The SBDIC is a Ministry of Ontario approved program designed to enhance school bus driver safety and professionalism. Endorsed by provincial governments, school boards, and industry leaders across the country, it equips drivers with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to operate safely and confidently to protect students’ lives.

Every time a child boards one of the school buses of your organization, families are placing their trust in your organization’s standards. This course ensures that drivers are more than operators—they‘re guardians of safety, equipped with the tools to protect lives and uphold that trust with every trip.

We believe that the safety of our future generations is non-negotiable, which is why the SBDIC can aid in your organization’s goal of enhancing transportation safety and efficiency. The SBDIC is a safety through educational tool that reduces incident rates, downtime, and liability risks. Furthermore, it builds trust with parents, schools, and communities, while aligning with regulatory compliance and duty-of-care obligations.

Course Anatomy – Foundational Modules

The course begins by grounding drivers in the core values of safety, responsibility, and awareness. These foundational modules focus on professionalism, attitude, and the human factors that can influence performance on the road.

• The Professional Driver – Understanding the roles, responsibilities, and public expectations that shape a professional driver.
• Driver Attitude – How mindset and maturity affect safety.
• Avoiding Collisions – Defensive driving, decision making, and proper perception of hazards.

Advanced Modules – Building Practical Skills

Once the foundation is set, drivers are guided through essential operational knowledge related to legality and regulations, inspections, and emergency response.

• Traffic Laws and Regulations – Covers provincial rules and school bus related laws.
• Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance – Teaches how to prevent mechanical issues and spot dangers early on.
• Sharing the Road – Reinforces safe driving practices near other road users and what a school bus driver’s responsibility is towards them.
• Emergency Management – Equips drivers with strategies for responding calmly and effectively under pressure.

Benefits of Incorporating the SBDIC

As an employer, you already have a large investment in your drivers and the vehicles they utilize. By incorporating the SBDIC into your organization’s health and safety practices, you will be protecting your investment by maintaining a higher-than-average standard in the safe operation of a large motor vehicle, resulting in:

• Collision prevention
• Safe and timely delivery of passengers; resulting in customer satisfaction
• Possible reduction in operating costs due to the maintenance of good driving habits
• Reduction in sick leave, insurance, and expenses related to traffic incidents
• Reduction in vehicle abuse and maintenance costs
• Increased team building, coordination, and cooperation

Course Details

• Format: Interactive instruction with formal and informal discussion, as well as individual and groupwork exercises.
• Material: Each participant will receive a Canada Safety Council SBDIC workbook.
• Certification: Upon completion each participant will receive a Canada Safety Council – School Bus Driver Improvement Course certificate.
• Location: Can be delivered via a virtual setting and/or in-person setting (e.g., in the classroom of the hiring party).
• Duration and Dates: 4-6 hours. Date(s) to be determined between Vaughan Driver Training Centre and the hiring party.
• Price: Please contact us for pricing details.