CDL School Bus practice test

For the S endorsement, needed to drive a school bus. You'll also need the Passenger (P) endorsement. The real test has 20 questions in most states.

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Study all 20 questions with answers

How far out from the bus does the danger zone extend?
Up to 30 feet on all sides
The danger zone is the area on all sides of the bus where children are at greatest risk of being hit, by the bus or by passing traffic. It can extend up to 30 feet.
Outside flat side mirrors should be adjusted so you can see about how far behind the bus?
About 200 feet, or 4 bus lengths
Set the flat mirrors so you can see about 200 feet (4 bus lengths) behind the bus along the sides.
What are the crossover mirrors used for?
Seeing the blind area directly in front of the bus and along its front sides
Crossover mirrors show the blind area right in front of the bumper and the front of the bus, where small children can be hidden.
What is the overhead inside mirror used for?
Monitoring passenger activity inside the bus
The inside overhead mirror lets you watch passengers without turning around.
When approaching a stop, when should you turn on the alternating flashing amber lights?
About 5 to 10 seconds before the stop, or as state law says
The amber lights warn other drivers that you are about to stop. Turn them on early, usually about 5-10 seconds or 100-300 feet before the stop, depending on state law.
When are the alternating flashing red lights used?
When the bus is stopped to load or unload students
Red lights and the stop arm tell traffic to stop while students get on or off.
Students who must cross the road should walk how far in front of the bus?
About 10 feet, where you can see them
Students should cross about 10 feet in front of the bus so they stay in your direct line of sight.
A student drops something near the bus. What should they do?
Move away from the bus and ask the driver for help
Bending down near the bus puts the student out of your sight. Tell students to never pick up dropped items and to come to you for help instead.
Before pulling away from a stop, you should:
Count the students and check all mirrors to make sure no one is near the bus
Account for every student who got off. If you can't account for one, secure the bus and check around and under it.
After an evacuation, students should go to a safe place at least how far from the road?
100 feet off the road, toward oncoming traffic
Moving toward oncoming traffic keeps students away from debris if another vehicle hits the bus.
At a railroad crossing, a school bus should stop how far from the nearest rail?
Between 15 and 50 feet
Stop 15 to 50 feet from the tracks, then open the service door and your window and listen for a train.
Before crossing railroad tracks, what should you do with the radio and other noisy equipment?
Turn them off so you can hear a train
Turn off radios and noisy equipment and ask students to be quiet so you can hear an approaching train.
Your bus stalls on the railroad tracks. What should you do?
Get everyone off and move them away from the tracks, toward the oncoming train
Evacuate immediately. Move students away from the tracks and toward the oncoming train so they aren't hit by debris after a collision.
When a school bus turns, the rear can swing out up to:
3 feet
Tail swing of up to 3 feet means the rear corner can hit people or objects next to the bus when turning. Check mirrors before and during turns.
If you leave the driver's seat while students are on board, you should:
Set the parking brake, put it in park or neutral, shut off the engine and take the key
Never leave a bus with students aboard where it could be moved or rolled. Secure it completely first.
Should you back up a school bus at a stop where students are outside?
No, never back up when students are outside the bus
Students may be behind or beside the bus where you can't see them. Avoid backing at stops and around schools.
When should you check and adjust your mirrors?
Before every trip
Mirrors must be adjusted properly before each trip so you can see the danger zone.
Before crossing railroad tracks, what must you make sure of?
There's enough room on the other side for the whole bus
Never stop on the tracks. Know your bus length and make sure it fits past the tracks before crossing.
At a stop, when should students start crossing in front of the bus?
Only after you signal them that it's safe
Students should wait for your signal and cross where you can see them.
What should students do if they hear the horn while crossing?
Stop and look back at the driver for instructions
A horn or danger signal means stop and look to you for what to do next.

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