When driving a school bus, it’s all about using the mirrors, according to Jerry Wynne, director of transportation at Beaufort County Schools.

Mirrors — along with ample precision and careful maneuvering — is what Beaufort County bus drivers used Tuesday morning to compete in the School Bus ROADeo Competition.

About 30 drivers tackled a driving course at Washington High School, and their performances were tallied via a point system.

Knock over a cone, and that means points off. Edge around it, leaving as much distance between the cone and the wheel, and a supervisor will gauge performance with a ruler, determining points that way, as well. Then, the tiebreaker: whoever parks closest to a post at the end of the course without hitting it earns bragging rights.

Wynne said the competition is a fun way to get the drivers together and allow them to practice their skills. This year’s top-two scorers, Vera Goss and Carlton Roberson, will go on to compete in the regional competition in Raleigh.

Roberson, a head custodian at Chocowinity Middle School and a bus driver for 14 years, said the end of the course with the post was the toughest part for him.

He said he has participated in the ROADeo Competition every year it is held in Beaufort County, and in that time has taken home first, second and third place, as well as a Driver of the Year award.

“All your mirrors, they help you out in any situation,” Roberson said. “They are very important.”

Sarah Hodges Stalls, public information officer for Beaufort County Schools, said the event was made possible by course supervisors from the state and local levels, as well as volunteers from the district’s garage personnel. School administrators also came out Tuesday to enjoy the competition.

Hodges said every school had a bus driver there to represent it.

“It’s just a good event to get drivers out,” Wynne said.