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At F. M. Kuzmeskus, safety is our business. In fact, it is at the very core of everything we do. We know it is not enough to simply get your child to and from school. We understand the awesome responsibility we have in protecting your child while (s)he is on the way to and from school, or participating in classroom field trips or athletics. Our drivers spend countless hours each year completing training courses pertaining to the safe transportation of school children. F. M. Kuzmeskus, Inc. currently employees 7 licensed trainers. These trainers attend various advanced training courses each year. They travel to both state and national school bus conferences and federal motor coach conferences as well.
All drivers at F. M. Kuzmeskus, Inc. are required to complete a minimum of eight in-service training hours each year. We hold more than thirty classes throughout the school year. Topics vary each month and may include : First Aid, CPR, Epi-pen administration, Mandated Reporting, Defensive Driving, Stress Management, Vehicle Maintenance, Winter Driving, Backing and Turning, Behavior Management, Bullying, Diversity and Sensitivity, Mirror Adjustment, and Loading and Unloading, Railroad Crossings, Emergency Evacuations, and System Security Awareness. Training sessions run from one hour to four hours long. Drivers also receive trainer evaluations throughout the school year and re-training whenever a trainer/management deems it necessary.
In addition to maintaining their CDL license, all drivers also posses a Department of Public Utilities School Bus Drivers Certificate. To renew this certificate, each year a driver must pass a physical examination, a driving record check, criminal background check and comply with our random drug and alcohol testing program. They must also successfully complete the 8 hour annual training requirement described above.
The screening process for new applicants begins with an application for employment and a reference check. A detailed interview then takes place. A candidate is questioned about driving habits, acceptance of responsibility, relating with passengers (be it children or adults), and dependability and reliability. If an applicant does not hold the proper license and certificates, (s)he is sent away with the necessary manuals and study guides to obtain a CDL Class B Permit. Once this permit is obtained, the applicant will begin training with one of our licensed trainers. The training process to obtain a CDL Class B with passenger endorsement and a School Bus Certificate is very involved. A trainee must complete a minimum of 80 hours of training before a road test can take place with the Department of Public Utilities. During this road test, the applicant must successfully pass a three part test consisting of: 1. On Road Practical Driving. 2. Off Road Course Maneuvers. 3. Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection. New employees must also pass a pre-employment physical and drug test, a driving record check, and a criminal record check.
After licensing, the driver then begins the necessary training for the particular route that he or she will be assigned.
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