Driver Training
This page contains driver training resources for school bus drivers in addition to those driving school vans. Please leverage the Quicklinks to the left to access additional information on either Bus Driver or Van Driver resources or the related Driver Training Documents below based upon your specific need.
Driver T-8 Physical
Driver Designated Place of Safety for Students
Drivers should designate a place of safety for students on the residence side of the roadway on which the vehicle is scheduled to stop. Drivers are to account for each pupil at the designated place of safety before leaving. Pupils are not to proceed to their residence until the school bus or van has departed.
Drivers are required to complete the Ohio preservice training program to provide pupil transportation. The curriculum for this program includes the following best practices for determining a designated place of safety:
- The place of safety should be at least 20 or more steps away from the bus stop. [Drivers are instructed to teach ‘steps’ instead of feet so that the distance will be readily understood by all ages of students being transported.]
- The place of safety should be far enough away from the bus so that the bus can proceed without any chance of the student running back into the path of school bus as it leaves the designated stop.
- When possible, the driver should choose a stationary and recognizable object – such as a flag pole, garage door, or sign post.
- The place of safety should be such that a driver can account for the location of the child before moving the bus. At stops with multiple students, a place of safety should be identified where each student can be seen.
- School bus drivers who do not believe a place of safety can be determined at a given stop should communicate with their supervisor and ask for assistance.
Ohio Administrative Code References:
Last Modified: 11/7/2024 1:03:51 PM