Drivers must be at least 18 years old, have two years of driving experience and possess a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle they are operating. The drivers must be examined by a licensed physician and pass a Department of Transportation physical exam. Passing a drug test, completing a criminal background check and submitting their names on a school bus driver roster to the New Hampshire Department of Safety are additional requirements.
Bus drivers need to complete a certification course and pass an exam. Some of the topics covered in the course include state and federal laws regarding the operation of a school bus, learning how to handle emergency situations, and performing safety inspections. Drivers learn how to operate the school bus equipment, how to navigate the road and how to properly load and unload student passengers. Every year an additional eight hours of continuing education is also required.
The school bus driver must make sure the students are safely entering and exiting the school bus. The driver must approach every designated bus stop with decreased speed and activate all warning lights. The bus should stop at least 10 feet from the students and the driver must signal to the students when it is safe to enter the school bus. The bus cannot move until all of the students are seated.
As the driver approaches designated bus stops, the warning lights must be activated at least 100 feet before the stop. Students should remain in their seats until the bus has completely stopped. The driver has to check all incoming traffic before opening the door. The students should leave the bus in an orderly fashion, in a single file and take one step at a time as they exit the door.
A driver must remind the students of safety precautions and consistently enforce the rules on a daily basis. The driver needs to remain alert to the road conditions and implement defensive driving skills to ensure the safety of the passengers. Knowing how to communicate with students and how to direct them is also a necessity. It is the bus driver's responsibility to remain aware of school district policies and abide by them at all times.
