What is the standard procedure for loading and unloading pupils at curbside?

• A. Pupils board while bus moving under driver signals.
• B. Bus in gear with engine running; pupils board.
• C. Bus unattended while loading.
• D. Bus is in park with parking brake set; pupils board/alight under supervisor direction; halt and wait for signals; ensure pupils stay clear of traffic.

Answer: (D)

The safety rule here is that loading and unloading at curbside must happen with the bus fully stopped and secured, not while it’s moving. The standard procedure is to have the bus in park with the parking brake set so it can’t roll. Pupils board or alight only under the direction of a supervisor, and the bus halts and waits for clear, agreed signals before anyone moves. It’s also essential to keep pupils away from traffic while they wait and to ensure they stay clear of the roadway until it’s safe to proceed. This combination prevents the bus from moving unexpectedly, ensures supervision and orderly movement, and protects pupils from oncoming traffic. Moving the bus while loading, leaving the engine running or in gear, or loading while unattended all create avoidable hazards, which is why the parked-with-supervision approach is the correct protocol.