How to drive a bus

[Sean]

Passenger carrying vehicle notes  (left hand driving)

Daily walk round check
Outside

Oil level.

Cooling fluid level.

Headlights and flashing hazard lights.

Colleague operates brakes, reverse and left and right indicators for lights at rear, and indicators for sets at front and sides.

Lights and reflectors clean.

Red and amber lights without white light showing through the lens.

Windscreen wipers working, not perished or split and making good contact with screen.

Windscreen washer fluid.

Windscreen and side cab windows clean, free of stickers and other obstructions and without cracks, chips or scratches especially in line of vision.

All other windows clean.

Mirrors secure and clean, showing one third vehicle and two thirds road.

Automatic door outside button.

Emergency door opens from outside.

External engine stop (fuel cut-off) switch.

Storage and access covers fastened down; no loose body panels or protruding accident damage.

Fuel cap secure.

Mudguards and flaps secure.

Vehicle is level- no leaf spring damage.

No distorted wheel rims or fluid leaks from the hubs, and no rust runs from behind the nuts; plastic wheel nut covers pointing toward each other indicating tightened.

Correctly inflated tyre pressure and minimum 1mm tread depth for at least three-quarters of width throughout circumference; no cuts, bulges or kerb damage and no increased pressure on outside tyres indicating punctures to inside tyres.

No oil or water leaks on the ground underneath.

Tax, operators licence, insurance or other discs displayed.

Number plates clean.


Inside

Air pressure gauges read between 80 and 120 psi before move off.

Windscreen demister.

Windscreen and side cab windows clean.

Automatic door.

Horn.

No loose items on floor to interfere with foot controls.

Tachograph.

First aid box contents.

Fire extinguisher.

Cab and saloon lighting.

Bells.

Seats and railings secure without metal fatigue; floor traps secure.

Emergency door opens from inside.

Emergency hammer for braking windows.

No graffiti.
                           

Driving notes

See the whole road situation- look ahead as far as possible to where the road disappears, waiting for the next hazard to get position and gears in advance: actively look for eg the size of the island approaching, the junction's size and layout, or the road turning into, how it bends and what obstacles it has.

Hazard drill- mirrors, signal if necessary, slow down (off accelerator and brake), move into position eg begin driving over the left or right white line of your lane, and change down: must think to get position and gear changes out the way before the dog leg bends designed before set hazards, and well before turning.

Moving away from roadside procedure: R mirror, L mirror, into gear; R mirror, L mirror, R mirror and wait for traffic to clear; right signal on; L mirror, R mirror and blind spot as release handbrake at bite and pull away; immediately then L mirror and R mirror. If starting on dual carriageway, put right signal on straight away after RLR mirrors and blind spot as release handbrake, and move off- because traffic has the other lane. Moving away from a still position in traffic- R mirror, L mirror, blind spot and release handbrake if on.

Angled start ie when close to an obstacle in front and have to pull out sharply- all as per moving away procedure but to ensure the road ahead is clear as well as behind ie in right mirror, because to pull into far side of road. And of course to check both ways when turning left onto a narrow main road and similarly need to move into opposite side, but also to move to the right and straddle lanes on approach. Turning sharp right out of a side road- keep left and turn before the stop line, avoiding hitting the far kerb of road turning into: look well ahead to where you're going.

Use mirrors minimum every 10 seconds and before any change of direction or speed ie before brake or accelerate, and even before change gear, as well as before signalling: should check right mirror then left. Check position in the road by the lane lines or kerbs in the mirrors, especially in lanes coming up to lights or junctions. Blind spots can be caused by the mirrors, especially the right one, eg as approach right-hand turns- be aware and move head around.

Tight left-hand bends- wait for oncoming traffic and cross into opposite lane as left mirror dictates, but keep to minimum by straddling lanes beforehand; try to see especially larger vehicles approaching from other side of bend to wait for. Likewise coming towards tight right-hand bends anticipate long oncoming vehicles, these being left-hands for them, to stop and wait; your rear also moves out to the right on right-hand bends.

Can move in and out around parked vehicles better than LGVs- the bus isn't as long, allowing more manoeuvring about the approach line with oncoming traffic to avoid; also don't have to go so straight first or then so far left onto islands as with LGVs for rear end.

Pedestrian crossings on green but where can't clear them because traffic beyond not moved far enough away yet- hold at lights, or before side roads to avoid blocking, but to avoid confusing pedestrians waiting to cross ensure move slowly away the moment the space develops.

For all turns keep right for lefts and left for rights, though in most cases just need to make full use of your lane, not being pressured away from the line by traffic in next lane as get near hazard: the overhangs may move into other lanes but wheels often not necessary- if mirrors point down enough look for the line by the front wheel projecting out as turn.

Turning right at small islands when know will need more of the space to go round- dominate on approach, taking some of left-hand lane and keeping others behind you; move straight on then full turn, driving toward outside of island. When in left-hand lane bear to right of lane, or drive over lanes half and half or more for the space needed to the right ie the first turn at islands is always to the left; other road users often don't understand why large vehicles do what they do and you have to drive for them- it's correct to use the other side of the road as long as given back once safe to.

Keep things moving not lag behind- close gap to traffic ahead to (minimum) two seconds, preventing other vehicles turning onto road in front of you or overtaking from behind; don't speed, but always to get up to speed limit soon as can when safe to. The two second rule becomes four seconds in the rain; in heavy rain switch headlights on as well as wipers.

Watch for you and another long vehicle meeting on tight bends and be ready to give way; on country roads with tall hedges look ahead for tops of vehicles coming, or at least only edge round and be ready to stop: if you're waiting and traffic behind looks like it doesn't understand and wants to overtake, can put on right indicator to discourage until oncoming vehicle passes.

Turning left into a narrow side road and having to wait for traffic coming out to move to cross over (for rear wheels)- may be okay to move cab in if traffic is moving and no oncoming car to turn right, but incline to just wait level before entrance, because a right turning car that pulls into position, blocked by you, will block a right turning emerging vehicle, keeping you blocked.

Check left-hand mirror as pass obstacles ensuring cleared without problems, eg pedestrians near the kerb, parked vehicles and doors opening, left-hand junctions (with traffic visible there or not); also all vehicles you overtake especially cyclists; check right mirror for passing similar on right. Still signal for the pedestrians, passing wide and slow, minimum one metre without slowing down, and likewise with a vehicle parked entirely off the road but at the edge, on pavement or verge; same for posts situated at edge of road.

Islands- keep left after penultimate exit to prevent traffic driving there before exit, but keep to right of the lane or straddle it for the left turn, and drive to its far side. On oblong islands when turning round the end in right-hand lane, to avoid hitting island watch mirror and wait for traffic on left to pass to move into their lane.

On narrow roads never be tempted to move left when already as far left as can go: check kerb in mirror, keep wheel straight and only slow down for oncoming traffic. Also move out to avoid hitting overhanging tree branches, or puddles if pedestrians near them; slow down to drive through puddles.

Keep checking mirror as come off islands to ensure rear wheels missing kerb, especially at the end when can seem they've cleared but road is still bending; if to straighten and drive onto other side of road, need to be slow so can stop if need to wait for oncoming traffic. Look ahead to the space the exit offers, on approach to island if possible.

If turning into or out of a T-junction that another large vehicle is coming out of or into and you need to use its side of the road, hold back if it was there first, and conversely it should give way to you if you were first; turning right or left into a narrow side road you must either cut the corner or swing in front of the other vehicle before back to the left.

If brake pressure warning comes on, put hand brake on, into neutral, rev engine until buzzer or light stops and the sound of escaping air can be heard (to know the chambers are full), check gauges are between 80 and 120 psi, and move off- after mirrors and blind spot.

When have the left lane you're in, including a bus lane, empty for some way ahead but in an adjacent lane of queuing traffic there is a larger vehicle using too much of your lane- must of course just wait and not be tempted to squeeze through.

When turning left out of a narrow side road onto a main road look out for vehicles turning left or right into your road at the same time, so can hold back before using part of the lane to your right that they will need for driving in; a right turning vehicle here, with right of way, may prevent you moving out and neither will be able to move.

When checking mirrors be ready to wait for anything moving up side of bus to clear, eg cycles or motorcycles: avoid the habit of looking in mirrors and moving off without being ready to respond to something occasionally being there.

As well as letting cyclists and motorcyclists in front move beyond a left-hand turn before turning into it, do the same approaching a left-hand bend- the rear end moving in is extremely dangerous; also let them pass on your left when stationary to turn right if the rear overhang moving out is an issue.

When come to speed limit sign changing the limit, check mirrors and speed up after passed through an increase or mirrors and slow down to new lower speed in time for passing through. In the UK a 40 mph speed limit is signposted 40, but a 50 for buses is a single carriageway with 60 or national speed limit signs, and a 60 for buses is a dual carriageway with the national speed limit sign; motorways 70.

UK speed limit can be confirmed 30 if side roads have no 30 signs, and 40 if they do. Careful to notice when a 40 becomes 50, or a 50 a 40- 50s are often wider, sometimes with a painted central reservation; where no new signs on a road you enter, the limit is the same as last one. Drive on the speed limit, when safe to do so- glance at speedometer every few moments, correcting excess speed right away.

When pulled out to avoid obstacles can still leave right indicator on when have to slow down or stop, letting traffic behind know you're giving way to oncoming traffic and discouraging it trying to overtake ie the bus may block the traffic's view and may not understand why you're waiting.

Lock front and emergency doors when vehicle parked and unattended, reopening when in use (emergency should be openable from inside even if locked); if necessary driver can use it to get in and out, closing and opening main door from inside. Look both ways down road before open emergency door, and check mirror before opening main door to ensure safe for passengers to exit, since usually moves outwards.

When to pull out to avoid parked vehicles but before them there is an oncoming vehicle positioned to turn right into a side road, waiting for your side of the road to clear, let it through in front of you if makes it easier then to pull out- otherwise you'll block them or be staying left for too long, getting too close to the parked vehicles just to get past the turning vehicle.

Mustn't make traffic slow down on the road you turn into, only the traffic behind you on the road you're on- ensure wait for long enough gaps, while being positive; also when turning right onto a main road don't pull out only half way, waiting for traffic from the left also to clear and thinking subconsciously because you're in the cab you're safe, since as you complete the turn traffic from the right may be appearing again, heading toward the passengers: wait for a gap to get whole vehicle onto far side of road.

Whenever approach traffic lights or pedestrian crossings lights on green, slow down to anticipate them changing to amber, and accelerate once past the point where could no longer stop; don't change up gears as approach such hazards.

Often to reduce to dead slow on small islands and their exits, and small roads with sharp bends- look ahead, ready to creep round; speed can be deceptive after faster driving for a time- be ready for quick adjustment. Avoid braking on approach to hazards if can look ahead and is clear: always continuity and finesse, as though the passengers have hot drinks.

Medium-sized islands in heavy traffic: when approaching in left lane or central lane and need some of the lane to the right, for space for rear as turn left onto island- slow down and look for gap in traffic before get there to move over and keep it behind you. Also in these lanes and have large vehicles in the lane to your right, either wait for them to drive onto the island or even edge out, persuading them to let you go first- so can pull forward into some of their lane on the island, before turning left.

When in central or right-hand lanes on medium-sized islands, check left mirror and slow down to find gap in traffic to the left for rear and front ends that moves into their lane going round; conversely, avoid large vehicles to the right whose overhangs may sweep into your lane. Ie in central lane watch for large vehicles to either side- you need to take up some of the lanes on the island to both right and left; large vehicles approaching adjacently must give way to each other, freeing up the lanes for the one going first.

Actively look ahead to see an island's size- if small, take up both lanes, drive round centre of then move up to its inside for a tight exit, pulling front side window level with far side of lane driving into before full lock. Note that if turning left at a small island immediately pull up to the centre, seeming like you're turning right: only keep left after penultimate exit on larger islands. Rear should be one metre from inside going round smaller islands.

Can use gears to slow or control downhill speed only moderately- tend toward having the gear higher than the revs, changing up before green revs counter gets to end; cover brake when change up going downhill to stop surge forward in neutral. Don't change down before slowed to within that gear's speed and only as near the hazard- primarily use the brakes; the gears have low and closely spaced speed settings. If have high revs when changing up, block change to the next but one gear- the next may not go in anyway; use block changing down as necessary on hazards approach.

Think about what gear need to change down to on hazard approach, keeping moving smoothly- try always remember what gear you're in. At islands look ahead for gaps, and as soon as see red lights ahead ease off to give chance for them to change again, all to avoid far as possible interrupting the flow or stopping- don't drive up to red lights as might in a car. Can come to stop in 4th or 5th, but usually block change down to 3rd or 2nd as get very slow, avoiding riding the clutch.

Waiting to get on islands with heavy traffic especially look for long vehicles turning off into their side of your road, preventing traffic from entering from road to the right; large vehicles entering island from the road to your right may also see you and slow down to let you out.

Finding a place to stop- never before or on a left-hand bend, but a good place is just before a slight right-hand bend since traffic behind can see more of the road past you; keep away from parked vehicles, bus stops and side roads or other entrances- all on either side of road. If pull over close to a pedestrian crossing, look for a space beyond rather than before it since an obstacle on the right of the road blocks vision less than one on the left.

On a double lane road with parked vehicles reducing the width of the first lane- dominate the rest of the road to discourage cars overtaking on your right and reducing your scope to avoid hazards emerging from the parked vehicles.

Keep in gear when stationary and waiting unless know how long you'll be, using hand brake, or foot brake when facing downhill; for downhill also use the next gear up from pull away gear, otherwise could be too fast for that gear by time change up.

There can be large numbers of pedestrian crossings in towns, including just before and after islands: careful for pedestrians approaching from edge of vision, especially zebras with no lights; to be particularly alert in such busy pedestrian areas.

If pass a cyclist and then have to slow or come to a stop, pull close to the kerb to keep them behind you and remove the possibility of them riding up the inside, where you'd then have to overtake them again. Also when have a cyclist ahead and can't yet overtake, you can only keep at a steady distance not too far back and wait, also trying to let them know you're there.

Look out for cycle lanes to the left and ensure keep out of; also stop at the line before motorcycle stop areas in front of queue at major lights; to pull up front of bus exactly above stop lines. But look for, get into position for and use bus lanes- when driving any PCV.

Sharp turns off a main road- see the far kerb or line of the lane you're turning into through the side windows before turn, getting forward enough, and use lowest gear and even ride clutch for short time if necessary to keep speed low enough.

Turning right at lights- pull out into position only when any other traffic in front also waiting has cleared, otherwise must stop at stop line: you don't know how long it'll take so can't edge out as won't be enough time if all you will have is the gap in the lights' timing for traffic coming the other way at the end; traffic in front if close to it may also make seeing the oncoming traffic harder. You can wait to turn right in no stopping yellow diagonals boxes as normal.

Listen for emergency vehicles, slowing in advance of seeing them, otherwise could be driving into an area where they can't pass because of their haste- need more care with a larger vehicle. Also listen for horns used to get the attention of large vehicle drivers, remembering they can be sounding some distance behind you- for instance for you to take action when a vehicle unwittingly parks nearby and combined with your position is blocking traffic.

Constantly use mirrors to find position in lane: the driving position is half a metre from left-hand edge- try to see any double yellow lines. But where road narrows so that this distance reduces, tend toward driving closer to the central white line than the kerb, keeping away from pedestrians.

If you can't even see your turning on approach it could be very sharp- straddle the white lines half and half or more; at some junctions you may even have to use the next lane and wait for traffic in usual lane to clear before moving forward and turning.

If the gap between the side of the bus and an obstacle continues closing, must stop then and take action. If it becomes rested against side of bus as turning, separate from it again by reversing, keeping wheel exactly as drove in- no other wheel position or driving forwards may work. Remember how high the bus is and watch out for obstacles on that level, eg trees bending into the road or signs protruding out from posts near the kerb.

Particularly in narrow lanes where wheels are close to the kerb, look out for pedestrians ahead walking on the pavement to the left, especially in same direction with backs to you, who are approaching an obstacle near the kerb such as a phone box: because of wishing not to slow down behind other pedestrians they may elect to walk on the outside of the obstacle right on the kerb, and next to the bus passing, risking even losing their footing and falling outwards. Pull away from the kerb in advance.

When reversing try to straighten up quickly as while turning the rear corners of bus, especially left one since can't look out of window, aren't covered by either the mirror or rear camera, if there is one; also be mindful of building overhangs or canopies, again especially on the left, as the bus's top rear end may be above the field of the mirrors: try to get outside help for reversing. Also remember the bus's overhangs at front and rear mean the angle of ramps it can drive or reverse up without the underside being hit is limited.

When stationary keep looking ahead as well as in the mirrors: you have to move head far to the right and left for mirrors and unlike in a car the front view is then outside the field of vision./ Bus stops- stop at the end of the shelter where the flag is nearest, unless has an opening to pull to, and use any coloured or lined area; careful to pull bus door exactly up to the exit./ Always have at least one hand on the wheel when also using controls, and both when stationary- don't be tempted to take hands off; use the quarter to three position rather than ten to two.

When turning, eg with a line of traffic in same direction, on outside of a bend, may have to wait particularly for larger vehicles to clear due to rear overhang moving out towards them./ If stop near children be vigilant and ensure they don't disappear behind to hold onto the back- get out and clear them off if necessary./ When behind an obstacle waiting for a gap and can't see well ahead with cars liable to speed into view- edge out slowly, ready to stop./ All narrower roads- slow down and be ready to stop completely if necessary on bends or narrow sections; care passing oncoming traffic when have part of their side of the road.

Apply handbrake only after foot on brake for two seconds to ensure entirely stopped first, avoiding a jerk, especially with automatics; use it whenever stop for more than a few moments./ When the width of road available is tight, keep a little closer to obstacles or walls on the right as you can judge the distance easier on this side and if necessary stop and put head out the window to look./ Know the vehicle's gearbox layout and check 1st is pull-away gear, and where reverse is so not to select in error, and how the gear stick is sprung, requiring side pressure on which changes.

Know the bus's height, width and length, plus height of underside above the ground, mirrors protrusion distance and rough front and rear overhangs./ Front overhang can sweep over low kerbs when turning, with no obstacles or people near./ Painted hump islands- drive over as necessary./ Watch out for poles or other mirrors-height features located on or close to the kerb and give good passing space for mirrors./ Look for and use broken white line areas as necessary./ Turnings on islands past 12 o'clock are treated as right turns- use right-hand signal and right-hand lane./ Avoid hitting any tree branches- look out for and move out./ After right and left-hand turns drive down the left or right side of the lane until rear end aligned again.

Note whether the vehicle requires double clutch and revs on changing up./ Octagonal stop signs- must come to a stop and put handbrake on./ Small junctions with roads crossing at right-angles and minimal dog legs mean turnings will be sharp, needing to straddle lanes in advance./ Ensure not catching footbrake with right foot when moving off./ Care whenever see railings as often means tight bends- they're often seen knocked down./ Left or right-hand turns with two lanes for- always use left-hand./ Passing stopped buses- especially slow down in case passengers or other pedestrians crossing in front./ Queuing- pull up no closer to next vehicle than one car's width, in case it doesn't move off for any reason./ Stopping procedure- handbrake, into neutral, cancel signal.

[Don]

Sean must have stolen those notes from Ralph Cramden.

[knight66]

I am assuming this is a copy and paste job. If the item is available elsewhere on The Net, would you please hyperlink it and provide a short taster, rather than paste yards of the stuff onto the site.

Thanks,

Mike

[Sean]

Hey, Knight my good friend, this is all my original work- I built it up from my tuition and observations thereafter.

[M forever]

Ah, the classic "Zen in the Art of Bus Maintenance" by Sean Brawn.

[Sean]

M, replying from the other thread-

I haven't driven a bending bus though I am entitled to, though not entitled to drive a bus with a trailer for some reason. Frankly the whole driving thing is a bit stressful, I mean if you make a mistake in the office you photocopy the wrong document or something, but if you make a driving mistake you kill people. That's simplifying things a bit but there's prejudice against drivers because it's not an 'intellectual' job, but then most jobs aren't once you can do them; train drivers are always on a lot more money, and pilots of course, but the driver is looked down on. The hardest part though is navigation, time schedules and the hassle of turning round if you go wrong; sitting higher than others isn't much compensation actually. I've only done a few dozen day contracts and the last was in 2006.

[MishaK]

I haven't driven a bending bus ...

Isn't that officially called an "articulated bus"?

[M forever]

Dunno what the correct English term is. In German, it's "Gelenkbus" ("joint bus"). We had a lot of fun with that though. I got to drive it around a little bit on the test course and flattened a ton of those orange rubber cones they use to mark lanes (dunno what those are called either).
At one point, they sprayed some kind of soap on the course to simulate iced over street conditions and performed emergency braking tests. Of course, I didn't take part in that. That was done by professional drivers. But it was very impressive to see that thing slide around the course. And a little frightening because if they get out of control in an actual city area, they can inflict a lot of damage.

[knight66]

They are referred to as 'bendy buses' in London.

Mike

[Guido]

I like this, it's like a post modern novel. It's good to know that you take such care and meticulous interest in it.

[MishaK]

Dunno what the correct English term is. In German, it's "Gelenkbus" ("joint bus").

Yes, I know that. I once looked up the proper English term for a German client who was financing a fleet of "Gelenkbusse" and the proper English term is "articulated bus".

[bwv 1080]

I don't get it - where are the illumanti and lizard people?