds, merge early, and maintain extra following distance; fines for moving violations in work zones are doubled in New York.

Wet roads: hydroplaning begins at roughly 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Passenger safety: all riders must be seated with seat belts fastened (where equipped) before the vehicle moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo securement: aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo must not extend more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle without a flag or light.

Load distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the load must not exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any axle rating.

School bus cargo: backpacks and instruments must be stored so they do not block aisles, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may be placed in front of the stop arm.

Passenger count: the driver must account for every student at every stop; an accurate count is the primary defense against leaving a child on the bus.

Hazardous materials: school buses may not carry hazardous materials except small quantities for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Loading/unloading zone: stop with the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in park before opening the door.

Pre-trip inspection items unique to school buses: stop arm extends and retracts fully, red/amber eight-way lights flash, crossing gate swings freely, emergency exits open from inside and outside, and the bus's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and charged.

Loading: students must be seated and silent before the bus moves; the driver counts students at each stop and confirms the count before departing, and again after unloading.

Unloading decision rule: the driver signals students to cross only after the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and the driver has confirmed traffic in both directions has stopped.

Students who must cross the road cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to remain visible to the driver, and wait for the driver's hand signal before proceeding.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and evacuate students to a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic.

A driver may never leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must exit, students stay seated and the driver remains within sight and voice contact.

Report any student misconduct or safety incident to the district in writing the same day; physical discipline and removing a student from the bus are not permitted.

Pre-trip inspection sequence: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, steering, suspension), then walk-around (lights, tires, brakes, coupling), then in-cab checks (gauges, horn, wipers, brake tests).

Air brake leak test: with the engine off and full pressure, the system must lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi in one minute with the brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums: 4/32 inch for steering axle tires, 2/32 inch for all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, and matching tire sizes on duals.

Backing rule: get out and look (GOAL) before backing; if you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately if you lose sight of the spotter.

Shifting: double-clutch or float gears per the transmission; do not coast in neutral downhill, and select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade.

Speed management: reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit on curves, ramps, and wet roads; increase following distance to at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Communication: signal at least 100 feet before a turn (200 feet at highway speeds), flash brake lights when slowing, and use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and identify escape routes before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving: text messaging and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers; a single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds.

Fatigue rule: after 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and do not cross until you are certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, including those with active warning devices, unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

Work zones: obey posted reduced speeds, merge early, and maintain extra following distance; fines for moving violations in work zones are doubled in New York.

Wet roads: hydroplaning begins at roughly 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Passenger safety: all riders must be seated with seat belts fastened (where equipped) before the vehicle moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo securement: aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo must not extend more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle without a flag or light.

Load distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the load must not exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any axle rating.

School bus cargo: backpacks and instruments must be stored so they do not block aisles, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may be placed in front of the stop arm.

Passenger count: the driver must account for every student at every stop; an accurate count is the primary defense against leaving a child on the bus.

Hazardous materials: school buses may not carry hazardous materials except small quantities for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Loading/unloading zone: stop with the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in park before opening the door.

Pre-trip inspection items unique to school buses: stop arm extends and retracts fully, red/amber eight-way lights flash, crossing gate swings freely, emergency exits open from inside and outside, and the bus's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and charged.

Loading: students must be seated and silent before the bus moves; the driver counts students at each stop and confirms the count before departing, and again after unloading.

Unloading decision rule: the driver signals students to cross only after the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and the driver has confirmed traffic in both directions has stopped.

Students who must cross the road cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to remain visible to the driver, and wait for the driver's hand signal before proceeding.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and evacuate students to a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic.

A driver may never leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must exit, students stay seated and the driver remains within sight and voice contact.

Report any student misconduct or safety incident to the district in writing the same day; physical discipline and removing a student from the bus are not permitted.

Pre-trip inspection sequence: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, steering, suspension), then walk-around (lights, tires, brakes, coupling), then in-cab checks (gauges, horn, wipers, brake tests).

Air brake leak test: with the engine off and full pressure, the system must lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi in one minute with the brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums: 4/32 inch for steering axle tires, 2/32 inch for all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, and matching tire sizes on duals.

Backing rule: get out and look (GOAL) before backing; if you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately if you lose sight of the spotter.

Shifting: double-clutch or float gears per the transmission; do not coast in neutral downhill, and select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade.

Speed management: reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit on curves, ramps, and wet roads; increase following distance to at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Communication: signal at least 100 feet before a turn (200 feet at highway speeds), flash brake lights when slowing, and use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and identify escape routes before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving: text messaging and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers; a single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds.

Fatigue rule: after 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and do not cross until you are certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, including those with active warning devices, unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

Work zones: obey posted reduced speeds, merge early, and maintain extra following distance; fines for moving violations in work zones are doubled in New York.

Wet roads: hydroplaning begins at roughly 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Passenger safety: all riders must be seated with seat belts fastened (where equipped) before the vehicle moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo securement: aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo must not extend more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle without a flag or light.

Load distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the load must not exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any axle rating.

School bus cargo: backpacks and instruments must be stored so they do not block aisles, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may be placed in front of the stop arm.

Passenger count: the driver must account for every student at every stop; an accurate count is the primary defense against leaving a child on the bus.

Hazardous materials: school buses may not carry hazardous materials except small quantities for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Loading/unloading zone: stop with the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in park before opening the door.

Pre-trip inspection items unique to school buses: stop arm extends and retracts fully, red/amber eight-way lights flash, crossing gate swings freely, emergency exits open from inside and outside, and the bus's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and charged.

Loading: students must be seated and silent before the bus moves; the driver counts students at each stop and confirms the count before departing, and again after unloading.

Unloading decision rule: the driver signals students to cross only after the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and the driver has confirmed traffic in both directions has stopped.

Students who must cross the road cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to remain visible to the driver, and wait for the driver's hand signal before proceeding.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and evacuate students to a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic.

A driver may never leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must exit, students stay seated and the driver remains within sight and voice contact.

Report any student misconduct or safety incident to the district in writing the same day; physical discipline and removing a student from the bus are not permitted.

Pre-trip inspection sequence: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, steering, suspension), then walk-around (lights, tires, brakes, coupling), then in-cab checks (gauges, horn, wipers, brake tests).

Air brake leak test: with the engine off and full pressure, the system must lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi in one minute with the brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums: 4/32 inch for steering axle tires, 2/32 inch for all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, and matching tire sizes on duals.

Backing rule: get out and look (GOAL) before backing; if you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately if you lose sight of the spotter.

Shifting: double-clutch or float gears per the transmission; do not coast in neutral downhill, and select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade.

Speed management: reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit on curves, ramps, and wet roads; increase following distance to at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Communication: signal at least 100 feet before a turn (200 feet at highway speeds), flash brake lights when slowing, and use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and identify escape routes before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving: text messaging and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers; a single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds.

Fatigue rule: after 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and do not cross until you are certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, including those with active warning devices, unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

Work zones: obey posted reduced speeds, merge early, and maintain extra following distance; fines for moving violations in work zones are doubled in New York.

Wet roads: hydroplaning begins at roughly 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Passenger safety: all riders must be seated with seat belts fastened (where equipped) before the vehicle moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo securement: aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo must not extend more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle without a flag or light.

Load distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the load must not exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any axle rating.

School bus cargo: backpacks and instruments must be stored so they do not block aisles, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may be placed in front of the stop arm.

Passenger count: the driver must account for every student at every stop; an accurate count is the primary defense against leaving a child on the bus.

Hazardous materials: school buses may not carry hazardous materials except small quantities for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Loading/unloading zone: stop with the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in park before opening the door.

Pre-trip inspection items unique to school buses: stop arm extends and retracts fully, red/amber eight-way lights flash, crossing gate swings freely, emergency exits open from inside and outside, and the bus's first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are present and charged.

Loading: students must be seated and silent before the bus moves; the driver counts students at each stop and confirms the count before departing, and again after unloading.

Unloading decision rule: the driver signals students to cross only after the stop arm is out, red lights are flashing, and the driver has confirmed traffic in both directions has stopped.

Students who must cross the road cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to remain visible to the driver, and wait for the driver's hand signal before proceeding.

Emergency evacuation: stop the bus, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, activate hazard lights, and evacuate students to a safe location at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic.

A driver may never leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; if the driver must exit, students stay seated and the driver remains within sight and voice contact.

Report any student misconduct or safety incident to the district in writing the same day; physical discipline and removing a student from the bus are not permitted.

Pre-trip inspection sequence: engine compartment (fluid levels, belts, hoses, steering, suspension), then walk-around (lights, tires, brakes, coupling), then in-cab checks (gauges, horn, wipers, brake tests).

Air brake leak test: with the engine off and full pressure, the system must lose no more than 3 psi in one minute with the brakes released, and no more than 4 psi in one minute with the brakes applied.

Tire tread minimums: 4/32 inch for steering axle tires, 2/32 inch for all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, and matching tire sizes on duals.

Backing rule: get out and look (GOAL) before backing; if you cannot see behind the vehicle, use a spotter and stop immediately if you lose sight of the spotter.

Shifting: double-clutch or float gears per the transmission; do not coast in neutral downhill, and select a gear low enough to control speed before starting down a grade.

Speed management: reduce speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit on curves, ramps, and wet roads; increase following distance to at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Communication: signal at least 100 feet before a turn (200 feet at highway speeds), flash brake lights when slowing, and use four-way flashers when moving slowly or stopped in traffic.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, check mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and identify escape routes before entering intersections or work zones.

Distracted driving: text messaging and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers; a single glance away from the road should not exceed 2 seconds.

Fatigue rule: after 8 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive up to 11 hours and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Railroad crossings: stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, look and listen, and do not cross until you are certain no train is approaching; never stop on the tracks.

School buses must stop at all railroad crossings, including those with active warning devices, unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

Work zones: obey posted reduced speeds, merge early, and maintain extra following distance; fines for moving violations in work zones are doubled in New York.

Wet roads: hydroplaning begins at roughly 35 mph with worn tread; reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and increase following distance to at least 4 seconds.

Passenger safety: all riders must be seated with seat belts fastened (where equipped) before the vehicle moves; standees are not permitted on school buses.

Cargo securement: aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50 percent of the cargo weight, and cargo must not extend more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the vehicle without a flag or light.

Load distribution: keep the heaviest items low and centered over the axles; the load must not exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any axle rating.

School bus cargo: backpacks and instruments must be stored so they do not block aisles, emergency exits, or the driver's view; nothing may be placed in front of the stop arm.

Passenger count: the driver must account for every student at every stop; an accurate count is the primary defense against leaving a child on the bus.

Hazardous materials: school buses may not carry hazardous materials except small quantities for the vehicle's own operation; never transport gasoline or propane in the passenger compartment.

Loading/unloading zone: stop with the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in park before opening the door.