School Driver Trainer Inservice

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1 School Driver Trainer Inservice TITLE OF LESSON: CDL FORM TO FINISH Objectives of Lesson: At the end of this lesson, the trainer will be able to: Identify the three (3) forms required to obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver License.) Explain the pre-trip testing requirements. Explain the basic controls testing requirements. Explain the drive test requirements. Name three (3) frequent errors during the pre-trip test section. Name three (3) frequent errors during the basic controls test section. Name three (3) frequent errors during the road test section. Describe two (2) study methods for the CDL test. Equipment for Lesson: Projector for PowerPoint and Current DOL (Department of Licensing) Commercial Driver Guide Introduction: S-1 Besides the basic drivers course, a critical part of training involves the Commercial Driver License training and process. The most common license to become a bus driver is the Class B, with Passenger and School Bus endorsements, and Air Brake Restriction removed. Today we are going to review and learn the key elements in this process which include: 1. correct paperwork and forms for licensing S-2 2. skills testing requirements for pre-trip basic controls road tests We will talk about items that are frequently missed during testing and look at different ways we can train students to study for the testing process Lesson Plan 1

2 Presentation: S-3 Obtaining a commercial drivers license is a large part of getting your new bus driver fully certified and ready to go to work. Let s start with the forms and paperwork to be completed. The process has changed this last year for districts that have been utilizing ESD (Educational Service District) employed Third Party Testers. Now all bus drivers must go to the Driver Licensing Office to get the Skills Test Results form. This needs to be done prior to scheduling the Skills Test as the examiner needs information from this form to schedule and give the State DOL the 3-day notice required prior to the actual test taking place. Now let s look at the forms and paperwork necessary for a CDL. I. Permit for CDL Training S-4 A. All trainees need to acquire a CDIP (commercial driver instructional permit) prior to completing their school bus driver training. 1. This will allow them to legally perform the maneuvers in the bus that are included in your training sessions. 2. Once the trainee has the guide in hand, it will clearly outline the sections that must be studied for these tests. They are sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10. B. To get a permit, the driver must take the written CDL test(s) at the nearest licensing office. 1. They may either take just the General Knowledge test, or 2. They can take all four (4) sections which include: a. General Knowledge b. Passenger c. School Bus d. Air Brake test TRAINER NOTE: The decision is up to you and your trainees on how many tests to take. Currently, the written test will cost $10 for each attempt at one or more tests. To purchase the permit they must pay an additional $ Lesson Plan 2

3 II. Training your candidate for their CDL S-5 A. Use accurate information. The CDL guide changes quite often, so you need to know you are using only current information. 1. Do not retain handouts, notes, or any other training supplements from year-to-year. 2. Ensuring that all information is still current and in line with the current driver guide by checking the DOL website, at the Commercial Driver Guide can be obtained: a. in hardback or b. online, from the Washington State Department of Licensing B. Skills Testing and the Pre-trip Requirements S-6 1. When inspecting the vehicle, be specific. a. Inspect one component at a time and use language in the CDL Manual. b. Avoid using terminology such as, it s in good condition, or the item is secure. These comments are open-ended and leave room for individual interpretation. Examiners may ask for further detail if CDL manual language is not used. The tester may mark an error as not inspected properly. 2. The pre-trip portion has a point system. a. The fifteen (15) areas of inspection are listed in the book. In these areas is a combination of eighty (80) items to be inspected, each with multiple defects to be stated. Knowing the parts and their function is extremely helpful in proper inspection. b. The current threshold to pass is fourteen (14) errors or less; a score of fifteen (15) or more is disqualifying. c. If an item is forgotten at some point, you may return to that area, either inside the bus or out, to reinspect the item naming all of the defects and still be credited on the test Lesson Plan 3

4 The only exclusion to this rule is when performing the three (3) air supply system checks. These must be conducted in their entirety and correctly before moving on to another area. d. Explain the air brake systems basic principles and your trainees will have an easier time remembering how to properly inspect the air supply system. e. Common pre-trip errors: S-7 These are commonly missed items. We should not omit training the complete requirements listed in the Commercial Driver Guidebook. Lights and reflectors items; failure to mention taillights on rear of vehicle, failure to specifically check high/low beam headlights individually. Air supply system items; failure to release parking brake prior to air leak check, failure to allow minimally one full minute when timing for leaks, incorrect range for parking brake valve release. Passenger only items; failure to check service door operation from the drivers seat, failure to check (turn on) the step well light. Seats: check frames and securement to the floor. School bus only items; failure to check all conditions and mounting of interior student mirror. In-cab/bus inspections items; seatbelt not checked for all three (3) required items, fire extinguisher not mounted securely, identifying ABS light on dash, properly identifying gauge operation with engine running. Engine compartment items; failure to include S-8 water pump and alternator checks, alternator needs to include external wiring checks. Fluid leaks need to include not only on the ground under the engine but all hoses and properly tightened fittings/connections Lesson Plan 4

5 Front axle items; tires, failure to check for tread separation. Rims, checking for distortions of the bolt holes. Front suspension items; bushings, failure to mention missing or damaged bushings, either when inspecting the springs or when inspecting the mounts/hangers. Front brakes items; omission of inspecting for loose or missing clamps on brake chambers. Slack adjusters are often poorly inspected for broken, loose or missing parts. Hoses need to include couplings or fittings securely connected and not leaking. Driver/fuel area items; driveline must include couplings free of foreign objects. Exhaust system often omits tightly connected with no loose or missing nuts, bolts, clamps or mounting brackets. C. Skills testing and Basic Controls requirements S-9 The Basic Controls is the second portion of the skills test. 1. The Basic Controls will consist of three (3) backing maneuvers that will be completed in a specific, sequential order. a. Straight line backing b. Offset backing to the right c. Alley-dock maneuver 2. The three (3) Basic Controls maneuvers proceed in a progressive manner requiring a passing score on each before continuing. 3. A score of 18 or less errors must be obtained on the Basic Controls or the final road test will not be able to be performed. 4. During the three (3) backing maneuvers: a. Keep the bus within the boundaries of the cones, b. Stop with the very rear-most part of the vehicle within the final 3-foot boundary. c. Get out and look. If a driver utilizes this option; The driver must properly secure the bus, exit safely and look at the rear position of the bus before scoring is entered Lesson Plan 5

6 The straight-line maneuver allows for one (1) free look. The off-set backing to the right, allows for two (2) free looks The alley-dock maneuver allows for two (2) free looks (the 90-degree backing maneuver.) 5. You will find a diagram with the dimensions of the cone placement for each backing maneuver in Section 12 of the CDL Guide. You may consider allowing trainees to set up a practice course. 6. Common Basic Control errors: S-10 a. Mirror checks items; not scanning both right and left mirrors prior to backing, after stopping or making a pull-up. Failing to check every 10 seconds during the exercise. b. Warning devices items; not honking the horn prior to restarting each backing motion if bus is not equipped with a back-up alarm. c. Final position items; not taking full advantage of un-scored opportunity to go to the rear of the vehicle and accurately check to ensure the bus will be within the 3-foot boundary. Failure to have the bus in this boundary is a 10-point error. In all three of the maneuvers drivers may pull ahead and reposition the bus if necessary. One pull-up on the Straight Line and two on the Off-Set Alley and Alley-Dock will be allowed before an error is scored for each additional pull-up. D. Skills testing and Road Test requirements S-11 The road test takes between minutes of drive time. 1. The road test has a point system. There are 319 items to score errors on, requiring the driver to be very proficient. 2. To receive a passing score, you must receive no more than; a. 25 errors if driving an automatic transmission equipped bus, or; b. 30 errors if driving a bus with a manual transmission. c. Each of these skills is defined and explained in detail in section 13 of the CDL manual Lesson Plan 6

7 3. The waiting period to retest after a failed drive test is 7 days. S-12 The 3-day scheduling rule applies to scheduling of any test. a. In order to expedite the retest process, First purchase another Skills Results Form from the DOL Then call for an appointment before the 7-day waiting period is up. 4. Common Road Test Errors: S-13 Mirror checks items; not scanning both right and left mirror often enough. Keep in mind that the handbook often refers to traffic checks to include mirrors and the examiner will be looking for both right and left mirrors. This rule of both right and left-hand external mirror usage is universally true for all driving maneuvers that are being observed. Intersections, before, during and after. General driving no longer than every 10 seconds. Lane changes, before moving the vehicle to the right or left. Before entering or exiting traffic. Speeding item; not slowing for school, park or other speed restricted areas. Accelerating up to a posted speed limit prior to the sign. Keep in mind that speed limits officially change at the black and white legal postings. Lane positioning items; not turning into the nearest lane when multiple lanes are present. Not stopping behind a painted stop line or crosswalk. Not keeping rear tires in correct lane around corners. Roadside stop and start item; not using 4-way hazard lights upon completion of securing the bus. Sign information item; not recognizing road side warning signs. General driving item; not accelerating to the posted speed or with the flow of traffic. Driving 10 miles per hour under the posted speed is a scored error, driving 15 mph under is an automatic disqualification. Not accelerating to the flow of traffic is a scored error and may be deemed a dangerous act should other traffic have to take evasive maneuvers resulting in automatic disqualification Lesson Plan 7

8 E. Training and Study Methods S-14,15 There are several methods of learning and assisting our trainees to study for the CDL test. 1. None are the wrong way, and often we find that a combination of study or hands-on methods will be effective to assist in the learning. 2. We need to keep in mind that everyone is unique and learns differently. Our goal is to find an effective method for the individual. Once that is found, we can provide resources to assist. 3. Handout 1, Training and Study Methods, is provided as an H-1 optional tool. III. Testing S-16 A. The Commercial Driver License Skill Test Results must be purchased by the trainee. 1. At the time of passing all four (4) sections of the written test, which may be when the CDL permit is purchased, or; 2. At a later date not to exceed six (6) months from the date of purchasing the CDIP (commercial drivers instructional permit). 3. The cost of the Results form is currently $ The permit may be renewed a maximum of one time. Keep the 3-part Results form until you are ready to take your skills exam. B. Present the following to your examiner: S Handout 2, Commercial Driver License Skill Test Results H-2 2. Current Washington driver license. 3. Handout 3, Medical Examiner s Certificate DOT H-3 Physical Lesson Plan 8

9 IV. Licensing S-18 There are three (3) forms for the CDL licensing process that the driver will need to obtain their license. A. Commercial Driver Training Employer Certification H-4 1. Most school districts have one or more staff person(s) registered with WA State DOL that will be authorized to sign a Commercial Driver Training Employer Certification. 2. At some point after training is complete, the driver must be given this DOL form to return to the Driver Licensing Office, in order to get the CDL credentials added to your license. B. Commercial Driver License Skills Test Results H-2 The examiner will complete and return a copy of the Skills Tests Results Form to take to the DOL office. C. Medical Examiner s Certificate DOT Physical Form H-3 The Medical provider will give the trainee a long form and short form card to be carried. 1. The driver must turn in the original or a copy of either the long form and/or the card. Be aware that some licensing offices do not like the DOT card if it has been reduced and laminated in order to make wallet size. 2. Drivers are not required by law to submit the long form should they desire not to. When they go to the licensing office they may be asked for either the long form or the card. Drivers are not required to render the long form if they have the card in possession. The licensing office must accept the card. D. Handout 5 is a flow chart which shows the steps for obtaining H-5 a Commercial Driver License. TRAINER NOTE: It is not anticipated that we will have any new information on future changes to CDL Testing. We will train and/or instruct as we receive information Lesson Plan 9

10 V. Updates on the Commercial Driver Guide S-19 Review with the group (if available) all of the new WA CDL guide book changes. Summary: S-20 Besides the basic drivers course, a critical part of training involves the Commercial Driver License training and process. Today we reviewed and learned many of the key elements in this process. Needed for your CDL license are; 1. Completed Skills Tests Results form 2. Commercial Driver Training Employer Certification form 3. Medical Examiner Certificate Testing requirements in the three (3) individual skill test sections: 1. Pre-trip 2. Basic controls 3. Drive section We learned what items are frequently missed and causing problems with trainees. We also looked at different ways we can train students to study for the testing process keeping in mind all adults learn differently. Evaluation: Questions 1. Identify the three (3) required forms to obtain a CDL. S Explain the pre-trip testing requirements. S Explain the basic controls testing requirements. S Explain the drive test requirements. S Name three (3) frequent errors during the pre-trip test section. S Name three (3) frequent errors during the basic controls test S-26 section. 7. Name three (3) frequent errors during the road test section. S Describe two (2) study methods for the CDL test. S Lesson Plan 10

11 Answers 1. Skills Tests Results form, WA driver license, DOT physical card 2. Be specific in your answers. Can only miss 14 items. Can return to forgotten items in other areas except for air supply system. 3. Requires completion of three (3) different maneuvers: Straight line backing Offset backing to the right Alley-dock maneuver Must complete successfully with a score of 18 or less. Drivers should remember to utilize free opportunities to check the bus position. 4. Must receive a score of 25 or less. Will be required to wait seven days to re-test. Correct mirror usage is scored in each area and is also the one skill that is failed most frequently! 5. Pre-Trip: Not releasing parking brake during air supply system check Not checking operation of service door and step light Driveline free of foreign objects 6. Basic Controls: Not honking prior to restarting each backing motion Not checking mirrors prior to restarting each backing motion Not utilizing free looks to assure proper final position 7. Road Test: Proper and frequent mirror usage Not recognizing road signs Speeding accelerating prior to posted speed limit sign 8. Study methods: Use a partner Utilize online resources (i.e., Lesson Plan 11

School Bus Driver Trainer Inservice

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