Type III School Bus Type III School Bus Training ProgramTraining Program

2009-2010 School Year2009-2010 School Year

Type III Driver RegulationsType III Driver Regulations

In 2008 the Minnesota Legislature created In 2008 the Minnesota Legislature created several sections of law requiring several sections of law requiring annualannual training and certification of persons that training and certification of persons that operate Type III School Buses.operate Type III School Buses.

In 2009 the Minnesota Legislature In 2009 the Minnesota Legislature removed the section of law that required removed the section of law that required Type III drivers submit to a physical Type III drivers submit to a physical examination.examination.

NOTE:NOTE: Some of the laws & rules have been “paraphrased” Some of the laws & rules have been “paraphrased” in in order to condense this presentation. order to condense this presentation.

Definition of Type III School Bus Definition of Type III School Bus Minnesota Statute 169.011, Subdivision 71 (5)Minnesota Statute 169.011, Subdivision 71 (5)

Type III vehicles are restricted to Type III vehicles are restricted to passenger cars, station wagons, vans, passenger cars, station wagons, vans, and buses having a maximum and buses having a maximum manufacturer's rated seating capacity manufacturer's rated seating capacity of ten or fewer people, including the of ten or fewer people, including the driver, and a gross vehicle weight driver, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

Type III Vehicle DriversType III Vehicle DriversMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (a) Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (a)

The holder of a class D driver’s license, The holder of a class D driver’s license, without a school bus endorsement, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a Type III vehicle may operate a Type III vehicle described in section 169.011, under described in section 169.011, under the following conditions:the following conditions:

Type III Vehicle Drivers Type III Vehicle Drivers (Continued)(Continued)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (b) & (c) Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (b) & (c)

The operator is an employee of the The operator is an employee of the entity that owns, leases or contracts entity that owns, leases or contracts for the school bus.for the school bus.

The operator’s employer has adopted The operator’s employer has adopted and implemented a policy that and implemented a policy that provides annual training and provides annual training and certification of the operator in:certification of the operator in:

Type III Vehicle Drivers Type III Vehicle Drivers (Continued)(Continued)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (1-4) Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (1-4)

Safe operation of a Type III vehicleSafe operation of a Type III vehicle Understanding student behavior, Understanding student behavior,

including issues relating to students including issues relating to students with disabilities.with disabilities.

Encouraging orderly conduct of Encouraging orderly conduct of students on the bus and handling students on the bus and handling incidents of misconduct appropriately.incidents of misconduct appropriately.

Knowing and understanding relevant Knowing and understanding relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety policies.bus safety policies.

Type III Vehicle Drivers Type III Vehicle Drivers (Continued)(Continued)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (5-8)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (5-8)

Handling emergency situations.Handling emergency situations. Proper use of seat belts and child Proper use of seat belts and child

safety restraints.safety restraints. Performance of pre-trip vehicle Performance of pre-trip vehicle

inspections; andinspections; and Safe loading and unloading of Safe loading and unloading of

students, including, but not limited to:students, including, but not limited to:

Type III Vehicle Drivers Type III Vehicle Drivers (Continued)(Continued)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (8) (i-ii) Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (8) (i-ii)

– Utilizing a safe location for loading and Utilizing a safe location for loading and unloading students at the curb, on the unloading students at the curb, on the non-traffic side of the roadway, or at off-non-traffic side of the roadway, or at off-street loading areas, driveways, yards, street loading areas, driveways, yards, and other areas to enable the student to and other areas to enable the student to avoid hazardous conditions.avoid hazardous conditions.

– Refraining from loading and unloading Refraining from loading and unloading students in a vehicular traffic lane, on students in a vehicular traffic lane, on the shoulder, in a designated turn lane, the shoulder, in a designated turn lane, or a lane adjacent to a designated turn or a lane adjacent to a designated turn lane.lane.

Type III Vehicle Drivers Type III Vehicle Drivers (Continued)(Continued)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (8) (iii-iv)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (c) (8) (iii-iv)

– Avoiding a loading or unloading Avoiding a loading or unloading location that would require a pupil to location that would require a pupil to cross a road, or ensuring that the cross a road, or ensuring that the driver or an aide personally escort driver or an aide personally escort the pupil across the road if it is not the pupil across the road if it is not reasonably feasible to avoid such a reasonably feasible to avoid such a location; andlocation; and

– Placing the Type III vehicle in "park" Placing the Type III vehicle in "park" during loading and unloading.during loading and unloading.

Background CheckBackground CheckMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (d)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (d)

A background check or background A background check or background investigation of the operator has been investigation of the operator has been conducted that meets the conducted that meets the requirements for school district requirements for school district employees.employees.

Driving RecordDriving RecordMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (g)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (g)

The operator's driver's license is The operator's driver's license is verified annually by the entity that verified annually by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus.school bus.

Alcohol OffensesAlcohol OffensesMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (h)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (h)

A person who sustains a DWI A person who sustains a DWI conviction or violation of the implied conviction or violation of the implied consent law, or who is convicted of or consent law, or who is convicted of or has their driver's license revoked has their driver's license revoked under a similar statute or ordinance of under a similar statute or ordinance of another state, is precluded from another state, is precluded from operating a Type III vehicle for operating a Type III vehicle for five five years years from the date of conviction. from the date of conviction.

Disqualifying OffensesDisqualifying OffensesMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (i)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (i)

A person who has ever been convicted A person who has ever been convicted of a disqualifying offense of a disqualifying offense may notmay not operate a Type III vehicle under this operate a Type III vehicle under this subdivision.subdivision.

– "Disqualifying offense" includes (1) any felony "Disqualifying offense" includes (1) any felony offense, (2) any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, offense, (2) any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony violation of chapter 152, (3) any violation or felony violation of chapter 152, (3) any violation under section under section 609.3451, , 609.746, subdivision 1, , 617.23, , 617.246, , 617.247, or , or 617.293, or (4) while , or (4) while driving, operating, or being in physical control of a driving, operating, or being in physical control of a school bus or a Head Start bus, a violation of school bus or a Head Start bus, a violation of section section 169A.20 or a similar statute or ordinance or a similar statute or ordinance from another state.from another state.

Moving OffensesMoving OffensesMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (j)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (j)

A person who is convicted of a moving A person who is convicted of a moving offense within three years of the first offense within three years of the first of three other moving offenses is of three other moving offenses is precluded from operating a Type III precluded from operating a Type III vehicle for vehicle for one yearone year from the date of from the date of the last conviction. the last conviction.

Moving Violations ExampleMoving Violations Example

02-10-200802-10-2008 SpeedSpeed11-21-200811-21-2008 Disobey sign Disobey sign 03-31-200903-31-2009 SpeedSpeed06-10-200906-10-2009 Speed Speed (Triggering (Triggering

Conviction)Conviction)

Loss of Type III driving privileges for Loss of Type III driving privileges for one (1) year from the last one (1) year from the last conviction, eligible for reinstatement conviction, eligible for reinstatement 06-11-2010.06-11-2010.

Reporting OffensesReporting OffensesMinnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (k)Minnesota Statute 171.02, Subdivision 2b (k)

An operator who sustains a conviction of An operator who sustains a conviction of DWI, a moving violation or disqualifying DWI, a moving violation or disqualifying offense while employed by the entity offense while employed by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus, shall report the conviction to school bus, shall report the conviction to the employer the employer within ten dayswithin ten days of the of the date of the conviction.date of the conviction.

NOTE:NOTE: This applies to violations that occur in any vehicle, This applies to violations that occur in any vehicle, including your own. including your own.

Notification FormNotification Form

Type III School Bus Driver Notification Type III School Bus Driver Notification to Employer of Violationto Employer of Violation forms are forms are available in the “Forms” section available in the “Forms” section on the Bemidji Area Schools First on the Bemidji Area Schools First Class mail system and at Class mail system and at Transportation Services.Transportation Services.

Personal Cellular Phone Call Personal Cellular Phone Call ProhibitedProhibitedMinnesota Statute 169.443, Subdivision 9Minnesota Statute 169.443, Subdivision 9

A school bus driver A school bus driver may notmay not operate operate a school bus or Type III while a school bus or Type III while communicating over, or otherwise communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular phone for operating, a cellular phone for personal reasons, whether hand-held personal reasons, whether hand-held or hands free, or hands free, when in motionwhen in motion..

Effective for Type III school bus on Effective for Type III school bus on August 1, 2008August 1, 2008..

Additional Type III RulesAdditional Type III RulesMinnesota Rule 7470.1000, Subpart 2Minnesota Rule 7470.1000, Subpart 2

No pupilsNo pupils may be in the bus while the may be in the bus while the fuel tank is being filled. fuel tank is being filled.

On leaving the vehicle when pupils are On leaving the vehicle when pupils are in the bus, the driver shall stop the in the bus, the driver shall stop the motor, remove the ignition key, set the motor, remove the ignition key, set the brakes, and otherwise render the bus brakes, and otherwise render the bus immobile. immobile.

Type III Unauthorized ItemsType III Unauthorized ItemsMinnesota Rule 7470.1000, Subpart 2Minnesota Rule 7470.1000, Subpart 2

The authorized person shall see that The authorized person shall see that no materials, including guns, loaded or no materials, including guns, loaded or unloaded; gasoline cans, empty or full; unloaded; gasoline cans, empty or full; animals, except companion animals animals, except companion animals accompanying persons with accompanying persons with disabilities; or any other object of a disabilities; or any other object of a dangerous or objectionable nature are dangerous or objectionable nature are transported in the school bus when transported in the school bus when pupils are being transported. pupils are being transported.

Seat Belt LawsSeat Belt LawsMinnesota Statute 169.686Minnesota Statute 169.686

State law requires seatbelt usage of State law requires seatbelt usage of allall passengers passengers

Effective Effective July 1, 2009July 1, 2009, all children that are , all children that are under the age of eight under the age of eight andand shorter than four shorter than four feet nine inches, need to be in a child feet nine inches, need to be in a child restraint device.restraint device.

Child Safety RestraintsChild Safety Restraints

There are numerous child safety There are numerous child safety restraint systems being used restraint systems being used throughout the industry. Consult the throughout the industry. Consult the manufacturers recommendations or a manufacturers recommendations or a supervisor for the particular child supervisor for the particular child safety restraint system being used by safety restraint system being used by your district / carrier for proper your district / carrier for proper installation and usage. installation and usage.

Air Bag InformationAir Bag Information

Air bag technology has improved over Air bag technology has improved over the years, however air bags can still the years, however air bags can still present a significant danger to present a significant danger to students.students.

It is recommended students avoid It is recommended students avoid riding in the front passenger seat of a riding in the front passenger seat of a Type III school bus until they are Type III school bus until they are twelve years of age and/or adult sizetwelve years of age and/or adult size..

Required Driver EvaluationsRequired Driver Evaluations

AnnuallyAnnually the driver of a type III school the driver of a type III school bus must be evaluated and certified to bus must be evaluated and certified to operate a Type III school bus.operate a Type III school bus.– Pre-trip evaluationPre-trip evaluation– Behind the wheel evaluationBehind the wheel evaluation– Evaluator certificationEvaluator certification

Understanding Student ConductUnderstanding Student Conduct

Control behavior by communicating the rulesControl behavior by communicating the rules– Stay seatedStay seated– Stay buckled upStay buckled up– Face forwardFace forward– Do not distract the driverDo not distract the driver– Deal with misconduct byDeal with misconduct by

pulling over if necessary,pulling over if necessary,

control the behavior, thencontrol the behavior, then

proceedproceed– Contact supervisor if Contact supervisor if

necessarynecessary– Do not allow bad behavior to go unchecked, know your Do not allow bad behavior to go unchecked, know your

district/company policy and ask for help if necessarydistrict/company policy and ask for help if necessary– Always put safety first for all students that ride your Type III Always put safety first for all students that ride your Type III

school busschool bus

Students with special needsStudents with special needs

Special needs students may not fully understand all the safety rules necessary Special needs students may not fully understand all the safety rules necessary for a safe ride.for a safe ride.

Know that if routine is changed some special needs students will not understand Know that if routine is changed some special needs students will not understand and may act out.and may act out.

Questions you may have regarding a particular special needs students may best Questions you may have regarding a particular special needs students may best be answered by their parent, guardian, or teacher.be answered by their parent, guardian, or teacher.

Some special needs students with behavioral disorders may require assigned Some special needs students with behavioral disorders may require assigned seats and closer attention then most students.seats and closer attention then most students.

Younger students may not say anything Younger students may not say anything

even though they are having some even though they are having some

difficulty on the bus.difficulty on the bus. Always check that tie-down devices areAlways check that tie-down devices are

secured, before leaving the studentsecured, before leaving the student

pick up location.pick up location.

Minnesota State Laws & Minnesota State Laws & Rules of the RoadRules of the Road

You must have your driver license in possession while driving.You must have your driver license in possession while driving. You must have a current/signed/completed pre-trip inspection form in You must have a current/signed/completed pre-trip inspection form in

your procession for the current day of operation.your procession for the current day of operation. State law requires you to wear your seat belt at all times when operating State law requires you to wear your seat belt at all times when operating

the Type III school bus.the Type III school bus. You must signal all turns and lane changes.You must signal all turns and lane changes. You must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.You must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Since you are driving a Type III school bus you are not required to stop at Since you are driving a Type III school bus you are not required to stop at

railroad crossings, but you must use due caution non-the-less.railroad crossings, but you must use due caution non-the-less. As a driver of a Type III school bus you must operate the vehicle with due As a driver of a Type III school bus you must operate the vehicle with due

care in consideration of traffic and road conditions . This may require you care in consideration of traffic and road conditions . This may require you to drive slower than posted speed limits to ensure student safety.to drive slower than posted speed limits to ensure student safety.

As the driver of a Type III school bus you are responsible to ensure all As the driver of a Type III school bus you are responsible to ensure all required safety equipment is present when transporting students.required safety equipment is present when transporting students.

Remember only emergency stops are permitted on interstate highways, if Remember only emergency stops are permitted on interstate highways, if you do need to stop for any another reason, exit the freeway/highway you do need to stop for any another reason, exit the freeway/highway before stopping.before stopping.

Ensure compliance with local school bus safety policies adopted by your Ensure compliance with local school bus safety policies adopted by your district.district.

Emergency SituationsEmergency Situations

Plan evacuations for your Type III school busPlan evacuations for your Type III school bus Make sure the students know all the exits and how to use Make sure the students know all the exits and how to use

themthem Keep a list of contact names and phone numbers in case of Keep a list of contact names and phone numbers in case of

a mechanical problema mechanical problem Make sure all students are dressed for inclement weather in Make sure all students are dressed for inclement weather in

case your Type III school bus is unable to provide a proper case your Type III school bus is unable to provide a proper shelter until help arrivesshelter until help arrives

Plan your route before you leavePlan your route before you leave

to avoid an emergency situation to avoid an emergency situation Make sure that all safety Make sure that all safety

equipment is available if neededequipment is available if needed

Accident ProceduresAccident Procedures

Stop immediately in the safest area Stop immediately in the safest area possible.possible.

Assist any injured person. Assist any injured person. Do notDo not move any injured person unless it is move any injured person unless it is absolutely necessary. Evacuate the absolutely necessary. Evacuate the vehicle if: vehicle if: – There is fire or danger of fire. There is fire or danger of fire. – The vehicle is in an unsafe position. The vehicle is in an unsafe position. – There is a danger of drowning.There is a danger of drowning.

Accident Procedures Accident Procedures (Continued)(Continued)

Provide your name, driver’s license Provide your name, driver’s license number and insurance information. number and insurance information. Do Do notnot discuss the accident with anyone discuss the accident with anyone except police and school district except police and school district personnel.personnel.

Record as much information listed on the Record as much information listed on the forms located in the first aid kit.forms located in the first aid kit.

Contact Transportation Services as soon Contact Transportation Services as soon as possible. as possible. Transportation Information Transportation Information cards have been placed in each Type III cards have been placed in each Type III vehicle.vehicle.

Student Conduct and Students Student Conduct and Students with Special Needs Surveywith Special Needs Survey

1. The length of time a student with disabilities is 1. The length of time a student with disabilities is transported shall be appropriate to the physical, transported shall be appropriate to the physical, mental and emotional well being of the student? mental and emotional well being of the student?

TRUETRUE

2. An IEP is an Instructional Education Program?2. An IEP is an Instructional Education Program?

FALSE, Individual Education PlanFALSE, Individual Education Plan

3. Student management involves a commitment to 3. Student management involves a commitment to working with students to clarify the problems and working with students to clarify the problems and find solutions?find solutions?

TRUETRUE

Student Conduct and Students Student Conduct and Students with Special Needs Survey with Special Needs Survey (Continued)(Continued)

4. Each driver and aide of students with special needs 4. Each driver and aide of students with special needs must be a paramedic? must be a paramedic?

FALSEFALSE

5. Typically speaking , junior high students are the 5. Typically speaking , junior high students are the most difficult students to manage?most difficult students to manage?

TRUETRUE

6.6. Reinforcing good behavior is one of the best tools to Reinforcing good behavior is one of the best tools to use in managing student conduct on your bus? use in managing student conduct on your bus?

TRUETRUE

Student Conduct and Students Student Conduct and Students with Special Needs Survey with Special Needs Survey (Continued)(Continued)

7. 7. Students do not always understand things they say are Students do not always understand things they say are offensive to other students? offensive to other students?

TrueTrue

8. 8. The bus is an extension of the school day?The bus is an extension of the school day?

TrueTrue

9. 9. The bus driver can discharge a student anywhere The bus driver can discharge a student anywhere along the route if they are making a disruption on the along the route if they are making a disruption on the bus?bus?

FalseFalse

Type III Pre-Trip InspectionType III Pre-Trip InspectionMinnesota Rule 7470.1300Minnesota Rule 7470.1300

You are required to conduct a pre-trip You are required to conduct a pre-trip inspection of your Type III School Bus inspection of your Type III School Bus every day that it is used to transport every day that it is used to transport students.students.

Pre-Trip Inspection FormPre-Trip Inspection Form

Pre-Trip RoutinePre-Trip Routine

Use the diagram on the reverse side of Use the diagram on the reverse side of the the Pre-Trip Inspection Pre-Trip Inspection form to assist form to assist you with your inspection.you with your inspection.

Start with the mechanical check, then Start with the mechanical check, then continue counterclockwise around the continue counterclockwise around the vehicle during the external inspection vehicle during the external inspection and finish with the internal inspection.and finish with the internal inspection.

If no defects are found, sign and date If no defects are found, sign and date the front of the form. The form is to the front of the form. The form is to remain in the vehicle.remain in the vehicle.

What if I discover a problem What if I discover a problem during my pre-trip inspection?during my pre-trip inspection?

If you discover a mechanical problem If you discover a mechanical problem during the pre-trip inspection contact a during the pre-trip inspection contact a supervisor or maintenance shop supervisor or maintenance shop personnel to ensure repairs are made personnel to ensure repairs are made prior to operating the Type III school prior to operating the Type III school bus.bus.

Out of Service DefectsOut of Service Defects

If you return to Transportation If you return to Transportation Services after hours and your Type III Services after hours and your Type III School Bus has a defect, place an School Bus has a defect, place an OUT OUT OF SERVICEOF SERVICE card on the front seat of card on the front seat of the vehicle to alert others of the the vehicle to alert others of the problem. problem.

The cards are located to the right of The cards are located to the right of the key drop box by Door 1.the key drop box by Door 1.

Know where the safety Know where the safety equipment is stored in your Type equipment is stored in your Type III School Bus.III School Bus.. .

Body fluid clean up

First Aid Kit

Triangles, to be placed on roadway to warn other traffic if you break down.

Fire extinguisher must be fully charged. Verify this by checking the charge indication arrow is in the green zone.

Remember to always leave the Remember to always leave the Type III School Bus clean after Type III School Bus clean after usage.usage.

Post Trip InspectionPost Trip Inspection

Some Type III school bus seat backs are Some Type III school bus seat backs are high and can hide students and items. high and can hide students and items.

Congratulations on completing theCongratulations on completing the Type III School Bus Training Type III School Bus Training Program!Program!

Type III School Bus Knowledge and Type III School Bus Knowledge and AssessmentAssessment certificates are available in certificates are available in the “Forms” section on the Bemidji Area the “Forms” section on the Bemidji Area Schools First Class mail system. Schools First Class mail system.

After viewing this PowerPoint presentation, After viewing this PowerPoint presentation, print and sign the form, then forward the print and sign the form, then forward the form to Transportation Services.form to Transportation Services.

You are now ready to schedule your annual You are now ready to schedule your annual pre-trip & behind-the-wheel evaluation.pre-trip & behind-the-wheel evaluation.