Alabama CDL School Bus Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pre-trip inspection purpose

A required check of the bus before each trip to confirm brakes, lights, tires, fluids, and emergency equipment are safe and working.

Coolant check rule

Check coolant only when the engine is cool, using the reservoir sight glass. Opening a hot radiator cap can cause severe burns.

Parking brake test

Set the parking brake and try to move the bus; it must hold on a grade. This confirms the brake can secure a stopped bus.

Stop arm inspection

During pre-trip, verify the stop arm extends and retracts fully and that its warning lights work, since it protects students crossing.

Tire inspection points

Check tread depth, sidewall cuts and bulges, correct inflation, and that dual tires do not touch. Any defect can cause a blowout.

Emergency exit buzzer

A warning that sounds when an emergency exit is opened or not fully latched. Test it during pre-trip to confirm it works.

Fire extinguisher check

Confirm the extinguisher is mounted securely, accessible, and the gauge shows a full charge. A discharged unit is unusable in a fire.

Belt inspection

Look for glazing, cracking, and correct deflection on belts. A loose or frayed belt can disable the alternator or water pump.

Amber warning lights

Lights activated before a stop to warn traffic the bus is about to load or unload. They are used before the red lights.

Red lights and stop arm

Activated once the bus is stopped for loading or unloading. Traffic in both directions must stop until students are clear.

Ten-foot crossing rule

Students must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them, and only after the driver's hand signal.

Never cross behind bus

Students must never walk behind the bus. The rear danger zone is large and not fully visible to the driver.

Student count before moving

Before departing any stop, the driver counts or names every student to confirm all are aboard or safely clear.

Dropped item procedure

If a student drops something near the bus, the student stops and waits. The driver signals only after confirming it is safe.

Kindergarten release rule

Young students must be released only to a parent, guardian, or authorized adult at the stop, per local policy.

Seating chart use

An assigned seating record that helps the driver account for students and document who sat where during an incident.

Progressive discipline steps

A sequence of consequences: verbal warning, assigned seat, written referral, then loss of riding privileges, applied consistently.

Driver's primary duty

Safe operation of the bus comes first. Behavior management is required but must never distract from driving or control.

Stop before disciplining

Never leave the driver's seat to discipline a student while the bus is moving or occupied. Stop and secure the bus first.

Posting bus rules

Clear rules posted and explained at the start of the year, enforced consistently, reduce discipline problems and set expectations.

Written misconduct report

Serious or repeated misbehavior is documented in writing and sent to the school administrator according to local policy.

Physical restraint limits

Do not strike or restrain a student except to prevent imminent harm, as allowed by local policy and law.

Calm communication

Respond to misbehavior with a neutral, calm voice. Arguing with a student escalates the situation and distracts the driver.

Railroad stop distance

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail before crossing any railroad track.

Railroad look and listen

Turn off radios and fans, open the driver's window, and look and listen both ways before crossing the tracks.

Stall on tracks

If the bus stalls on a crossing, evacuate students immediately and move them at least 100 feet away from the tracks.

After a crossing stall

Call 911 or the railroad emergency number and move away from the tracks before trying to warn an approaching train.

Front-door evacuation

Students exit in order through the service door and move to a safe assembly point where the driver accounts for everyone.

Rear-door evacuation

The driver or a trained student opens the rear emergency door; students exit and assemble well away from traffic and the bus.

Fire response order

Use the extinguisher only on small fires and only without risk. Otherwise evacuate students first, then account for all.

Post-evacuation duties

After any evacuation, account for every student, notify dispatch, and stay with students until emergency help arrives.

Reflective triangles

Placed behind a stopped bus on a roadway during an emergency, when safe, along with four-way flashers to warn traffic.