STRAIGHT-LINE BRAKING

Objective:   
This exercise is designed to develop their skill of stopping a school bus quickly and smoothly, so as not to injure the passengers. It is important to learn how the bus reacts to the application of the brakes.

Procedure: 
The exercise should be conducted as follows: 

1. Accelerate to a speed selected by the instructor (25 mph).
   
   
2. When the front bumper reaches the cue cones, the instructor cues the driver to start braking. The cue may be given slightly early or late to account for small variations from the desired speed. 
   
   
3. Stop the bus as quickly and smoothly as possible. 
   
   
4. Repeat, increasing the speed 2-3 mph following each stop. Do this until the driver can brake quickly and smoothly at 35 mph. 

Back to Overview