Drivers and Training

The role of the school bus driver in ensuring the safe transportation of children to and from school and school-related activities is as important as any other link in the school transportation safety chain. Federal licensing and endorsements supplemented by state and local training are essential.

• Kansas SDE Loading/Unloading Surveys
• FMCSA Mobile Phone Rule (eff. January 3, 2012)
• FMCSA Mobile Phone Rule Fact Sheet (May 2012)

• NTSB Safety Recommendations Resulting From the Gray Summit School Bus Accident
  February 2012
• NASDPTS Response to Safety Recommendations H-11-48
  May 2012
• NASDPTS Safety Recommendation Guidance Document
  April 2013
• NASDPTS Sample Activity Pre-Trip Briefing
  April 2013
• Regulatory Guidance on "S" Endorsement - FMCSA
  July 2005
• School Bus Drivers - Their importance and Training
  March 2000
• NHTSA School Bus Driver In-Service Video Training
• Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment on our Nation's School Buses (A training curriculum of the US Dept of Education)
  June 2011

Bullying:  U.S. Government website on bullying, cyberbullying, prevention and resources

NTSB Recommendations and NASDPTS Response to Pedal Misapplication in Heavy Vehicles

In its investigation of five accidents involving heavy vehicles, including four involving school buses, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) suggested that pedal misapplication was a factor; that is, depressing the accelerator instead of, or in addition to, the brake pedal.  The following documents provide information and guidance that states, local school districts, charter schools, private schools, contractors, and school bus drivers can use to reduce the risks associated with pedal misapplication:

• NTSB Safety Recommendation H-09-14 (issued to NASDPTS and NAPT)
  September 10, 2009
• NASDPTS Response to NTSB Safety Recommendation H-09-14
  October 27, 2011
• NTSB Letter to NASDPTS Classifying Response to H-09-14 as “Closed—Acceptable Action”
  September 26, 2011
• NASDPTS Guidance Document: Reducing Risk Associated with Pedal Misapplication in School Buses
  October 7, 2011