Bus Roadeo Toolkit

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Determining the Winner

A well-defined set of Bus Roadeo evaluation criteria ensures that all participants are judged fairly, consistently, and with a strong emphasis on safety and skill. The following criteria can be used as a framework for scoring performance. Sample Score Sheets are provided for reference.

Key Evaluation Criteria

  1. Safety: Safety should carry the greatest weight in scoring.

Evaluation Factors 

  • Complete stops
  • Proper use of turn signals
  • Effective mirror checks and situational awareness
  • Controlled and appropriate speed
  • Maintaining safe clearances from obstacles

Typical Deductions 

  • Rolling stop
  • Failure to signal
  • Unsafe maneuver (may result in disqualification)
  1. Pre-Trip Inspection: Assesses knowledge of vehicle safety and inspection procedures.

Evaluation Factors 

  • Identification of defects
  • Logical inspection sequence
  • Clear communication of findings
  1. Vehicle Control: Judges the driver’s ability to handle the vehicle smoothly and accurately.

Evaluation Factors 

  • Smooth acceleration and braking
  • Steering control and stability
  • Proper lane positioning
  •  Accurate turning
  1. Obstacle Course Performance: Each obstacle is scored individually to assess precision. Common obstacles include: 

●   Serpentine 

●   Offset Street 

●   Diminishing Clearance 

●   Right and Left Turns

●   Right Side Tire Clearance 

●   Backing (Right- and Left-Hand Reverse

●   Judgement Stop 

Evaluation Factors 

  • Accurate movement
  • Cone/contact avoidance
  • Final positioning
  1. Wheelchair Securement: Evaluates proper handling of accessibility equipment and passenger safety.

Evaluation Factors

  • Correct use of ramp or lift
  • Securement technique
  • Safety checks and communication
  1. Professionalism/Passenger Experience: Reflects driver’s demeanor and communication.

Evaluation Factors     

  • Professional behavior
  • Clear communication
  • Passenger awareness
  1. Rule Compliance: Ensures adherence to event procedures.

Evaluation Factors     

  • Following course instructions
  • Staying within boundaries
  • Responding appropriately to judges
  1. Time Management: Is a secondary factor to safety and is used primarily as a tiebreaker.

Updated August 10, 2026