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AZ CDL School Bus study materials
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AZ CDL School Bus practice questions

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Question 1Driving Safely

Before driving a school bus, the driver must ensure that passengers are seated and that the bus is free of standing riders. What is the primary safety reason for this requirement?

  1. Standing riders block the driver's view of the rear door
  2. Unrestrained standing riders can be thrown and injured during sudden stops or turns Correct answer.
  3. Seated riders allow the driver to complete the route faster
  4. Standing riders make the bus exceed its weight limit

Explanation

School bus passengers are required to be seated and secured while the bus is in motion. A sudden stop, swerve, or crash can throw a standing rider into seats, windows, or other passengers, causing serious injury. Keeping riders seated also reduces driver distraction and keeps aisles clear for emergencies.

Question 2Driving Safely

When a school bus is stopped to load or unload students, which action should the driver take before opening the service door?

  1. Turn on the four-way hazard lights only
  2. Flash the headlights at oncoming traffic
  3. Activate the red flashing lights and stop arm Correct answer.
  4. Sound the horn continuously

Explanation

A school bus loading or unloading students must activate its red flashing warning lights and extend the stop arm to warn traffic in both directions. These signals tell other drivers they must stop and that children may be crossing. The driver should also check mirrors and the area around the bus before opening the door.

Question 3Driving Safely

A school bus driver is approaching a railroad crossing with no gates and no flashing signals. What is the safest procedure?

  1. Follow the vehicle ahead closely so both cross together
  2. Stop, open the door, listen, and look both ways before crossing Correct answer.
  3. Sound the horn and cross quickly to reduce exposure time
  4. Slow to 25 mph and continue without stopping if no train is visible

Explanation

At a passive railroad crossing, the driver must stop, open the service door or window, turn off noisy equipment, and listen and look for an approaching train. This lets the driver hear a train that may be hidden from view. Only after confirming the track is clear should the bus proceed.

Question 4Driving Safely

How far from the nearest rail must a school bus stop at a railroad crossing, unless a law or signal directs otherwise?

  1. Between 15 and 50 feet Correct answer.
  2. At least 150 feet
  3. Between 5 and 10 feet
  4. Between 60 and 100 feet

Explanation

School buses must stop at railroad crossings at a distance that keeps the front of the bus clear of the tracks but close enough to see and hear approaching trains. The usual range is 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail. Stopping too close risks being struck; stopping too far back reduces visibility.

Question 5Driving Safely

A school bus driver is backing the bus in a loading zone. Which practice best protects students nearby?

  1. Ask students to stand behind the bus and guide the driver
  2. Sound the horn once and back quickly
  3. Rely on the rearview mirror and back slowly
  4. Use a spotter outside the bus and back only when necessary Correct answer.

Explanation

Backing a school bus should be avoided whenever possible because of large blind spots. When backing is unavoidable, a trained spotter outside the bus should guide the driver and the area should be clear of students. Mirrors alone cannot show everything behind the bus.

Question 6Driving Safely

What is the correct way for a school bus driver to use the mirrors while driving?

  1. Scan all mirrors frequently and adjust them before driving Correct answer.
  2. Use mirrors only when backing the bus
  3. Adjust mirrors while the bus is moving to save time
  4. Check only the left mirror before changing lanes

Explanation

Mirrors should be adjusted before the trip so the driver can see along both sides and behind the bus. While driving, the driver should scan them regularly to monitor traffic, students, and the bus's position. Frequent scanning helps detect hazards early.

Question 7Driving Safely

A school bus is traveling on a road with a posted speed limit of 55 mph. What maximum speed should the driver maintain while carrying students?

  1. Exactly 55 mph at all times
  2. The speed of the vehicle ahead regardless of conditions
  3. The posted speed limit or a safe speed below it Correct answer.
  4. Ten mph above the limit to keep traffic moving

Explanation

A school bus driver should never exceed the posted speed limit and should drive slower when weather, road, or traffic conditions require it. The presence of students and the bus's size and stopping distance make lower speeds safer. Speed must always be adjusted to conditions.

Question 8Driving Safely

What following distance should a school bus driver maintain behind another vehicle under normal conditions?

  1. Two seconds
  2. Half a car length
  3. One second
  4. At least four seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

A school bus needs a longer following distance than a passenger car because of its weight and longer stopping distance. A minimum of four seconds under normal conditions gives the driver time to react. The gap should be increased in rain, snow, or darkness.

Question 9Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving in heavy rain and the road is wet. How should the driver adjust following distance and speed?

  1. Increase following distance and reduce speed Correct answer.
  2. Keep the same following distance but use high beams
  3. Reduce following distance to prevent other cars from cutting in
  4. Maintain the speed limit to stay on schedule

Explanation

Wet roads reduce traction and increase stopping distance, so the driver should slow down and leave a larger gap. High beams in rain can reflect glare and reduce visibility, so low beams are better. Schedule pressure never justifies unsafe speed.

Question 10Driving Safely

When a school bus driver must cross a set of railroad tracks, which gear should the bus be in?

  1. A low gear that allows steady power without shifting Correct answer.
  2. Neutral so the bus can coast across
  3. The highest gear to cross quickly
  4. A gear that requires shifting while on the tracks

Explanation

The bus should cross railroad tracks in a gear low enough to maintain steady power without shifting. Shifting on the tracks can cause a stall that leaves the bus stuck in the path of a train. Coasting in neutral is also unsafe because it reduces control.

Question 11Driving Safely

What should a school bus driver do if the bus stalls on a railroad crossing and a train is approaching?

  1. Wait for the train to stop before acting
  2. Evacuate students away from the tracks and call for help Correct answer.
  3. Ask students to push the bus off the tracks
  4. Stay in the bus and try to restart the engine repeatedly

Explanation

If a bus stalls on the tracks and a train is coming, the driver should get everyone off the bus and move them well away from the tracks in the direction of the approaching train's path. Emergency services should be contacted as soon as possible. Saving lives takes priority over the vehicle.

Question 12Driving Safely

A school bus driver is entering a highway from an acceleration lane. What is the safest approach?

  1. Enter slowly and force other drivers to yield
  2. Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a large gap
  3. Build speed to match traffic and merge smoothly Correct answer.
  4. Cross all lanes immediately to reach the left lane

Explanation

The driver should use the acceleration lane to build speed that matches the flow of highway traffic, then merge smoothly when a safe gap exists. Entering too slowly creates a hazard for vehicles behind. Forcing others to yield or cutting across lanes is dangerous.

Question 13Driving Safely

When should a school bus driver use the horn?

  1. To signal that the bus is about to load students
  2. To hurry pedestrians across the street
  3. To warn others of a hazard or danger Correct answer.
  4. To greet students at a stop

Explanation

The horn is a warning device and should be used to alert others to danger, such as a vehicle drifting into the bus's lane. Using it for greetings or to rush pedestrians creates confusion and can startle people. Loading is signaled with lights and the stop arm, not the horn.

Question 14Driving Safely

A school bus driver is preparing to make a right turn at a corner where students are waiting. What should the driver do?

  1. Sound the horn and proceed without checking mirrors
  2. Turn quickly to get through the intersection before students move
  3. Check the right side and mirrors for students, then turn slowly Correct answer.
  4. Swing wide to the left before turning to clear the curb

Explanation

Before a right turn, the driver must check the right side and mirrors for students or pedestrians near the curb. The turn should be made slowly and tightly enough to avoid the curb. Swinging left can endanger people on the left and does not solve the right-side blind spot.

Question 15Driving Safely

What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel for a school bus driver?

  1. Hands resting on the bottom of the wheel
  2. Both hands on opposite sides of the wheel Correct answer.
  3. One hand on the wheel and one on the gear shift while driving
  4. One hand at the top of the wheel at all times

Explanation

Both hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel to maintain control, often described as the nine and three o'clock positions. This grip allows quick steering corrections and reduces fatigue. Driving with one hand reduces control in an emergency.

Question 16Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving at night and an oncoming vehicle fails to dim its high beams. What should the driver do?

  1. Speed up to pass the vehicle quickly
  2. Turn on high beams to retaliate
  3. Stare directly at the oncoming lights
  4. Look toward the right edge of the road and slow down Correct answer.

Explanation

When glare from oncoming high beams affects vision, the driver should look toward the right edge of the road and reduce speed. This helps maintain lane position while avoiding direct glare. Flashing high beams back or speeding up increases danger.

Question 17Driving Safely

What should a school bus driver do when a tire blows out while driving?

  1. Turn sharply to the right to leave the road
  2. Accelerate to keep the bus straight
  3. Brake hard immediately and steer toward the shoulder
  4. Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and slow gradually Correct answer.

Explanation

A blowout can pull the bus to one side, so the driver should grip the wheel firmly and keep it straight while easing off the accelerator. Hard braking or sharp steering can cause a loss of control or a rollover. The bus should slow gradually before pulling off the road.

Question 18Driving Safely

When a school bus is involved in a crash, what is the driver's first priority after securing the scene?

  1. Complete the trip before reporting the crash
  2. Care for injured students and call for emergency help Correct answer.
  3. Move the bus immediately to clear traffic
  4. Exchange insurance information with the other driver

Explanation

After a crash, the driver's first responsibility is the safety of the students, including caring for the injured and summoning emergency medical help. The scene should be made safe, and the crash must be reported according to law. Completing the route comes only after all safety and reporting duties are met.

Question 19Driving Safely

A school bus driver notices smoke coming from the engine compartment. What should the driver do?

  1. Continue to the next stop and check the engine there
  2. Stop safely, evacuate students, and move them away from the bus Correct answer.
  3. Open the engine cover immediately to inspect the source
  4. Speed up to reach the terminal before the fire spreads

Explanation

Smoke may indicate a fire, so the driver should stop in a safe place, evacuate the students, and move them well away from the bus. The fire department should be called. Opening the engine cover can feed oxygen to a fire and cause it to flare up.

Question 20Driving Safely

During an emergency evacuation, where should the driver direct students after they leave the bus?

  1. To the rear bumper of the bus for a head count
  2. To a nearby building without checking for hazards
  3. To a point at least 100 feet away and upwind from the bus Correct answer.
  4. To the opposite side of the road near traffic

Explanation

Students should be moved to a safe assembly point well away from the bus, generally at least 100 feet, and upwind if there is fire or hazardous material. They should be kept away from traffic and the vehicle. The driver then accounts for all students.

Question 21Driving Safely

What is the purpose of a school bus driver's pre-trip inspection?

  1. To clean the interior of the bus
  2. To record the number of students expected that day
  3. To confirm the bus is mechanically safe before carrying students Correct answer.
  4. To check the route schedule against the clock

Explanation

A pre-trip inspection checks brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, emergency equipment, and other safety items before the bus carries students. It helps catch defects that could cause a breakdown or crash. The inspection is a safety requirement, not a cleaning or scheduling task.

Question 22Driving Safely

A school bus driver must stop at a railroad crossing, but the bus ahead has just cleared the tracks. What should the driver do?

  1. Follow the bus ahead across the tracks without stopping
  2. Stop, look, and listen before crossing even though the other bus crossed Correct answer.
  3. Sound the horn and cross without stopping
  4. Wait for a signal from the bus ahead before crossing

Explanation

Each school bus must stop, look, and listen at a railroad crossing independently, even if another bus has just crossed. The tracks may not be clear by the time the second bus arrives. A signal from another driver does not replace the required stop.

Question 23Driving Safely

When a school bus driver is stopped at a red light, what should the driver do to maintain safety?

  1. Keep the foot on the brake and watch mirrors for approaching traffic Correct answer.
  2. Shift into neutral and release the brake
  3. Check the phone for route updates
  4. Open the door to let students off early

Explanation

While stopped at a red light, the driver should keep the brake applied and monitor mirrors for vehicles approaching from behind. This helps prevent being pushed into the intersection. The bus should remain in gear and ready to move safely.

Question 24Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving on a narrow road and a student's stop requires stopping on a curve. What should the driver do?

  1. Position the bus so it is visible to traffic and use warning signals Correct answer.
  2. Wave traffic around the bus without signals
  3. Stop just around the curve so traffic can see the bus late
  4. Stop in the middle of the curve without lights

Explanation

When stopping near a curve, the driver should position the bus so it can be seen by approaching traffic and activate the warning lights and stop arm. Visibility gives other drivers time to slow and stop. Stopping where the bus is hidden increases the risk of a rear-end crash.

Question 25Driving Safely

What should a school bus driver do if a student refuses to stay seated while the bus is moving?

  1. Ignore the behavior and continue the route
  2. Ask another student to restrain the student
  3. Stop the bus safely and address the behavior before continuing Correct answer.
  4. Brake hard to make the student sit down

Explanation

If a student will not stay seated, the driver should stop the bus in a safe place and address the situation before continuing. A moving bus with an unrestrained student is dangerous, and hard braking could injure others. The driver should follow district policy for managing behavior.

Question 26Driving Safely

Before a school bus driver moves the bus from a stop, what is the most important reason to walk to the rear and check behind the bus?

  1. To verify that the stop arm folds back into its stored position
  2. To make sure no students or other people are in the blind spot behind the bus Correct answer.
  3. To check that the rear door is latched tightly
  4. To confirm the bus is not leaking fluids onto the roadway

Explanation

The area directly behind a school bus is a large blind spot that mirrors cannot fully cover, and students often cross or linger there. Walking to the rear before moving lets the driver see people the mirrors miss. This check protects children who may have dropped something or are walking behind the bus.

Question 27Driving Safely

How should a school bus driver normally activate the hazard warning lights?

  1. By turning the headlight switch to the parking light position
  2. By pulling the air pressure valve knob
  3. By pressing the brake pedal twice quickly
  4. With the left hand while the right hand stays on the wheel Correct answer.

Explanation

Hazard lights are switched on with a control reachable by the left hand, which lets the driver keep the right hand on the steering wheel. Keeping a hand on the wheel preserves control if the bus is moving or about to move. Reaching across the dash with the driving hand is unsafe.

Question 28Driving Safely

A school bus driver is backing the bus in a loading zone. What is the safest procedure?

  1. Use a spotter outside the bus and back only when signaled Correct answer.
  2. Sound the horn and back up quickly to clear the area
  3. Open the door and watch the rear tires directly
  4. Rely on the mirrors and back slowly without leaving the seat

Explanation

Backing a school bus should be avoided whenever possible, and when it is necessary a helper outside the bus should guide the driver. The spotter can see areas hidden from the mirrors and can stop the movement. The driver backs only on the spotter's signal and stops immediately if sight of the spotter is lost.

Question 29Driving Safely

When a school bus driver shifts to a lower gear on a long downhill grade, what is the main purpose?

  1. To reduce fuel consumption on the descent
  2. To help control speed and limit reliance on the brakes Correct answer.
  3. To make the steering respond more quickly
  4. To keep the engine coolant at operating temperature

Explanation

Selecting a lower gear before a steep downgrade uses engine braking to hold the bus at a safe speed. This reduces continuous brake use, which can overheat the brakes and cause fading or loss of stopping power. The gear should be chosen before the descent begins, not after speed builds.

Question 30Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving in dense fog. Which lighting choice is best?

  1. Parking lights only to reduce glare
  2. Hazard flashers alone with headlights off
  3. High beam headlights to see farther ahead
  4. Low beam headlights to reduce reflected glare Correct answer.

Explanation

In fog, high beams reflect off the moisture and create glare that reduces visibility. Low beams aim down and forward, lighting the road with less reflection back at the driver. The driver should also slow down and increase following distance when visibility drops.

Question 31Driving Safely

What does a school bus driver do to keep control when driving over a speed bump or rough pavement?

  1. Accelerate to glide over the bump smoothly
  2. Slow down before reaching the bump and cross at reduced speed Correct answer.
  3. Shift to neutral while crossing the bump
  4. Brake hard while the front wheels are on the bump

Explanation

Slowing before the bump lets the suspension absorb the impact and keeps passengers, especially standing or seated students, from being thrown. Braking while on the bump can upset the bus and shift weight abruptly. Crossing at low speed protects the bus and its riders.

Question 32Driving Safely

A school bus driver is about to pass a bicyclist on a two-lane road. What action best protects the rider?

  1. Stay in the lane and crowd past the rider
  2. Move to the left lane and give the rider plenty of clearance Correct answer.
  3. Speed up to pass before oncoming traffic arrives
  4. Pass closely but slowly with the horn sounding

Explanation

Bicyclists can swerve around potholes or debris, so the bus needs a wide buffer. Changing lanes or moving well left gives the rider room to maneuver. If there is not enough room to pass safely, the driver should wait behind the rider.

Question 33Driving Safely

When a school bus driver must drive through a work zone with narrowed lanes, what is the best practice?

  1. Follow the flagger's signals and reduce speed through the zone Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the flagger if the lane appears clear
  3. Increase speed to clear the zone quickly
  4. Maintain the posted speed to keep traffic flowing

Explanation

Work zones have reduced clearances, workers near the road, and changing traffic patterns. The driver should slow down, obey flaggers and posted signs, and be ready to stop. Following the flagger's direction is required even when the lane looks open.

Question 34Driving Safely

A school bus driver is stopped at a stop sign on a hill facing uphill. What should the driver do before releasing the brakes?

  1. Release the brakes and let the bus roll back slightly
  2. Hold the clutch at the friction point and accelerate
  3. Turn the wheels toward the curb and coast forward
  4. Apply the parking brake and check that the way is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

On an uphill start, the bus tends to roll backward when the brakes are released. Setting the parking brake holds the bus while the driver checks traffic and prepares to move. The driver then releases the brake smoothly as power is applied.

Question 35Driving Safely

Why does a school bus driver need extra stopping distance when the bus is fully loaded with students?

  1. The added weight increases the distance needed to stop Correct answer.
  2. Loaded buses have better traction and stop faster
  3. Students shifting in their seats help slow the bus
  4. The engine runs cooler when loaded, improving brakes

Explanation

A bus full of passengers weighs much more than an empty one, and heavier vehicles require more distance to stop. The driver should increase following distance to leave room for the longer stopping distance. This is especially important at highway speeds.

Question 36Driving Safely

What is the correct way for a school bus driver to check that the emergency exits are unobstructed before a trip?

  1. Walk to each exit and confirm it opens and is clear Correct answer.
  2. Check only the front door during the walk-around
  3. Ask a student to report on the exits
  4. Assume the last driver checked them

Explanation

Emergency exits must open freely and be free of stored items or debris. The driver verifies each exit personally during the pre-trip inspection. This ensures students can escape quickly if an evacuation is needed.

Question 37Driving Safely

A school bus driver is following a motorcycle that is signaling a left turn. What should the driver do?

  1. Move to the right to squeeze past
  2. Sound the horn to hurry the turn
  3. Pass on the left before the motorcycle turns
  4. Increase following distance and prepare to stop Correct answer.

Explanation

Motorcycles slow quickly and may need extra time to complete a turn. Hanging back and preparing to stop gives the rider room and protects the bus. Passing a turning motorcycle on the left is dangerous because the rider may swing wide.

Question 38Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving at highway speed and sees a deer standing on the shoulder ahead. What is the best response?

  1. Swerve sharply into the adjacent lane to avoid the deer
  2. Slow down smoothly and be ready to stop for more deer Correct answer.
  3. Maintain speed and sound the horn continuously
  4. Flash the high beams and keep the current speed

Explanation

Deer often travel in groups, so slowing smoothly and preparing to stop is safer than guessing the animal's path. Sharp swerving at highway speed can cause a rollover or a crash with another vehicle. Controlled braking and scanning the roadside are the best responses.

Question 39Driving Safely

A school bus driver is crossing a bridge with a posted weight limit during a snowstorm. What is the safest decision?

  1. Confirm the loaded bus is within the limit and proceed with caution Correct answer.
  2. Stop on the bridge to check the roadway ahead
  3. Cross quickly to reduce time on the bridge
  4. Assume the limit applies only to trucks

Explanation

Weight limits protect structures, and a loaded school bus can be heavier than drivers expect. The driver should confirm the loaded weight is within the posted limit and cross carefully in poor weather. Stopping on a bridge in a storm creates a hazard for following traffic.

Question 40Driving Safely

A school bus driver is driving on an icy road and the rear of the bus begins to skid. What is the correct technique?

  1. Steer in the direction the rear is sliding and ease off the accelerator Correct answer.
  2. Accelerate to pull the bus out of the skid
  3. Turn the wheel sharply opposite the skid
  4. Brake hard and hold the wheel straight

Explanation

When the rear skids, the driver should ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction the rear is sliding to bring the bus back in line. Hard braking or sharp counter-steering can worsen the skid. Smooth inputs on ice are essential because traction is limited.

Question 41Transporting Passengers Safely

Before allowing passengers to board, the school bus driver should do which of the following?

  1. Open the door and let students board while checking mirrors
  2. Stop the bus, set the parking brake, and check that students are orderly and waiting safely Correct answer.
  3. Keep the engine running at high idle to speed loading
  4. Wave students across the road so they board faster

Explanation

Loading requires the bus to be fully secured before the door opens. The driver sets the parking brake, keeps the transmission in neutral or park as required, and observes that students are waiting in an orderly group away from the traffic side. Hurried or disorganized boarding is a leading cause of loading-zone injuries.

Question 42Transporting Passengers Safely

When students must cross the road after getting off the bus, the driver should signal them to cross only after they have done what?

  1. Waited for the bus behind them to pass
  2. Walked around behind the bus
  3. Moved at least ten feet in front of the bus and made eye contact with the driver Correct answer.
  4. Reached the edge of the roadway

Explanation

Students should walk forward along the shoulder until they are well ahead of the bus, roughly ten feet, and look at the driver. The driver then signals with a hand motion that it is safe to cross. This keeps students visible and inside the driver's view at all times.

Question 43Transporting Passengers Safely

A school bus driver's most important job when students are on board is which of the following?

  1. Practicing fuel-saving techniques
  2. Keeping the radio on for dispatch
  3. Managing student behavior and safety Correct answer.
  4. Staying on schedule

Explanation

The safety of students is the driver's first responsibility, and behavior management supports it. A driver who lets students distract attention from the road or move around the bus creates crash risk. Schedule, radio, and fuel considerations are always secondary to passenger safety.

Question 44Transporting Passengers Safely

What is the proper action when a student refuses to stay seated while the bus is moving?

  1. Stop the bus in a safe place and correct the behavior before continuing Correct answer.
  2. Speed up to reach the school sooner
  3. Ask another student to physically restrain the passenger
  4. Continue driving and address it at the next stop

Explanation

A student who is out of a seat while the bus moves is an immediate safety hazard, so the driver pulls over to a safe location and deals with the behavior. Continuing to drive while a passenger is unrestrained risks injury in a sudden stop. Physical restraint by other students is never an acceptable solution.

Question 45Transporting Passengers Safely

Which statement about standing passengers on a school bus is correct?

  1. Standing is permitted if the student holds the seat back
  2. Students should remain seated while the bus is in motion Correct answer.
  3. Students may stand whenever the aisle is clear
  4. Standing is allowed only during field trips

Explanation

School bus seating and compartmentalization are designed for seated passengers. Students should stay seated and facing forward while the bus is moving, with aisles kept clear. Standing passengers have no protection in a crash or sudden stop.

Question 46Transporting Passengers Safely

Where should students wait for the school bus to arrive?

  1. Directly behind the bus stop sign in traffic
  2. At least ten feet off the roadway, in a safe place Correct answer.
  3. On the opposite side of the road from the stop
  4. In the roadway near the curb

Explanation

Students should wait in a safe location well away from traffic, typically at least ten feet off the roadway. Waiting in or near the travel lane exposes them to passing vehicles and to the bus itself during arrival. The driver should also check that the waiting area is orderly before opening the door.

Question 47Transporting Passengers Safely

What should the driver do immediately after students have finished unloading at school?

  1. Leave the door open for late arrivals
  2. Drive away quickly to clear the zone
  3. Sound the horn twice
  4. Walk through the bus to check for sleeping or hidden students Correct answer.

Explanation

After unloading, the driver walks to the back of the bus and checks every seat for students who may have fallen asleep or hidden. Leaving a child on a parked bus can lead to heat illness or worse. The check is required regardless of how routine the trip seemed.

Question 48Transporting Passengers Safely

A school bus driver should report which of the following to the dispatcher?

  1. A mechanical defect or unsafe condition discovered during the pre-trip inspection Correct answer.
  2. A student who arrives late to the stop
  3. A parent who asks about the route schedule
  4. A change in the weather forecast

Explanation

Any defect or unsafe condition found on the bus must be reported so it can be repaired before the vehicle carries passengers. Driving a bus with a known safety defect endangers everyone aboard. Routine schedule questions and weather forecasts are not defect reports.

Question 49Transporting Passengers Safely

While driving with passengers, the driver notices smoke coming from under the dashboard. What is the safest response?

  1. Continue to the next stop and investigate there
  2. Turn on the interior lights and keep driving
  3. Evacuate passengers to a safe distance and notify dispatch Correct answer.
  4. Open the hood while driving to let heat escape

Explanation

Smoke may indicate a fire, so the driver stops in a safe place, evacuates passengers well away from the bus, and reports the emergency. Passengers should be moved to a location protected from traffic. Continuing to drive risks a full vehicle fire with children aboard.

Question 50Transporting Passengers Safely

When is an emergency evacuation of a school bus most clearly required?

  1. When a student asks to leave early
  2. When the heater is too warm
  3. When there is a fire, or the bus is in a dangerous position in traffic Correct answer.
  4. When the bus is running five minutes late

Explanation

Evacuation is justified when staying aboard is more dangerous than leaving, such as a fire or a bus stopped in a hazardous position. In those cases the driver gets students off quickly and moves them to a safe assembly point. Minor comfort or schedule issues never justify evacuation.