Anyone here familiar with driving a bus?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by MGE Dawn, Jan 10, 2021.

  1. truckdriver31

    truckdriver31 Road Train Member

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    thought army guys etc didnt need any special driving requirements. idk
     
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  3. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    Pretrip if you see it name, dont forget the emergency exits & alarms, and relax.
     
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  4. MGE Dawn

    MGE Dawn Road Train Member

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    Oh, right... that little bit of hubbub. This isn't for my civilian license... I'll have to do it again with a civilian tester to get my passenger endorsement on my CDL. This is for the license issued to me by the Army, to let me operate a school bus in a military capacity
     
  5. Flint1

    Flint1 Road Train Member

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    Flat noses drive weird. Steer axle is 6' behind you. Their wheelbase is short, they turn on a dime compared to a conventional. They have front and rear swing. Once you are accustomed to turning much later then you are used to smooth sailing.
     
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  6. Voyager1968

    Voyager1968 Road Train Member

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    On a bus or motorcoach, most of the suspension, brake, and driveline componants are hidden behind the sheet metal shrouding. When identifying those parts on a pre-trip, you'll have to rely a bit more on memory as you won't be reminded by visually seeing them.
     
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  7. Flint1

    Flint1 Road Train Member

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    Good point. Here is a pic of the engine cover if it is a front engine unit. In the pic is the oil dipstick, oil cap and power steering fluid There is a smaller door towards the front to observe the belt on some models.
    20210108_115916.jpg
     
  8. AKDoug

    AKDoug Medium Load Member

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    I have a Bluebird 44 passenger bus converted to a motor home. They are easy to drive. After a couple turns you will figure it right out. I had all my kids drive ours after they got their driver's licenses with zero issues.
     
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  9. black_dog106

    black_dog106 Road Train Member

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    Worked construction related work years ago. Drove school bus for alil extra cash, and incentive not to spend the whole day drinking while on winter lay off.
    The bus is easy to drive, like an oversized pickup truck. Pretrip like any truck, with extra attention to safety equipment.
    Problem i had was dealing with the cargo. If I got kicked off the bus when I was a kid, I beat feet to get home before my parents found out cuz I was late. Nowadays, kid gets kicked off bus, they run home crying to mommy 'n daddy and the bus driver is in trouble.
    Maybe you won't be driving the little darlings? School bus drivers are underpaid for the responsibility they carry. 50 lawsuits, sitting behind you, waiting for an excuse to happen! Times have changed, GOOD LUCK! :banghead:
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2021
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  10. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    Yep. I always liked driving the flat-faced transit buses. Much more maneuverable than a semi. Watch your mirrors. Tail swing means that when you turn right the rear will swing a few feet left (and vice versa when you turn left), so leave a little room so you don’t hit a vehicle in the next lane.
     
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