Backing Basics - drivingontarget.com

Backing Basics

Directions: Please read this material, watch the video and complete the practice on a printed copy.
Place the printed copy with your answers in your training folder. You will be required to present a
complete folder before taking the Mastery Test.
Time
15-minutes plus practice.
Module Overview
Backing a motor coach is a dangerous maneuver. This module will provide you with the basic
information needed to follow policy and back the coach appropriately.

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

1. List the three policies to follow when backing a motor coach.
2. Explain what to look for when performing a walk-around.
3. Explain why you always turn left exiting the coach to perform a walk-around.
4. Describe in your own words the backing procedure as if you were telling a student what to do
while the student is backing the coach.
Practical Application

Backing skill on the closed course activity at school
Backing at terminal locations
Topics
Backing Policy
Walk-Around
Backing Procedure

Course 13 Backing Basics Page 1 of 4

Lesson Text

Backing Policy

Backing a motor coach is a very dangerous procedure. Many collisions occur while backing. It is
our policy to avoid backing when ever possible and never back in traffic. Always look for an
alternative to backing. Use a guide when backing is the only alternative. The guide will stand
behind the coach, watch for hazards and guide you with hand motions. Remember, the driver is
responsible for the coach. If the guide directions cause a collision the driver is responsible.
Always perform a walk-around even if you are using a guide.

Walk-Around

The purpose of a walk-around is to get a good view of all areas around the coach (above, under,
front, back and sides). When performing a walk-around you must also look for areas of possible
collisions. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is it likely people could be walking across my path as I back the bus?
2. Will cars be driving across my path as I back the bus?
3. Are there parked cars behind me that might be backing at the same time I am backing?
4. Is there an overhead awning, a pole beside the bus or anything under the bus that might

present a safety hazard?

As you step out of your coach to perform a walk-around, always turn to the left toward the front
of the bus and walk all around the bus looking for possible hazards. Turning left to begin your
walk-around decreases the chance of someone getting behind the bus while you are walking from
the rear of the bus to the entrance.

Backing Procedure

1. Adjust your seat, adjust your mirrors, and fasten your seat belt
2. Turn on your 4-way flashers
3. Release the park brake
4. Make a full brake application
5. Put the coach in reverse
6. Honk your horn three times
7. Check your mirrors
8. Back slowly while covering the brake

Course 13 Backing Basics Page 2 of 4

Practice
Complete the questions below in your own words. After answering place these pages in a folder. You
will be required to turn in your work before you can take the mastery test.

1. List the three policies you must always follow.
a.
b.
c.

2. List three backing situations that could present a safety hazard.
a.
b.
c.

3. Briefly explain why you must turn left exiting the coach when performing a walk-around.

4. Describe what you would say if you were instructing a student in the act of backing the coach.

Course 13 Backing Basics Page 3 of 4

Quiz – True or False
Print T or F in the spaces provided.

1. Our policy is to never back a coach. __________
2. If you have a guide you do not need to perform a walk-around. __________
3. Should the guide make an error in judgment and the driver hits an awning the guide is at fault.

__________
4. Never back in high traffic areas. __________
5. If you are just backing your coach into the slip there is no need to wear the seatbelt.

__________

Quiz Answers

F, F, F, T, F

NOTES

Course 13 Backing Basics Page 4 of 4