Bus Driver Training in Ohio

Ohio bus drivers must undergo several hours of training annually.

Driving a school bus takes special skills. Not only does the driver have to concentrate on driving a large vehicle in traffic, but he also has to make sure his passengers are in their seats and behaving. Ohio bus driver training helps both new and experienced bus drivers travel safely. In addition to state-mandated training, each school bus driver must attend in-service training provided by his local school district.

Types

Before an individual becomes an Ohio bus driver, he must take a pre-service school bus driver training course. In addition to local training held annually by the school district, the school bus driver must also participate in recertification training every 6 years. Training classes are available in different locations throughout the state.

Pre-Service Training

Topics for discussion in the classroom portion of the pre-service training include driving the bus defensively, student management, safety protocols, first aid training and motor vehicle laws. Pre-service training also includes information about drug and alcohol testing, as well as the process to complete a criminal background check. After the classroom portion of the training is complete, the bus driver trainee receives hands-on experience in a school bus. Safe driving techniques, how to drive manual and automatic transmissions, loading/unloading of passengers and special trips are all part of this portion of the training. The pre-service training ends with a new bus driver driving an actual bus route under the supervision of an experienced driver.

In-Service Training

The local school district often offers special training in transportation of special needs children as part of their in-service training. With information given to him, the bus driver learns how to handle their physical needs as well as their emotional outbursts. Other in-service topics may include CPR training, equipment care, drug abuse, pupil management, defensive driving techniques or other topics pertinent to any given school district.

Recertification

Recertification class is a refresher course of things learned in pre-service training. To complete recertification, certified on-the-bus instructors ride the route with the bus driver to make sure he is operating it in a safe manner.

Time Frame

The classroom portion of the pre-service training lasts 15 hours. Learning to operate a bus takes 12 hours of training time. Certification is good for 6 years. Before the 6 years are up, the bus driver must take his recertification training. This lasts 9 hours. The annual in-service must include at least 4 hours of training.

References

• Columbiana County Educational Service Center: School Bus Driver Training
• LAWriter: Ohio Rules and Law
• Ohio Department of Education: In-service Suggestions