Approach

Traffic Check - While approaching the stop, you must monitor the surrounding traffic ahead, beside and to the rear through the vehicle mirrors to ensure the location is safe, and a safe stop can be made.

Signal - Appropriate signals must be used to communicate with other road users to make sure that all are warned that a school bus is about to stop, and children are being loaded or unloaded.

Speed - Gradual slowing allows for proper control of the vehicle. To ensure smooth traffic flow and safety of students, you must be aware of traffic conditions and execute smooth manoeuvres.

Stopping

Stop Position - You must maintain lane position to ensure the safety of the students, and ensure that other traffic does not attempt to pass the bus.

Secure Vehicle - You must make sure that the bus cannot move while children are boarding or getting off, or before the children completely clear the area. You must also make sure that all traffic is warned that a stopped school bus is present, with children getting on or off.

Loading and Unloading

Traffic Check - A constant visual search around the vehicle will alert you to any changes in conditions. You must look for any vehicle movement around the bus and must ensure that all traffic in the area has come to a full stop.

Stop Arm/Gate - To ensure that all traffic is warned that a stopped school bus is present and children are getting on or off.

Door - You must see each student after they have left the bus, and that those leaving the bus have safely crossed the road or highway and have reached a safe area or safe distance from the vehicle. Every student should be seen clear of the bus area. When they get on, you should see that each student is seated safely.

Resume

Traffic Check – Conduct a visual search for traffic/hazards around the school bus to ensure the area is safe for you to proceed.

Convex Mirror Check - Check for traffic/hazards around the school bus to ensure the area is safe for you to proceed.

Speed/Gears - Accelerating properly prevents the vehicle from interfering with traffic flow. Accelerating too quickly may injure students in the bus, or may also cause the vehicle to stall or break down.

Cancel Signal - Four-way flashers need to be manually cancelled so other road users are not confused.