Mandatory Evacuation Drill Requirements
FMCSA regulations and most state school bus regulations require regular emergency evacuation drills for school bus students. Federal requirements establish that school bus drivers must be trained in evacuation procedures and that districts must conduct periodic student drills. Most states require a minimum of two drills per year — one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. Some states require additional drills per month or by grade level. The purpose of the drill is to teach students the evacuation procedure so that in an actual emergency, they can respond quickly without waiting for verbal instructions. A complete drill covers: the emergency announcement signal (typically the driver's horn in a specific pattern); the route to each emergency exit; how to operate emergency windows (push out from the bottom and pivot upward); how to operate the rear emergency door from inside (typically a handle that lifts and turns); the assembly area procedure (a safe distance from the bus, typically 100 feet, upwind); and the accountability check (students should know to say their name when called during the headcount). Documentation of drills must be maintained by the driver and submitted to the school district transportation office, including the date, bus number, student count, and whether any student required special assistance.