Mastering Fleet Safety

Hands-on workshops and certification tracks for Texas school bus mechanics. Stay compliant, upgrade skills, and ensure every yellow bus is road-ready, keeping students safe across all 254 counties.

Core Skill Development

Specialized Workshop Modules

International, Blue Bird and Thomas advanced electronics SBT 06A,B,C

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT instructors
This class takes an in depth look at the electronic controls and multi-plex systems modern buses, covering part identification, diagnostics, and service.
This class requires recertification every 5 years, and one choice is required for Master Certification.

Suspension and Steering SBT 14

This half day class will explain the fundamentals of heavy-duty vehicle suspensions and steering systems. Identify and describe the major components of the suspension and steering systems. Covering best practice servicing and repairing systems.
This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.

School Bus Preventive Maintenance SBT 02

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT Instructors
This class will describe the categories of preventative maintenance (PM). Explain the reasons for implementing a PM program, and reasons for using different PM service intervals. Outline and describe requirements for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Inspections PM program standards. Explain how safety inspection programs are administered. Identify the types and classifications of PM lubricants. Explain the purpose of safety recalls and identify sources for recall information. Describe practices for preparing and handling vehicles for PM inspections. Outline general inspection procedures and inspection criteria for major vehicle areas. Describe out-of-service criteria and inspection procedures for the braking system. Outline procedures for inspecting tires and wheels, and inspection procedures for verifying correct wheel alignment. Outline general inspection procedures for performing under-vehicle and cargo-handling devices inspections. Explains developing a comprehensive school bus preventive maintenance program, covering the importance of and the laws regarding PMIs. The class will cover best practices and record keeping.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Tire and Wheel Maintenance SBT 01

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT Instructors
This class explains the purpose, function, and make-up of commercial vehicle tires and the fundamentals of wheels and rims. Describes the different classifications of commercial vehicle tires and how wheels are classified by their dimensions and load-carrying capacity. Explain the purpose and operation of TPMS, and explain tire inflation factors. Outline procedures to inspect, and the importance of competent maintenance and monitoring procedures of tires and wheels and how this affects the bottom line.
This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Braking Fundamentals & Air Brake Foundations SBT 03

Class Length: Half day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

SBT 03 will describe physical concept fundamentals of how the air brake system works and the effects of vehicle speed and weight on braking performance. Identify the different types of braking systems and parts. Describe and compare air brake foundation systems. Describe the construction and operation of S-cam brake components. Explain the causes of brake fade. Explain the concepts of brake torque and brake balance. Describe the purpose and construction of brake drums. Describe the types, purpose, construction, and adjustment of brake chambers, actuators, and operation of slack adjusters. Describe the construction and operation of air disc brakes. Describe the design and operation of wedge brakes. Explain brake component designs, setup, adjustments, and some diagnostics.

Servicing Air Brakes Systems & Diagnostics SBT 3B

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT instructors.

SBT 03B will explain safety hazards, precautions, and procedures to be observed when servicing air brakes. Describe common categories of brake system complaints. Identify common air brake system component failures, associated symptoms, and corrective actions. Describe preliminary inspection and diagnostic procedures used to identify air brake system faults. Describe the testing procedure for the automatic emergency brake system. Describe procedures used to perform inspections for correct brake balance. Describe common failures and inspection procedures for components in the air supply system.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Combined School Bus Basic Body Electrical SBT 04 & SBT 06

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

SBT 04 will describe fundamental behaviors of electricity and the trends and market forces influencing electrical system design for current commercial vehicles. Explain a model for describing the movement of electricity, explain concepts of electrical polarity, voltage, amperage, resistance, and explain the differences between electrical and electronic circuits. Identification and best practice usages of the tools for electrical testing, diagnosis, and repairs.

SBT 06 will identify and explain the advantages of electronic signal processing over mechanical system control. Describe the elements of electronic signal processing systems, classification of electrical signals, the purpose of serial data, characteristics of pulse-width–modulated electrical signals, explain the use of ladder logic, etc.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Electrical: Battery & Starting and Charging Systems SBT 04A

Class Length: Half day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

This training will identify and describe the construction, operating principles, classification, and functions of batteries used in commercial vehicles. Identify safety equipment and safe work practices for servicing and procedures used to analyze the condition of batteries, failure modes and their causes. Identify and describe the construction, operation, and features of the charging system, and the principles of alternating current generation. Identify and describe the various classifications and construction features of heavy-duty (HD) starting motors and circuits.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Wiring & Circuit Diagrams SBT 04B

Class Length: Half day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

This class will help you be able to identify and describe requirements, features, and characteristics of electrical wiring, and the types, construction, and repair techniques for wiring connectors. Identify and describe wiring failures and repair techniques. Identify and understand types and features of electrical system wiring diagrams.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.

Principals Of School Bus Air Conditioning SBT 5, 5A

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

This class will introduce you to the development and benefits of air conditioning systems. Explain the operating principles of the HVAC system and identify the components and their function. Explain the laws governing the safe handling of chemicals used in the HVAC systems.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

SBT 5A MACS 609 This is an option for Refrigerant handling license, required for anyone performing A/C system serving and repairs and covered in conjunction with SBT05. There is a $20 testing fee for this.

It is recommended to retake this class about every ten years to keep up with new laws, recommendations and procedures.

Servicing Heating & Air Conditioning Systems SBT 5B

Class Length: Full day, Presented by: TASBT instructors

This class will outline the steps and procedures to performance test an air conditioning (A/C) system. Explain the purpose and procedures used to perform refrigerant leak testing. Outline procedures used to recover, recycle, and charge an A/C system with refrigerant. Explain proper inspection, service, and repair operations related to Heating, ventilation, and A/C systems.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Online Diagnostics SBT 6D

Air Brake circuits and valves SBT 03A

SBT 03A will outline the advantages and disadvantages of air brake systems on commercial vehicles. List air brake subsystems and control circuits. Describe the purpose, construction, and operation of components used by the air supply, delivery and control systems. Describe pneumatic brake balance. Describe the purpose, construction, and operation of components used by the park/emergency braking circuits. Describe the purpose, construction, and operation of components used in trailer air circuits. Hands on demonstration of brake circuits.
Both half day classes requires recertification every 5 years, and are required for Master Certification.

SBT 06D This full day class will explore the different dealer and manufacturer resources to properly diagnose and troubleshoot issues you may face. It will also provide you with the knowledge of where to find part number, wiring diagrams and recalls applicable to your fleet.
This class is not required for Master certification

Shop safety SBT 08

This class covers safety awareness and the safe practices when working in a shop environment, including equipment evaluation and hazards.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.

Alternative Fuels SBT 09

This class will cover the laws and some best practices with maintaining and servicing vehicles using alternative fuels. Explain the purposes of and applications for using alternative fuels instead of diesel fuel in heavy-duty engines. Identify common classifications of alternative fuels,and the criteria to choose an alternative to diesel fuel. Identify safety issues associated with servicing vehicles that are powered by alternative fuels. Explain basic construction, operating principles, and diagnostic techniques of engines that use alternative fuels.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.

Shop Management SBT 10

This full day classwill assist school district transportation personnel with the understanding of developing or enhancing their shop management practices.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is required for Master Certification.

Automatic Transmission Service SBT 11

This full day class is packed full of information about servicing automatic transmissions as well as diagnosing common issues. Hands on shop time where you will rebuild an Allison 2000 transmission before going home

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.

Driveshaft and Axles SBT 15

This half day class will explain the fundamentals, operation of driveshaft, and drive axle systems. Describe and explain driveshaft angle cancellation, check and adjust driveline angularity. Inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot driveshaft and drive axle vibrations and failures.

This class requires recertification every 5 years, and is not required for Master Certification.