Driver Training

This page contains driver training resources for school bus drivers in addition to those driving school vans. Please leverage the Quick Links to the left to access additional information on either Bus Driver or Motor Van Driver resources  based upon your specific need.

Driver Designated Place of Safety for Students

Drivers of school vehicles 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 alternative school vehicle has departed.  

Drivers are required to complete the Ohio pre-service training program to provide pupil transportation.  The curriculum for this program includes the following best practices for determining a designated place of safety:

  1. The place of safety should be at least 20 or more steps away from the designated 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).
  2. The place of safety should be far enough away from the school vehicle so that the vehicle can proceed without any chance of the student running back into the path of the vehicle as it leaves the designated stop.
  3. When possible, the driver should choose a stationary and recognizable object – such as a flag pole, garage door, or sign post.
  4. The place of safety should be such that a driver can account for the location of the child before moving the vehicle. At stops with multiple students, a place of safety should be identified where each student can be seen.
  5. School vehicle 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.
  6.  Drivers should always count their students twice before leaving the designated stop.

You may review the references to designated place of safety in the Ohio Administrative Codes as follows: 

Last Modified: 1/2/2026 3:44:13 PM