Education Service Center, Region 20

Tri-County Head Start Program

RECORD OF BUS DRIVER BEHIND-THE-WHEEL OBSERVATION

School District: ______Route #: ______Bus #: ______

Driver’s name: ______Date of Ride: ______

Start Miles: ______End Miles: ______Total Miles Observed: ______

Start time: ______A P End time: ______A P Total Time Observed: ____ : ____ (hrs : mins)

Instructions to observer: Circle letter that best describes the skill level observed for this driver based upon the rating scale below. Mark through the rating scale (Y N T) for items that are not applicable or not observed.

Observed skill rating: Y— Meets the skill requirements as defined by statute/ordinance and DPS publications.

N— Does not meet the skill requirements as defined by statute/ordinance and DPS publications.

T— Partially meets the skill requirements, more training needed.

Any “T” ratings must be referenced by item number and explained in comments section on Page 2.

Part 1: Pre-Trip Inspection

A. Driver in possession of CDL, certification card, and physical card.

B. Checks general condition on approach.

C. Checks handrails/steps.

D. Starts engine, checks gauge readings.

E. Checks safety equipment/insurance card.

F. Checks horn, heaters, wipers, fans, interior lights.

G. Checks seats, vests/harnesses.

H. Checks emergency exits.

I. Performs outside walk around, checking tires, fluid leaks, tailpipe, mirrors, etc.

J. Checks exterior lights, reflectors, etc.

K. Performs air brake check.

Part 2: Placing Bus in Motion

A. Engages gear, applies foot brake, then releases parking brake.

B. Performs 7-point mirror check immediately before moving bus.

C. Release foot brake and smoothly accelerates based upon conditions.

D. Checks service brakes and steering performance before entering public roadway.

E. Selects proper headlight beam if driving in dark.

Part 3: Operating in Traffic

Turning:

A. Signals turns at least 100’ in advance.

B. Moves to proper lane in advance.

C. Checks traffic/turns only when clear.

D. Uses mirrors to check tail swing area.

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TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS

E. Plans stops ahead/adjusts speed.

F. Obeys all traffic signs/signals.

G. Makes complete stops at stop signs.

INTERSECTIONS

H. Yields right-of-way.

I. Checks cross traffic regardless of traffic controls.

J. Enters intersections prepared to stop if necessary.

K. Observes traffic signal status (“stale green”) prior to entering intersection.

PASSING

L. Allows sufficient space ahead.

M. Passes only in safe locations.

N. Signals lane changes.

O. Passes only when appropriate.

P. Returns to lane promptly after pass complete.

SPEED

Q. Observes speed limits.

R. Properly adjusts speed to road, weather, and traffic conditions.

S. Slows down in advance of curves, dangerous traffic areas and intersections.

T. Maintains consistent speed where possible.

COURTESEY AND SAFETY

U. Yields right-of-way.

V. Allows faster traffic to pass.

W. Uses horn only when necessary.

X. Strives to drive in safe manner.

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Part 4: Slowing and Stopping

A. Selects proper gear when descending steep grades.

B. Uses brakes properly on grades.

C. Uses mirrors to watch following traffic when beginning to decelerate.

D. Plans stop far enough ahead to avoid hard braking.

E. Stops clear of crosswalks/stops at or behind stop line.

F. Stops with sufficient clearance behind already stopped vehicles.

Part 5: Backing and Parking

BACKING:

A. Backs when only safe way to move bus.

B. Gets out and checks behind bus before backing.

C. Properly utilizes mirrors when backing.

D. Avoids backing from blind side.

PARKING:

E. Parks without hitting other vehicles or stationary objects.

F. Parks correct distance from curb or aligns bus correctly in parking space.

G. Secures bus properly after parking.

H. Carefully enters traffic from parked position.

I. Parks off pavement if on highway.

J. Displays warning devices if necessary when parked.

Part 6: Highway Rail Grade Crossings

A. Slows to approach crossing, hazard lights on 200’ before crossing.

B. Uses right lane if possible.

C. Stops within correct distances.

D. Keeps foot on brake pedal or sets parking brake.

E. Signal students to be quiet.

F. Turns off noisy accessories.

G. Opens driver window/entrance door.

H. Looks/listens for train; does not proceed if train approaching.

I. Proceeds only if safe and legal to do so.

J. Does not shift gears while crossing (standard transmission).

K. Has sufficient space if driver needs to use containment area after crossing tracks.

Part 7: Loading and Unloading

ON THE ROUTE:

A. Activates amber loading lights for 300’ or 5-10 seconds while approaching stop.

B. Checks mirrors/traffic while approaching and after stopping.

C. Sets parking brake before opening door.

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D. Verifies traffic clear or stopped before opening door.

E. Accounts for all students during loading/unloading.

F. Waits for route assistant to cross students, if necessary.

G. Waits for students to be secured before moving bus, if loading.

H. Makes final 7-point mirror check immediately before letting a wheel roll when leaving stop.

I. Safely re-enters traffic.

J. Verifies all students off bus at end of route and when bus finally parked.

AT THE CAMPUS:

K. Safely parks and secures bus, removes key if leaving driver’s area.

L. Positions self to observe loading/unloading.

M. Assures that students board in orderly fashion.

N. Assists route assistant in securing students in vests/harnesses/seat belts.

O. Verifies all students seated and secured after loading complete.

P. Verifies all students off bus after unloading at campus.

Q. Accounts for all students and prepares to leave the bus ramp.

R. Makes final 7-point mirror check before letting a wheel roll when departing ramp.

Part 8: Student Management

A. Exhibits positive relationship and communication with students, parents, school personnel, and route assistant.

B. Uses appropriate strategies when dealing with student misbehavior.

Part 9: Post-Trip Inspection

A. Checks exterior lights, tires, underside bus.

B. Checks seats, emergency exits.

C. Completes required paper documentation, including bus defect report.

D. Check for remaining students.

E. Secure bus (close windows, hatches, etc.)

Comments:

Signature of Driver: ______

Signature of Observer: ______

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