TYPE D A school bus is a vehicle that can be identified by large “School Bus” signs on the front and back of the vehicle, or a yellow bus marked with the words “School Bus” in black letters. Customers interested in becoming a school bus driver must obtain the required certifications. requirements for school buses in Florida. But school buses are different by design, including a different kind of safety restraint system that works extremely well. Basically, the answer is yes. The bus body shall bear the words “ACTIVITY BUS” in a contrasting color at least 8 inches high in the area where “school bus” is normally positioned. The document also includes a School Bus Stop Notification form and a Bus Stop Upgrade Request form. The Safety Act prohibits a school or school system from purchasing or leasing a new 15-passenger van if it will be used significantly by or on behalf of the school or school system to transport preprimary, primary, or secondary school students to or from school or related events, unless the van complies with FMVSSs prescribed for school buses or MFSABs. A bus is a motor vehicle that has capacity of 11 or more people (including the driver). Box 202501, Helena, Montana 59620-2501 and is available at the following web address: www.bpe.mt.gov. Pass a Road Test in a school bus. Principals, schools and bus operators can request: a new bus stop on an existing School Bus Program route; an upgrade to a bus stop on an existing School Bus Program route. All Rights Reserved. NHTSA decided the best way to provide crash protection to passengers of large school buses is through a concept called “compartmentalization.” This requires that the interior of large buses protect children without them needing to buckle up. Passenger “P" endorsements are required to drive passenger vehicles that can carry at least 16 passengers (to include the driver). For example, a dealer selling a new 15-passenger van to be used for school transportation must ensure that the van is certified as meeting our school bus FMVSSs. A school bus is a type of bus owned, leased, contracted to, or operated by a school or school district. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. Your child should also make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing to make sure the driver can see him/her. The manufacturers use this number, which is based on sitting three small elementary school students per typical 39-inch school bus seat, in the calculations for determining the gross vehicle weight rating and the number of emergency exits. NHTSA does not regulate, under our school bus regulations, the types of vehicles that may be sold for the purpose of transporting children to and from these facilities. Dive Insight: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a school bus is still the safest way to transport children to school.. Persons selling or leasing a new school bus must sell or lease a bus meeting the Federal school bus safety standards. Each State prescribes its own regulations that apply to the use of any vehicle that is used to transport students. Maintaining School Bus Endorsement. A school in violation of this requirement may be subject to substantial civil penalties under the Safety Act. Highway Safety Program Guideline No. Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car. standards for school buses to be used in transporting handicapped children. School bus stops. For information on other kinds of endorsements for commercial driver's licenses, visit our CDL Endorsements & Restrictions page. These may include, but are not limited to, sports events, band concerts, field trips, and competitions such as debate or chess tournaments. As a result, we advise dealers, prior to sale, to inquire whether buses purchased by these groups, or other entities who the seller believes may be purchasing the vehicle for pupil transportation, will be used significantly to transport students. In addition to NHTSA’s Federal definition of school bus, a State or school district may have a definition for school bus that differs from NHTSA’s definition, but that would not affect NHTSA’s requirements. 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