Preparing Drivers for CDL Skill Testing INSERVICE 2008-2009

1. Preparing Drivers for CDL Skill Testing INSERVICE 2008-2009 OBJECTIVES Explain why the lights and air brake system are the first things to check during a CDL skill test. Name 3 methods of study you can use to help a driver/trainee prepare for their CDL pre trip. Name 3 of the most common disqualifying factors during the pre-trip and road test. INTRODUCTION As a school bus driver instructor, it is important that you are familiar with the CDL skill testing requirements so you can help your new drivers prepare for the skill test. There are three sections to the skill test; pre-trip, basic controls and the road test. The pre-trip inspection requires a lot of self-study and memorization to demonstrate that the driver has sufficient knowledge of the vehicle. The basic controls section consists of two backing maneuvers to demonstrate vehicle control while backing around objects (cones) and The road test has several basic driving maneuvers to demonstrate their ability to drive in various traffic situations. We will discuss study tips for learning the pre-trip information and share the most common mistakes that result in disqualifications. It is important to communicate with you’re your third party tester and learn their testing style so you and your driver will be prepared. If both instructor and driver are knowledgeable of the skill testing process, that final test will be successful.OBJECTIVES Explain why the lights and air brake system are the first things to check during a CDL skill test. Name 3 methods of study you can use to help a driver/trainee prepare for their CDL pre trip. Name 3 of the most common disqualifying factors during the pre-trip and road test. INTRODUCTION As a school bus driver instructor, it is important that you are familiar with the CDL skill testing requirements so you can help your new drivers prepare for the skill test. There are three sections to the skill test; pre-trip, basic controls and the road test. The pre-trip inspection requires a lot of self-study and memorization to demonstrate that the driver has sufficient knowledge of the vehicle. The basic controls section consists of two backing maneuvers to demonstrate vehicle control while backing around objects (cones) and The road test has several basic driving maneuvers to demonstrate their ability to drive in various traffic situations. We will discuss study tips for learning the pre-trip information and share the most common mistakes that result in disqualifications. It is important to communicate with you’re your third party tester and learn their testing style so you and your driver will be prepared. If both instructor and driver are knowledgeable of the skill testing process, that final test will be successful.

2. CDL Guide Use the most current CDL guide Access online at dol.gov Call DOL at 360-902-3900 to order guides. Allow a couple weeks for delivery. CDL Guide Use the most current CDL guide, it changes frequently. Access2 online at dol.gov Call Department of Licensing (360) 902-3900 to order some for an upcoming class. Allow a few weeks for delivery. CDL Guide Use the most current CDL guide, it changes frequently. Access2 online at dol.gov Call Department of Licensing (360) 902-3900 to order some for an upcoming class. Allow a few weeks for delivery.

3. Slide #3 Front of vehicle Clearance lights (Red in back, Amber everywhere else) School Bus lights (flashing amber lights, flashing red lights, stop paddle lights) 4 way hazard lights Left and Right turn signals Head lights (low-beams, high-beams) Reflectors (Amber in front, Red in rear, not broken or damaged) Reflective tape (not peeling, damaged or frayed) Rear of vehicle Clearance lights (Red in back, Amber everywhere else) School Bus lights (flashing amber lights, flashing red lights, stop paddle lights) 4 way hazard lights Left and right turn signals Tail lights Brake lights Back up lights (while holding down brake pedal) H-1 Example H-1 Example provided to you in packet. You can make up your own pre trip handout using a systematic order for the type of bus you are using. Share it with your third party tester so they know how you have prepared your drivers.H-1 Example provided to you in packet. You can make up your own pre trip handout using a systematic order for the type of bus you are using. Share it with your third party tester so they know how you have prepared your drivers.

4. CDL Pre-trip: Sections 2 & 11 Concentrate on correct verbiage and key words Use organized sequence No official order DOL has recommended sequence If trainers and testers use same method – student will be prepared Study the pre-trip section of the CDL guide from section 2 and section 10. Know the correct verbiage and key words from section 10 necessary to pass each section. Pre-trip needs to be conducted in an organized sequence that prevents multiple trips around the bus.  No official order. Different testers may utilize different sequences. Set up your sequence based on the type of bus you are using. The driver is scored on how well they know the information. Through CDL audits by the Department of Licensing staff; and training provided to ESD112 Third Party Testers, this is the recommended sequence for the pre-trip inspection. The reasoning is based on the concept that the less the candidate has to change positions in or around the bus, the less stressful the test will be.  If trainers and testers both use the same sequence then the candidate will be better served.Study the pre-trip section of the CDL guide from section 2 and section 10. Know the correct verbiage and key words from section 10 necessary to pass each section. Pre-trip needs to be conducted in an organized sequence that prevents multiple trips around the bus. No official order. Different testers may utilize different sequences. Set up your sequence based on the type of bus you are using. The driver is scored on how well they know the information. Through CDL audits by the Department of Licensing staff; and training provided to ESD112 Third Party Testers, this is the recommended sequence for the pre-trip inspection. The reasoning is based on the concept that the less the candidate has to change positions in or around the bus, the less stressful the test will be. If trainers and testers both use the same sequence then the candidate will be better served.

5. DOL Recommended Sequence Lights and reflectors Air supply system Brake checks Engine start/in cab inspection Interior/school bus items Engine compartment 1. Lights & Reflectors-Checked first so tester can determine if the vehicle has any disqualifying factors before getting too far into the test. book. 2. Air Supply System- This section is where most automatic disqualifications happen. Any error in this section results in an immediate disqualification and the test ends. TRAINER NOTE: The air supply system is very important to the safe operation of our buses. Make sure the driver understands how the air supply system works and what these terms actually mean. It’s much more important than memorizing a section of the 3. Brake Checks- Demonstrate both parking brake and service brake checks to show that the brakes work properly. (hydraulic if applicable) 4. Engine Start/In Cab Inspection-(always put your seat belt on when you sit down in the driver seat). While in the driver seat, complete as much as you can in the drivers area. Have a system so you don’t overlook anything. Demonstrate the following: Heaters/defrosters, wipers, horn, door, gauges, steering wheel, pedals, etc.) 5. Interior/School Bus Items -Make one walk through of the interior checking entrance area, emergency equipment, seating, emergency exits, etc. 6. Engine Compartment- May do this in any order depending on the bus you are using. front/rear engine) 1. Lights & Reflectors-Checked first so tester can determine if the vehicle has any disqualifying factors before getting too far into the test. book. 2. Air Supply System- This section is where most automatic disqualifications happen. Any error in this section results in an immediate disqualification and the test ends. TRAINER NOTE: The air supply system is very important to the safe operation of our buses. Make sure the driver understands how the air supply system works and what these terms actually mean. It’s much more important than memorizing a section of the 3. Brake Checks- Demonstrate both parking brake and service brake checks to show that the brakes work properly. (hydraulic if applicable) 4. Engine Start/In Cab Inspection-(always put your seat belt on when you sit down in the driver seat). While in the driver seat, complete as much as you can in the drivers area. Have a system so you don’t overlook anything. Demonstrate the following: Heaters/defrosters, wipers, horn, door, gauges, steering wheel, pedals, etc.) 5. Interior/School Bus Items -Make one walk through of the interior checking entrance area, emergency equipment, seating, emergency exits, etc. 6. Engine Compartment- May do this in any order depending on the bus you are using. front/rear engine)

6. Exterior walk around (begin in front) Left side Front axle Front suspension Under the vehicle DOL Sequence Continued Exterior Walk Around beginning in the Front- Make one trip around the exterior of bus covering everything along the way. (doors/mirrors, windshield, crossing arm) Left Side: Stop paddle Front Axle(left side): Tires, Hub and Axle seals, Steering box and Steering linkage Front Suspension(left side): Springs, Mounts, Hangers and Bushings, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Under the Vehicle: Driver/Fuel Area- Battery box, Fuel Tank/cap, Drive shaft, Exhaust system, Frame (to include cross members). Rear Axle(usually right side): Rims, Tires, Mud flaps. Rear Suspension(usually right side): Springs, Mounts, Bushings and Hangers, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Brakes: Brake linings, Brake drums, Slack adjustors, Brake lines/hoses, Brake chambers. Other side of the vehicle if there is anything different that was not already covered. On school buses the battery and fuel tank may be on opposite sides so the driver would have to make a complete walk around the outside. Exterior Walk Around beginning in the Front- Make one trip around the exterior of bus covering everything along the way. (doors/mirrors, windshield, crossing arm) Left Side: Stop paddle Front Axle(left side): Tires, Hub and Axle seals, Steering box and Steering linkage Front Suspension(left side): Springs, Mounts, Hangers and Bushings, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Under the Vehicle: Driver/Fuel Area- Battery box, Fuel Tank/cap, Drive shaft, Exhaust system, Frame (to include cross members). Rear Axle(usually right side): Rims, Tires, Mud flaps. Rear Suspension(usually right side): Springs, Mounts, Bushings and Hangers, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Brakes: Brake linings, Brake drums, Slack adjustors, Brake lines/hoses, Brake chambers. Other side of the vehicle if there is anything different that was not already covered. On school buses the battery and fuel tank may be on opposite sides so the driver would have to make a complete walk around the outside.

7. Under the vehicle Rear axle Rear suspension Brakes Other side of vehicle – if there is anything different not yet covered DOL Sequence Continued Exterior Walk Around beginning in the Front- Make one trip around the exterior of bus covering everything along the way. (doors/mirrors, windshield, crossing arm) Left Side: Stop paddle Front Axle(left side): Tires, Hub and Axle seals, Steering box and Steering linkage Front Suspension(left side): Springs, Mounts, Hangers and Bushings, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Under the Vehicle: Driver/Fuel Area- Battery box, Fuel Tank/cap, Drive shaft, Exhaust system, Frame (to include cross members). Rear Axle(usually right side): Rims, Tires, Mud flaps. Rear Suspension(usually right side): Springs, Mounts, Bushings and Hangers, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Brakes: Brake linings, Brake drums, Slack adjustors, Brake lines/hoses, Brake chambers. Other side of the vehicle if there is anything different that was not already covered. On school buses the battery and fuel tank may be on opposite sides so the driver would have to make a complete walk around the outside. Exterior Walk Around beginning in the Front- Make one trip around the exterior of bus covering everything along the way. (doors/mirrors, windshield, crossing arm) Left Side: Stop paddle Front Axle(left side): Tires, Hub and Axle seals, Steering box and Steering linkage Front Suspension(left side): Springs, Mounts, Hangers and Bushings, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Under the Vehicle: Driver/Fuel Area- Battery box, Fuel Tank/cap, Drive shaft, Exhaust system, Frame (to include cross members). Rear Axle(usually right side): Rims, Tires, Mud flaps. Rear Suspension(usually right side): Springs, Mounts, Bushings and Hangers, U-bolts, Shock absorbers, and Air bags. Brakes: Brake linings, Brake drums, Slack adjustors, Brake lines/hoses, Brake chambers. Other side of the vehicle if there is anything different that was not already covered. On school buses the battery and fuel tank may be on opposite sides so the driver would have to make a complete walk around the outside.

8. Study Methods for the Pre-trip 3 x 5 cards Methods of Study to learn the Pre-trip Material 3x5 cards- Print section title on one side and list defects and information on the other side. Shuffle them up and learn them in different orders. It’s not the order that counts; it’s how well you know the information. Methods of Study to learn the Pre-trip Material 3x5 cards- Print section title on one side and list defects and information on the other side. Shuffle them up and learn them in different orders. It’s not the order that counts; it’s how well you know the information.

9. Bus in shop – on rack& utilize knowledge of mechanics Provide visual aids, i.e. parts, pictures Pre-trip Study Methods cont. Bus on rack/hoist in shop. Have a mechanic point out the parts and teach the information about the bus parts. They are experts and can answer questions. Provide a visual of information they have to know for pre-trip. H-2 (photo in your packets) Bus on rack/hoist in shop. Have a mechanic point out the parts and teach the information about the bus parts. They are experts and can answer questions. Provide a visual of information they have to know for pre-trip. H-2 (photo in your packets)

10. Acronyms: “SMUSA” Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag Word Association: - Slack Adjustor = Trousers/Pants Pre-trip Study Methods cont. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag Others ??? ….. Use word association: Slack Adjustor: pants/slacks/trousers Others ??? ….. Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. This can be done on a school bus or at home on any vehicle by using the CDL Guide with a partner. Give your self a quiz by typing the items of each category that you inspect. When you have answered all parts check and type the correct answers. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag Others ??? ….. Use word association: Slack Adjustor: pants/slacks/trousers Others ??? ….. Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. This can be done on a school bus or at home on any vehicle by using the CDL Guide with a partner. Give your self a quiz by typing the items of each category that you inspect. When you have answered all parts check and type the correct answers.

11. Self-practice on bus in lot Pair up trainees to test each other Self test on the computer Type, review, re-type mistakes Pre-trip Study Methods cont. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag Others ??? ….. Use word association: Slack Adjustor: pants/slacks/trousers Others ??? ….. Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. This can be done on a school bus or at home on any vehicle by using the CDL Guide with a partner. Give your self a quiz by typing the items of each category that you inspect. When you have answered all parts check and type the correct answers. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/U-bolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag Others ??? ….. Use word association: Slack Adjustor: pants/slacks/trousers Others ??? ….. Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. This can be done on a school bus or at home on any vehicle by using the CDL Guide with a partner. Give your self a quiz by typing the items of each category that you inspect. When you have answered all parts check and type the correct answers.

12. The Skill Test Communicate with your TPT Discuss testing expectations H-3 Available TPT’s in your area Prompting of sections is not required Cone layout and backing section Skill Testing--Communicate with your third party tester. Discuss the expectations of testing and prepare your drivers accordingly.  H-3 List of all third party skill testers. ESD 112 has school bus only testers and Independent testers can test for any class of CDL (trucks, passenger vehicles, etc). Some testers prompt each section; others let the driver lead the pre-trip the way they have been practicing. Ask about the cone layout for the basic controls section. Teach your drivers using the same configuration. It helps them feel prepared. The measurements are all the same. (Example H-4 on next slide). Skill Testing--Communicate with your third party tester. Discuss the expectations of testing and prepare your drivers accordingly. H-3 List of all third party skill testers. ESD 112 has school bus only testers and Independent testers can test for any class of CDL (trucks, passenger vehicles, etc). Some testers prompt each section; others let the driver lead the pre-trip the way they have been practicing. Ask about the cone layout for the basic controls section. Teach your drivers using the same configuration. It helps them feel prepared. The measurements are all the same. (Example H-4 on next slide).

13. H-4 Examples of Cone Layout EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 Measurements are the same for both maneuvers. EXAMPLE 1—Requires more space as all cones are left out 1. The driver will first pull forward to the end of the cones in the 100 foot section. The driver will then back a straight line and stop when the back bumper of the bus is in between the last set of cones that are two feet apart. 2. The driver will then pull forward out of the cones and turn left (45 degree angle) and stop the bus between the two cones. The driver will then back the bus up and position the bus between the cones. The driver must then stop the bus within two feet of the stop line closest to them (green in this diagram). The vehicle can not extend past the stop line. When performing the backing maneuvers the driver must keep the bus between the cones. Nothing can be hanging over the cones, including the mirrors. EXAMPLE 2—Requires less space because all cones except for last 20 ft are removed. This course set up is for an area with limited space to perform the Backing Skill. Cones will need to be removed before the angled alley docking part of the test. 1. In this diagram the driver completes the straight line backing first. Then the tester will pick up the cones from the twenty foot area forward. (green in this diagram) 2. The driver will then pull forward and turn left at a 45 degree angle. The driver will then back the bus up and position the bus between the cones. The driver must then stop the bus within two feet of the stop line. The vehicle can not extend past the stop line. When performing the backing maneuvers the driver must keep the bus between the cones. Nothing can be hanging over the cones, including the mirrors. Measurements are the same for both maneuvers. EXAMPLE 1—Requires more space as all cones are left out 1. The driver will first pull forward to the end of the cones in the 100 foot section. The driver will then back a straight line and stop when the back bumper of the bus is in between the last set of cones that are two feet apart. 2. The driver will then pull forward out of the cones and turn left (45 degree angle) and stop the bus between the two cones. The driver will then back the bus up and position the bus between the cones. The driver must then stop the bus within two feet of the stop line closest to them (green in this diagram). The vehicle can not extend past the stop line. When performing the backing maneuvers the driver must keep the bus between the cones. Nothing can be hanging over the cones, including the mirrors. EXAMPLE 2—Requires less space because all cones except for last 20 ft are removed. This course set up is for an area with limited space to perform the Backing Skill. Cones will need to be removed before the angled alley docking part of the test. 1. In this diagram the driver completes the straight line backing first. Then the tester will pick up the cones from the twenty foot area forward. (green in this diagram) 2. The driver will then pull forward and turn left at a 45 degree angle. The driver will then back the bus up and position the bus between the cones. The driver must then stop the bus within two feet of the stop line. The vehicle can not extend past the stop line. When performing the backing maneuvers the driver must keep the bus between the cones. Nothing can be hanging over the cones, including the mirrors.

14. Skills Testing Instructions Point to items, define them, and explain what defects may be present Inspect only one side of the bus, unless the other side is different Inspect a front axle and a rear axle Ask questions before test the begins Tester will assist checking the lights Skill Testing Instructions Driver will be given instructions to point to or touch the components being inspected, be specific about what they are, tell how to check the item, and explain what type of defects you are checking for. Inspect one side of the bus unless there is something unique or different on the other side. Must inspect a front and rear axle on one side unless there is something unique or different on another axle. Ask driver if they have any questions before pre-inspection begins. Tester explains that they will assist in checking the lights and request driver to tell them which lights they will be checking prior entering the vehicle. Skill Testing Instructions Driver will be given instructions to point to or touch the components being inspected, be specific about what they are, tell how to check the item, and explain what type of defects you are checking for. Inspect one side of the bus unless there is something unique or different on the other side. Must inspect a front and rear axle on one side unless there is something unique or different on another axle. Ask driver if they have any questions before pre-inspection begins. Tester explains that they will assist in checking the lights and request driver to tell them which lights they will be checking prior entering the vehicle.

15. Common Pre-trip Disqualifications Seatbelt – not fastened/worn every time the bus is in motion Not knowing key words/defects Not giving tester enough defects for items inspected Most Common Mistakes that Result in Disqualification during the Pre-trip Inspection Seatbelt – not fastened/worn properly when bus in motion. Not knowing the key words/defects to name for specific items may results in too many errors. Not giving enough defects for an inspected item. Most Common Mistakes that Result in Disqualification during the Pre-trip Inspection Seatbelt – not fastened/worn properly when bus in motion. Not knowing the key words/defects to name for specific items may results in too many errors. Not giving enough defects for an inspected item.

16. Air Brake Checks – Not releasing spring brake prior to timing the air leakage Incorrect or no PSI range given Key not turned on for warning buzzer Not noting actual PSI during test Pre-trip Disqualifications, cont. Air brake checks – These mistakes Result in an Automatic Disqualification Must release the spring brake prior to timing the air leakage rate. Wrong ranges, or no range of psi given for any section. Key not turned on for the warning buzzer. (Driver may notice and ask to start over. They can restart at any time during air brake section) Not noting the actual psi reading during the test. Example: “the low air pressure warning must activate at or above 60 psi and it activated at 60 psi” or “spring brake should activate/set between 20-45 psi and it set/applied at 30 psi.”) Air brake checks – These mistakes Result in an Automatic Disqualification Must release the spring brake prior to timing the air leakage rate. Wrong ranges, or no range of psi given for any section. Key not turned on for the warning buzzer. (Driver may notice and ask to start over. They can restart at any time during air brake section) Not noting the actual psi reading during the test. Example: “the low air pressure warning must activate at or above 60 psi and it activated at 60 psi” or “spring brake should activate/set between 20-45 psi and it set/applied at 30 psi.”)

17. Anything unsafe requiring TPT instructions Vehicle over curb Violation of Law Improper mirror use (per CDL guide) Most Common Mistakes during the Road Test Anything unsafe/Anytime on the road where a tester has to give instruction to the driver. Vehicle over curb. (Rubbing a curb is not a disqualification) Violation of law (speed, pedestrians, yield right away, improper signal). Improper Mirror Use: Must use correct sequence per CDL guide. Scanning mirrors and surroundings frequently. Both left and right mirrors every 10 seconds. Right & Left Turns: Scored on correct use. On the approach, check mirror at traffic behind. During turn, *must watch the rear tire come around the apex of the corner (don’t look away too soon!) Must also look in opposite mirror for tail swing. After completing the turn, recheck traffic behind with both right and left mirrors. Driver can miss a lot of points during Test by incorrect mirror use. Traffic Checks: Once stopped, Look Left/Right/Left again. Stopping: Over the stop line or cross walk. Palming the steering wheel, holding the steering wheel improper (spokes, one-handed) Braking: Should be smooth and complete stops. Most Common Mistakes during the Road Test Anything unsafe/Anytime on the road where a tester has to give instruction to the driver. Vehicle over curb. (Rubbing a curb is not a disqualification) Violation of law (speed, pedestrians, yield right away, improper signal). Improper Mirror Use: Must use correct sequence per CDL guide. Scanning mirrors and surroundings frequently. Both left and right mirrors every 10 seconds. Right & Left Turns: Scored on correct use. On the approach, check mirror at traffic behind. During turn, *must watch the rear tire come around the apex of the corner (don’t look away too soon!) Must also look in opposite mirror for tail swing. After completing the turn, recheck traffic behind with both right and left mirrors. Driver can miss a lot of points during Test by incorrect mirror use. Traffic Checks: Once stopped, Look Left/Right/Left again. Stopping: Over the stop line or cross walk. Palming the steering wheel, holding the steering wheel improper (spokes, one-handed) Braking: Should be smooth and complete stops.

18. Improper traffic checks Stopping over line/crosswalk Palming steering wheel, etc. Braking (smooth, complete stops) Most Common Mistakes during the Road Test Anything unsafe/Anytime on the road where a tester has to give instruction to the driver. Vehicle over curb. (Rubbing a curb is not a disqualification) Violation of law (speed, pedestrians, yield right away, improper signal). Improper Mirror Use: Must use correct sequence per CDL guide. Scanning mirrors and surroundings frequently. Both left and right mirrors every 10 seconds. Right & Left Turns: Scored on correct use. On the approach, check mirror at traffic behind. During turn, *must watch the rear tire come around the apex of the corner (don’t look away too soon!) Must also look in opposite mirror for tail swing. After completing the turn, recheck traffic behind with both right and left mirrors. Driver can miss a lot of points during Test by incorrect mirror use. Traffic Checks: Once stopped, Look Left/Right/Left again. Stopping: Over the stop line or cross walk. Palming the steering wheel, holding the steering wheel improper (spokes, one-handed) Braking: Should be smooth and complete stops. Most Common Mistakes during the Road Test Anything unsafe/Anytime on the road where a tester has to give instruction to the driver. Vehicle over curb. (Rubbing a curb is not a disqualification) Violation of law (speed, pedestrians, yield right away, improper signal). Improper Mirror Use: Must use correct sequence per CDL guide. Scanning mirrors and surroundings frequently. Both left and right mirrors every 10 seconds. Right & Left Turns: Scored on correct use. On the approach, check mirror at traffic behind. During turn, *must watch the rear tire come around the apex of the corner (don’t look away too soon!) Must also look in opposite mirror for tail swing. After completing the turn, recheck traffic behind with both right and left mirrors. Driver can miss a lot of points during Test by incorrect mirror use. Traffic Checks: Once stopped, Look Left/Right/Left again. Stopping: Over the stop line or cross walk. Palming the steering wheel, holding the steering wheel improper (spokes, one-handed) Braking: Should be smooth and complete stops.

19. Failure to attempt positioning within the 2 ft. cones Must honk and re-check mirrors each time the bus stops Any part of bus over the cones Too many errors (lack of practice) Most Common Mistakes during the Basic Controls Section Failure to attempt getting within the 2 ft cones. Must Honk and recheck mirrors each time you stop. Any part of vehicle over inside base of cones (this includes the mirrors). Demerits for each 10 ft. section of cones Trainer Note: It is OK for driver to do pull ups during the basic controls test but each one comes with demerits on the score sheet. Not practicing the event before testing day. Too many errors occur because the driver is not familiar with the exercise. Encourage practice to eliminate excessive errors. Most Common Mistakes during the Basic Controls Section Failure to attempt getting within the 2 ft cones. Must Honk and recheck mirrors each time you stop. Any part of vehicle over inside base of cones (this includes the mirrors). Demerits for each 10 ft. section of cones Trainer Note: It is OK for driver to do pull ups during the basic controls test but each one comes with demerits on the score sheet. Not practicing the event before testing day. Too many errors occur because the driver is not familiar with the exercise. Encourage practice to eliminate excessive errors.

20. New Stuff Recent changes (January ‘08 ) affected Third Party Testers. Information for Drivers/Trainers regarding a training certificate will come later this year. OSPI will let districts know when the information is available from DOL NEW STUFF Recent changed to the testing program affected Third Party Testers in January and districts were made aware at that time. New Information for Drivers/Trainers will not be available until later this year regarding a training certificates and number of hours. Districts will be made aware of any changes as we learn of them from the dept of licensing officials. NEW STUFF Recent changed to the testing program affected Third Party Testers in January and districts were made aware at that time. New Information for Drivers/Trainers will not be available until later this year regarding a training certificates and number of hours. Districts will be made aware of any changes as we learn of them from the dept of licensing officials.

21. Review Be Knowledgeable and prepared Communicate with your TPT Use study methods that will help drivers learn Pre-trip material Review the common mistakes SUMMARY As a school bus driver instructor, it is important for you to be familiar with the CDL skill testing requirements so you can help your new drivers prepare for their final skill test. Communicate with your third party tester and learn their set up and style of testing. Use study methods that will help drivers learn the pre-trip material. Teaching a CDL specific pre-trip instead of the daily pre-trip that drivers do on the job can help reduce confusion. Adjustments to the inspection can be made after employment before actual on the job driving occurs. Review the most common mistakes made during testing to prevent the same mistakes from happening to them. If both the instructor and driver are knowledgeable of the skill testing process they will be better prepared and know what to expect for that final test. SUMMARY As a school bus driver instructor, it is important for you to be familiar with the CDL skill testing requirements so you can help your new drivers prepare for their final skill test. Communicate with your third party tester and learn their set up and style of testing. Use study methods that will help drivers learn the pre-trip material. Teaching a CDL specific pre-trip instead of the daily pre-trip that drivers do on the job can help reduce confusion. Adjustments to the inspection can be made after employment before actual on the job driving occurs. Review the most common mistakes made during testing to prevent the same mistakes from happening to them. If both the instructor and driver are knowledgeable of the skill testing process they will be better prepared and know what to expect for that final test.

22. Driver CDL Preparation Be Prepared Be Successful EVALUATION 1) Explain why the lights and air brake system are the first things checked when performing the pre-trip during a CDL Skill test. Answer: Lights: tester will be able to determine if the vehicle has any disqualifying factors before getting very far into the test. Air brake system: because this is where most automatic disqualifications tend to happen. 2) Name 3 methods of study you can use to help a driver/trainee prepare for their CDL pre trip. Answer: 3x5 cards- Print section title on one side and list defects and information on the other side. Shuffle them up and learn them in different orders. It’s not the order that counts; it’s how well you know the information. Bus on rack/hoist in shop. Have mechanic point out the parts and teach the information about the bus. They are experts and can answer questions. Gives a visual of information they have to know for pre-trip. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/Ubolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag) Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. Add Information from Committee Members Here…. 3) Name 3 most common disqualifying factors of the pre-trip or road test section Answer: Seatbelt not worn properly Not knowing the key words/defects to name for specific items resulting in too many errors. Air brake check: Must release the spring brake prior to timing the air leakage rate. Wrong ranges of psi given for any section. Not noting the actual psi reading during the test. (Example: “the low air pressure warning must activate at or above 60 psi and it activated at 60 psi” or “spring brake should activate/set between 20-45 psi and it set at 30 psi.”)EVALUATION 1) Explain why the lights and air brake system are the first things checked when performing the pre-trip during a CDL Skill test. Answer: Lights: tester will be able to determine if the vehicle has any disqualifying factors before getting very far into the test. Air brake system: because this is where most automatic disqualifications tend to happen. 2) Name 3 methods of study you can use to help a driver/trainee prepare for their CDL pre trip. Answer: 3x5 cards- Print section title on one side and list defects and information on the other side. Shuffle them up and learn them in different orders. It’s not the order that counts; it’s how well you know the information. Bus on rack/hoist in shop. Have mechanic point out the parts and teach the information about the bus. They are experts and can answer questions. Gives a visual of information they have to know for pre-trip. Use Acronyms: SMUSA (Spring/Mounts/hangers/Ubolts/Shock absorbers/Airbag) Assign a bus and have them practice on their own in parking lot. Pair up with another trainee and test each other on information learned. Add Information from Committee Members Here…. 3) Name 3 most common disqualifying factors of the pre-trip or road test section Answer: Seatbelt not worn properly Not knowing the key words/defects to name for specific items resulting in too many errors. Air brake check: Must release the spring brake prior to timing the air leakage rate. Wrong ranges of psi given for any section. Not noting the actual psi reading during the test. (Example: “the low air pressure warning must activate at or above 60 psi and it activated at 60 psi” or “spring brake should activate/set between 20-45 psi and it set at 30 psi.”)