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Transportation Safety
Driver Training & Bus Maintenance
School Bus Driver Training
School bus drivers are carefully selected for employment. They must
submit to a pre-employment drug test, criminal records check,
driving record check and a physical.
All drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License
with a Class B passenger endorsement. Training is completed with
15-17 hours behind the wheel training and 4 hours of classroom
instruction. In addition to the behind the wheel training and
classroom instruction, the new drivers must complete a 20 hour
certification course from the Texas Education Agency.
All school bus drivers must pass
an annual physical, submit to random drug/alcohol testing, be
re-certified every 3 years (8 hour course), attend in-service
sessions, and be evaluated annually. |
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The trainee receives information
related to the safety features
of the school bus. |
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The trainee is shown the
areas around the bus that are
not visible from the driver's seat. |
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Bus Maintenance
Our Maintenance Team consists of 5 employees: 3 Mechanics, 1
Assistant, and 1 Service Vehicle Technician. They are responsible
for the upkeep of approximately 120 vehicles, which includes 74
school buses, 30 maintenance vehicles, 8 tractors/mowers, and a
number of Food Service and Science Dept. Vehicles. The mechanics do
everything from engine overhaul to upholstery.
Our Bus Drivers’ job description entails a complete daily pre-trip
inspection of the buses. This includes under the hood inspection:
 | Making sure the belts are secure |
| checking the hoses for leaks |
| checking fluid levels |
| and a battery check. |
An exterior walk-around inspection is also
mandatory. This includes:
| inspecting all lights and reflectors |
| checking tire pressure, slack adjusters, frame,
and springs |
| mirrors are checked for alignment |
| the exhaust system is inspected for loose
straps, rust and holes |
| the front and rear of the bus is inspected for
proper operation of loading and warning lights, signals, the rear
emergency door and tail pipe. |
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The interior
inspection consists of:
| checking all gauges |
| checking safety devices, lights, safety
equipment, emergency exits, and seat anchors. |
The air brakes are checked daily for leaks in the
air brake system, low pressure warning devices, spring brake
application, parking brake and air tank drains.
Each school bus is scheduled monthly for
preventive maintenance on the grease pit. This includes
| an oil change if necessary, |
| a complete lube & wash and |
| a visual inspection of all safety equipment,
lights, brake lining and brake adjustments. |
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