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BC Class 2 Bus study materials
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BC Class 2 Bus practice questions

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Question 1Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

At what point must the low air pressure warning device on a bus begin to warn the driver?

  1. Before the gauge drops below 20 psi (138 kPa)
  2. Before the gauge drops below 60 psi (414 kPa) Correct answer.
  3. Only after the spring brakes have applied
  4. When the gauge reads 120 psi (827 kPa)

Explanation

The warning device must activate before reservoir pressure falls below 60 psi (414 kPa), which gives the driver time to stop safely before the spring brakes apply. During the pre-trip inspection you pump the system down with the engine off and confirm that the buzzer and dash light come on at or above that pressure.

Question 2Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

Before driving a bus, how recent must the trip inspection be?

  1. Completed within the previous 7 days
  2. Completed within the 24 hours before the trip Correct answer.
  3. Completed once at the start of each month
  4. Completed within the previous 48 hours

Explanation

A trip inspection must be completed within the 24 hours before the bus is operated, and the signed report must be carried in the vehicle. A report older than 24 hours no longer reflects the vehicle's current condition, so a new inspection is required.

Question 3Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

What is the correct way to check tire inflation pressure during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. Kick the sidewall and listen for a hollow sound
  2. Check the pressure after the first ten kilometres of the trip
  3. Compare the amount of bulge with the tire on the opposite side
  4. Use a calibrated tire pressure gauge on a cold tire Correct answer.

Explanation

Only a calibrated gauge gives an accurate reading, and pressure should be measured when the tire is cold because heat from driving raises pressure. Thumping a tire or judging its bulge cannot reveal a slow leak or an overinflated tire.

Question 4Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

On a single-unit bus, with the system fully charged and the engine off, you hold the brake pedal fully applied for one minute. What maximum pressure loss is allowed?

  1. 4 psi (28 kPa)
  2. 3 psi (21 kPa) Correct answer.
  3. 1 psi (7 kPa)
  4. No loss at all

Explanation

With the reservoir fully charged, the engine off, and the brakes held fully applied for one minute, a single-unit bus may lose no more than 3 psi (21 kPa). A greater loss means the system has a leak that must be located and repaired before the bus carries passengers.

Question 5Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip brake check, the pushrod on one brake chamber travels beyond the adjustment limit marked on the chamber. What is required?

  1. Finish the trip and report it at the end of the day
  2. Record the reading and re-check it at the next inspection
  3. Remove the bus from service until repaired Correct answer.
  4. Pump the brake pedal several times to reset the pushrod

Explanation

Pushrod travel beyond the adjustment limit marked on the brake chamber means the brake is out of adjustment and cannot apply full force. Stopping distance is affected, so the bus must be taken out of service and the brake adjusted or repaired before it carries passengers.

Question 6Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

How often should the manual drain valves on a bus's air reservoirs be opened?

  1. Only when the low pressure warning sounds
  2. Only when the air dryer cartridge is replaced
  3. Once a week
  4. At least once each day the bus is used Correct answer.

Explanation

Water and oil collect in the reservoirs and must be expelled through the manual drain valves at least once each day the vehicle is in service. Moisture left in the system can freeze in cold weather or corrode valves and lines, leading to brake failure.

Question 7Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

While checking the fire extinguisher during the pre-trip inspection, which finding shows the unit is ready for use?

  1. The nozzle is clear but the gauge reads empty
  2. The tank feels heavy when lifted
  3. The gauge needle is in the green range with the safety pin intact Correct answer.
  4. The bracket is secure but the discharge hose is cracked

Explanation

A serviceable extinguisher has its gauge needle in the operable range, its safety pin and seal intact, and is mounted securely within reach of the driver. A broken seal, cracked hose, or empty gauge means the unit may not discharge when it is needed.

Question 8Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

The compressor keeps running and reservoir pressure climbs past the normal cut-out point until the safety valve releases air. Which component is the most likely cause?

  1. A stuck-open reservoir drain valve
  2. A faulty governor Correct answer.
  3. A leaking brake chamber diaphragm
  4. A slack adjuster that is out of adjustment

Explanation

The governor signals the compressor's unloader to stop pumping when cut-out pressure is reached. If pressure keeps climbing until the safety valve relieves, the governor or the signal line to the unloader has failed, and the system must be repaired before the bus is driven.

Question 9Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

You drain the air reservoirs and a large amount of milky, watery fluid comes out. What does this indicate and what should you do?

  1. The reservoirs are overfilled and air must be released before driving
  2. It is normal condensation that will evaporate once the compressor warms up
  3. The safety valve has been releasing air and needs to be replaced before the trip
  4. Excess moisture is entering the system and it must be serviced before use Correct answer.

Explanation

Milky or watery fluid in the reservoirs shows that the air dryer or compressor is passing moisture into the system. Water can freeze in lines or corrode valves and cause brake failure, so the system must be serviced before the bus is used.

Question 10Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

After moving off in the yard, what is the correct way to confirm the service brakes are working before entering traffic?

  1. Pump the pedal three times and then drive normally
  2. Rely on the static air leak test performed before starting the engine
  3. Wait until you reach highway speed and then test the brakes
  4. Apply the brakes firmly at low speed and check that the bus stops smoothly and straight Correct answer.

Explanation

A firm low-speed stop confirms that the brakes apply, release, and hold the bus straight without pulling to one side. Any pull, delay, or unusual noise means the bus must be returned to the yard for repair before it goes into service.

Question 11Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip inspection of a bus, what should you confirm about each emergency exit?

  1. It opens freely and its warning device operates when opened. Correct answer.
  2. It is sealed shut to keep out dust and water.
  3. It is locked with a key to prevent unauthorized use.
  4. It is checked only once a month by a mechanic.

Explanation

Emergency exits must be operable from inside the bus without special tools, and any buzzer or alarm should sound when the exit is opened. A locked, sealed, or neglected exit could trap passengers during an evacuation.

Question 12Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

What is the correct way to check the windshield wipers and washer during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Spray washer fluid on the glass and check only the fluid level.
  2. Check that the blades are present and leave them untested.
  3. Operate wipers and washers and check for clear vision and blade damage. Correct answer.
  4. Test the wipers only if rain is forecast during the trip.

Explanation

You must operate the wipers and washers and watch them clear the windshield while listening for unusual noise. Inspect the blades for cracks, tears, or missing pieces because poor blades smear the glass and reduce visibility in rain.

Question 13Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

When inspecting the wheels of a bus, which condition on the lug nuts requires attention?

  1. Lug nuts that are all the same color.
  2. Lug nuts that show rust streaks or a loose nut. Correct answer.
  3. Lug nuts that are covered by a hubcap.
  4. Lug nuts that have been recently painted.

Explanation

Rust streaks radiating from a lug nut often indicate that the nut has been loose and the fastener has been fretting. Any nut that can be turned by hand or shows movement means the wheel should be checked before the bus is used.

Question 14Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

While checking steering during a pre-trip inspection, what should you do if the steering wheel has excessive free play?

  1. Ignore it because free play increases with bus age.
  2. Adjust the steering box yourself before departure.
  3. Record it and continue the trip if the bus steers normally.
  4. Remove the bus from service and report the defect. Correct answer.

Explanation

Excessive steering free play means the driver can turn the wheel without moving the front wheels, which reduces control and can indicate worn steering components. The bus must be taken out of service and the defect reported for repair.

Question 15Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

With the parking brake applied and the engine running, you place the bus in gear and gently apply power. What should happen?

  1. The bus should creep forward slowly.
  2. The bus should stall immediately.
  3. The bus should move only if the service brake is released.
  4. The bus should not move. Correct answer.

Explanation

The parking brake, usually spring-applied, must hold the bus stationary when you try to drive against it. If the bus moves, the parking brake is not holding and the bus must not be placed in service.

Question 16Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you notice the air dryer purge valve releases moisture when the compressor unloads. What does this indicate?

  1. The air dryer is bypassed and needs repair.
  2. The compressor is pumping oil into the system.
  3. The air dryer is operating normally. Correct answer.
  4. The reservoir drain valves are stuck open.

Explanation

The air dryer collects moisture and expels it through the purge valve each time the compressor reaches cut-out pressure. A short purge of air and water at that moment is normal; constant purging or oil residue would indicate a problem.

Question 17Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During a walk-around inspection, which finding on a brake drum means the bus should be taken out of service?

  1. A drum that is warm to the touch.
  2. A drum that is painted black.
  3. A drum with cracks or deep scoring. Correct answer.
  4. A light coating of road dust on the drum.

Explanation

Cracks or deep scoring in a brake drum weaken it and reduce braking contact, so the wheel must be inspected and repaired before the bus carries passengers. Road dust, paint, and residual warmth are normal and do not by themselves condemn a drum.

Question 18Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

When you turn the ignition on during the pre-trip inspection, what should the ABS warning lamp do?

  1. Come on briefly and then go out. Correct answer.
  2. Remain off at all times.
  3. Flash continuously while the engine runs.
  4. Stay on until the bus reaches 40 km/h.

Explanation

The ABS lamp should illuminate as a bulb check when the ignition is turned on and then go out once the system completes its self-test. If it stays on or comes on while driving, the anti-lock function has a fault and the bus needs service.

Question 19Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

You find the air compressor drive belt cracked and glazed during the pre-trip inspection. Why is this a safety concern?

  1. The belt only drives the alternator, so braking is unaffected.
  2. The belt may slip and reduce air production, affecting braking. Correct answer.
  3. The belt cools the brake drums during heavy use.
  4. The belt controls the parking brake release directly.

Explanation

The compressor belt drives the air compressor, and a glazed or cracked belt can slip or fail, lowering air pressure and reducing braking performance. A bus with a questionable compressor belt should be removed from service until it is replaced.

Question 20Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip air brake check, the compressor builds pressure very slowly and the gauge rises only a few psi per minute. What is the correct action?

  1. Increase engine speed and drive with the gauge monitored.
  2. Remove the bus from service and have the system checked. Correct answer.
  3. Drain the reservoirs and continue if pressure holds.
  4. Continue the trip if the low pressure warning does not sound.

Explanation

Slow pressure build-up means the compressor or its drive is not supplying enough air, and the system may not recover quickly enough during repeated brake use. The bus must be taken out of service and the air system repaired before it is driven.

Question 21Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip inspection you are working alone and need to confirm the brake lights come on. What is an acceptable way to check them?

  1. Back up to a wall or window and watch the reflection Correct answer.
  2. Ask the dispatcher to radio the shop for a test
  3. Rev the engine and listen for the brake light relay
  4. Assume the brake lights work if the turn signals flash

Explanation

Brake lights cannot be verified from the driver's seat without help, so use a reflection from a wall, window or another vehicle behind you. Turn the key on and press the pedal while watching the reflection. This confirms the lamps light with only a light pedal application.

Question 22Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

The engine is at normal operating temperature and the coolant level looks low. What is the correct pre-trip action?

  1. Remove the radiator cap immediately and top up with cold water
  2. Loosen the cap one full turn while the engine idles fast
  3. Pour coolant into the overflow bottle while the engine runs hot
  4. Let the engine cool completely, then remove the cap slowly Correct answer.

Explanation

Coolant is under pressure and can be far hotter than its normal boiling point, so the cap must never be removed on a hot engine. Let the system cool, then remove the cap slowly to release any remaining pressure. Top up to the cold level mark and check for leaks afterwards.

Question 23Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

Besides the fire extinguisher, which emergency equipment must you confirm is on board and serviceable before a trip?

  1. A fire axe and a bucket of sand
  2. Warning triangles and a first aid kit Correct answer.
  3. A spare tire and a jack handle
  4. A tow rope and a spare wheel

Explanation

A bus must carry a serviceable fire extinguisher together with warning devices and a first aid kit, and the driver must confirm each item is present and ready for use. Missing or unserviceable emergency equipment is a defect that must be reported and corrected. Other items may be carried, but they do not replace the required equipment.

Question 24Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

With the engine at fast idle, the air gauge climbs to 120 psi and the compressor stops building pressure. What does this tell you?

  1. The governor cut-out is working normally Correct answer.
  2. The safety valve is stuck open and must be replaced
  3. The compressor is worn and cannot build more pressure
  4. The compressor is cutting out too early and needs adjustment

Explanation

Air brake systems are designed to stop building pressure at the governor cut-out point, which is typically around 105 to 125 psi. Reaching that point and holding steady shows the compressor, governor and unloader are working as intended. Check the manufacturer's specification for the exact cut-out value for your bus.

Question 25Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

With the brakes fully applied, what should the angle between the pushrod and the slack adjuster arm be on an automatic slack adjuster?

  1. About 15 degrees
  2. About 90 degrees Correct answer.
  3. About 135 degrees
  4. About 45 degrees

Explanation

With the brakes applied, the pushrod should sit at roughly a right angle to the slack adjuster arm, which puts the linkage in its strongest position. A noticeably different angle suggests the foundation brake is out of adjustment or the slack adjuster is not adjusting itself. That condition must be corrected before the bus is used.

Question 26Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

With the engine off and the spring brakes released, you fan the brake pedal until the parking brake valve pops out. What does this demonstrate?

  1. The low pressure warning switch has failed
  2. The relay valve is bypassing air to the exhaust
  3. The compressor is building pressure too quickly
  4. The spring brakes apply automatically at low pressure Correct answer.

Explanation

As air pressure falls, the spring brakes are designed to apply automatically so the vehicle stops if air is lost. The parking brake valve popping out and the wheels locking confirms this emergency feature is working. If the springs do not apply at low pressure, the bus must not be driven.

Question 27Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the applied brake check you hear a steady hiss coming from one rear brake chamber. What does this indicate?

  1. A leaking chamber diaphragm that needs repair Correct answer.
  2. Normal operation of the relay valve
  3. Air escaping from the slack adjuster boot as designed
  4. The compressor unloading at cut-out pressure

Explanation

A steady hiss at a brake chamber while the brakes are applied points to a failed diaphragm or a leaking seal in that chamber. That leak reduces braking force at that wheel and will get worse, so the bus must be taken out of service. Normal air brake operation does not produce a continuous hiss at the chamber.

Question 28Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

The rear of the bus sits noticeably lower on one side and you hear a faint hiss near the rear axle with the engine running. What should you do?

  1. Raise the suspension with the level valve and continue
  2. Take the bus out of service for a leaking air bag Correct answer.
  3. Continue driving and note it on tomorrow's report
  4. Ignore it because ride height changes with load

Explanation

Uneven ride height combined with a hiss near the axle is a strong sign of a leaking air spring, which affects stability, braking and clearance. A defect like this makes the bus unsafe to drive. Report it and keep the bus out of service until it is repaired.

Question 29Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

A caging bolt is found screwed into a rear spring brake chamber during your walk-around. Why is this a safety problem?

  1. The chamber will over-pressurize when the compressor cuts in
  2. Caging bolts hold the brake applied and cause drag and fire risk
  3. The bolt increases pushrod travel beyond the legal limit
  4. The spring brake is released and will not hold when parked Correct answer.

Explanation

Caging bolts are used only to mechanically release a spring brake for towing or repair. If one is left in place, the spring cannot apply, so the bus will not hold when parked and loses its emergency braking. The bolt must be removed and the brake checked before the bus is operated.

Question 30Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the air brake pre-trip test at fast idle, how quickly should reservoir pressure build from 85 psi to 100 psi?

  1. Within about 45 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Within about 10 seconds
  3. Within about 3 minutes
  4. Within about 2 minutes

Explanation

A healthy compressor should raise reservoir pressure from 85 to 100 psi in well under a minute at fast idle, typically within about 45 seconds. A much slower build-up points to a worn compressor, a slipping drive belt or a serious leak. The bus should not be dispatched until the cause has been found and corrected.

Question 31Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip air brake check on a bus, you fan the brake pedal with the engine off to reduce reservoir pressure. At what point must the low air pressure warning device activate?

  1. Before the gauge drops below 60 psi Correct answer.
  2. Only once the gauge drops below 30 psi
  3. Only when the parking brake valve pops out
  4. As soon as the gauge falls below 90 psi

Explanation

Air brake systems must warn the driver while there is still enough pressure to stop the bus safely. The low pressure warning light and buzzer must activate before the gauge falls below 60 psi. If the warning only appears at a much lower pressure, the warning system is faulty and the bus cannot be used.

Question 32Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the walk-around, what must you confirm about the exterior mirrors of the bus?

  1. They are folded flat against the body until the trip starts
  2. They are clean, secure and adjusted for a clear view down both sides Correct answer.
  3. They are set so the driver must lean over to use the right mirror
  4. They are adjusted so that only the lane directly behind the bus is visible

Explanation

Mirrors must be clean, unbroken, securely mounted and adjusted so the driver can see along both sides of the bus and to the rear before moving off. A mirror that is cracked, loose or set so that a blind area is hidden is a defect that must be corrected before the trip.

Question 33Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the pre-trip inspection you find a crack in the windshield that runs through the driver's side of the wiper sweep. What is the correct action?

  1. Note it on the inspection report and begin the trip as scheduled
  2. Cover the crack with tape and finish the run before reporting it
  3. Keep the bus out of service until the windshield is repaired or replaced Correct answer.
  4. Turn the bus back only if the crack grows during the trip

Explanation

A crack in the driver's line of sight or inside the wiper sweep obstructs vision and weakens the glass. It is an out-of-service defect, so the windshield must be repaired or replaced before the bus carries passengers.

Question 34Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

While inspecting under the bus you find a flexible brake hose rubbing against the frame, with its outer covering worn away. What should you do?

  1. Wrap the worn area with tape and continue the inspection
  2. Continue, because the inner reinforcement has not yet been exposed
  3. Shorten the hose so that it no longer touches the frame
  4. Remove the bus from service until the hose is repaired or replaced Correct answer.

Explanation

A brake hose that rubs on the frame wears through its cover and can burst under pressure, causing a loss of air in a brake circuit. It must be repaired or rerouted by a qualified person before the bus is used. Taping the hose or leaving it in place is not an acceptable repair.

Question 35Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

Buses with air brakes have a pressure relief (safety) valve on an air reservoir. What is its purpose?

  1. It keeps the front and rear circuits at exactly the same pressure
  2. It vents air if reservoir pressure rises too high Correct answer.
  3. It warns the driver when pressure falls below 60 psi
  4. It drains moisture from the tank each time the compressor cycles

Explanation

The pressure relief valve is a safety device set to vent at roughly 150 psi, which is above normal governor cut-out. It protects the reservoirs and other components if the governor fails and pressure keeps climbing. It must be checked during the pre-trip and must never be plugged.

Question 36Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the walk-around you hear a sharp ticking noise from the engine area and see black soot around an exhaust manifold joint. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. A loose accessory drive belt slipping on its pulley
  2. Air escaping from a leaking brake chamber
  3. Normal expansion of the manifold as the engine warms
  4. An exhaust leak that must be repaired before use Correct answer.

Explanation

Soot tracks and a sharp ticking or hissing sound at a manifold joint point to an exhaust leak. Exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, can enter the passenger compartment, so the leak must be repaired before the bus carries passengers.

Question 37Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

After completing the stationary air brake checks, how should you test the service brakes before starting the route?

  1. Pump the pedal at the curb while watching the pressure gauge
  2. Release the parking brake and see whether the bus rolls at idle
  3. Move off slowly and brake to confirm a firm, straight stop Correct answer.
  4. Apply the brakes hard from highway speed to test full braking

Explanation

Drive the bus slowly in a safe area and apply the service brakes. A firm, straight stop with no pull to one side, no unusual noise and no spongy pedal shows the foundation brakes are working. Any pull or delay in braking means a defect that must be corrected.

Question 38Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

During the walk-around you find a bulge and a cut deep enough to show cord on the sidewall of a front tire. What is required?

  1. Inflate the tire to the pressure stamped on its sidewall
  2. Replace the tire before the bus is placed in service Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the cut as long as the tire still holds air
  4. Reduce speed and monitor the tire during the trip

Explanation

A sidewall bulge or a cut that exposes cord means the structure of the tire is damaged. Such a tire can fail without warning, so it must be replaced before the bus is used. Changing inflation pressure or reducing speed does not make a damaged tire safe.

Question 39Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

With the engine off and the system fully charged, you hold the service brake fully applied for one minute. The gauge falls from 100 psi to 96 psi. How should you interpret this on a single-unit bus?

  1. It is normal, because applying the brakes always loses pressure
  2. It is acceptable as long as the leak slows down during the second minute of the test
  3. The leakage is excessive and the bus must not be operated Correct answer.
  4. It is fine, since 5 psi per minute is allowed

Explanation

With the brakes fully applied, a single-unit air brake system may lose no more than 3 psi in one minute at full pressure. A 4 psi drop exceeds that limit and points to a leak that must be found and repaired before the bus is dispatched.

Question 40Pre-trip inspection, vehicle condition and air brake system checks

On a bus with a dual air brake system, both gauges normally read the same after the compressor cuts out. During your pre-trip, one gauge reads 120 psi and the other holds at 80 psi while the compressor cycles normally. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. The air dryer purging moisture from the wet reservoir
  2. The governor is set to cut in at two different pressures
  3. A leak or fault in one circuit that must be repaired Correct answer.
  4. Normal operation, since the two circuits never equalize

Explanation

In a healthy dual circuit system both circuits are charged to the same pressure and stay equal. One gauge holding 80 psi while the other sits at 120 psi points to a leak or a failed check valve in the low circuit. Braking performance is reduced, so the bus must not be dispatched until it is repaired.

Question 41Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

In good weather on a highway, what following time gap should a bus driver keep behind the vehicle ahead?

  1. Four seconds Correct answer.
  2. One second
  3. Three seconds
  4. Two seconds

Explanation

A heavy vehicle needs much more road to stop than a car, so four seconds is the accepted minimum gap at highway speed in good conditions. The gap should be increased further when the road is wet, visibility is reduced, or the bus is fully loaded.

Question 42Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

On a large bus, which areas form the blind spots a driver must allow for before changing lanes?

  1. Both sides of the bus, widening toward the rear corners and the rear wheels. Correct answer.
  2. The area covered by the convex mirrors mounted on the left side of the bus.
  3. The space directly in front of the front bumper, within about two metres.
  4. A narrow strip directly behind the rear bumper, centred on the tail of the bus.

Explanation

A bus has deep blind areas along both flanks that widen toward the rear corners and alongside the rear wheels, plus a large zone directly behind. Mirrors reduce these zones but never remove them, so a driver must check carefully before any lane change, especially for cyclists and small cars.

Question 43Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

What is the correct technique for taking a loaded bus down a long, steep grade?

  1. Apply the brakes hard at the top of the grade and then coast the rest of the way down.
  2. Keep light, constant pressure on the service brakes for the whole length of the descent, all the way to the bottom.
  3. Shift to neutral and let the bus roll freely down the grade so the engine does not hold it back.
  4. Select a low gear before the descent and use engine braking, with the brakes applied in short bursts. Correct answer.

Explanation

Choosing a low gear at the crest lets engine compression hold the bus back before speed builds up. Continuous light braking overheats the drums or discs and causes fade, after which the service brakes may not slow the vehicle at all.

Question 44Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

You are driving a loaded bus on a rural road and come to a railway crossing with flashing lights but no gate. What is the safest procedure?

  1. Stop short of the rail, open a door or window, listen, and cross when certain it is clear. Correct answer.
  2. Stop only when you can actually see or hear a train approaching the crossing from either direction.
  3. Maintain speed and cross as soon as the lights start flashing, since no train is in sight ahead yet.
  4. Sound the horn and cross without stopping, so that the bus does not hold up traffic behind it.

Explanation

A bus carrying passengers must stop at a railway crossing unless a signal or attendant directs it through, and the driver must have a clear view and hearing before moving off. Opening a door or window lets the driver hear an approaching train over engine and passenger noise.

Question 45Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

You are turning right from a wide street into a narrow one in a 12-metre bus. Which approach keeps the rear wheels clear of the kerb and of cyclists?

  1. Accelerate through the turn so the rear wheels follow the front wheels quickly around the corner.
  2. Slow down, set up wide, check mirrors and blind spot, then turn so the rear wheels clear the kerb. Correct answer.
  3. Keep the bus tight against the right kerb all the way through the turn, so traffic behind has room to pass.
  4. Begin the turn early and cut across the corner, so the bus takes the shortest possible path through it.

Explanation

The rear wheels of a long vehicle track inside the path of the front wheels, so a tight right turn can drag the tail over the kerb or into a cyclist. Setting up from a wider position and turning later keeps the rear wheels clear, provided the mirrors and blind spot are checked first.

Question 46Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

While your bus is moving in traffic, several passengers stand up and walk in the aisle. What should you do?

  1. Speed up so the bus reaches the next stop sooner, where they can sit down and settle in.
  2. Continue at the same speed; adult passengers are responsible for their own safety while the bus is moving.
  3. Brake firmly enough to make them return to their seats immediately, before anyone is hurt by the movement.
  4. Ask them over the PA to sit or hold a handrail; if it continues, pull over at the next safe place. Correct answer.

Explanation

A driver's first duty is to avoid sudden inputs that can throw standing passengers, so the response is a calm request followed by a controlled stop in a safe place if the behaviour continues. Harsh braking or speeding up to solve a passenger problem creates the very collision risk the driver is trying to avoid.

Question 47Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

At highway speed on a wet road, your bus feels light and the steering goes vague as the tyres lose contact with the surface. What is the correct response?

  1. Accelerate gently to push the water out from under the tyres and restore contact with the road.
  2. Steer briskly toward the shoulder to get the tyres onto a drier, rougher surface.
  3. Ease off the accelerator, hold the steering steady, and wait for the tyres to regain grip before correcting. Correct answer.
  4. Brake firmly to slow the bus before it can slide any further across the wet surface of the road.

Explanation

When tyres hydroplane they ride on a film of water with little or no grip, so hard braking or sharp steering can trigger a spin. Reducing power lets the bus slow gradually until the tread bites again, after which gentle corrections are safe.

Question 48Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

During your pre-trip inspection, the low air-pressure warning fails to sound when you bleed the system down. What should you do?

  1. Take the bus out of service, report the defect, and do not drive it until the warning system is repaired. Correct answer.
  2. Pump the brake pedal several times and treat the warning as optional, since the bus still stops normally.
  3. Continue the trip and have the warning checked at the next scheduled service interval.
  4. Record the defect on the trip sheet and carry on with the trip, because the gauge still shows normal air pressure.

Explanation

The low-pressure warning is a required safety device that alerts the driver to an air loss before braking performance is affected, so a failed warning makes the bus unserviceable. Defects that affect the braking system must be repaired and the vehicle kept out of service, not merely noted.

Question 49Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

On a cold morning the rear end of your bus starts to slide sideways as you cross a shaded bridge deck. What is the best immediate action?

  1. Steer sharply the opposite way and brake hard to bring the slide under control quickly.
  2. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly toward where you want the front of the bus to go. Correct answer.
  3. Apply the brakes firmly and hold the wheel straight ahead until the sliding stops.
  4. Accelerate gently so the rear tyres pull the bus straight again on the ice.

Explanation

A rear-wheel skid is corrected by reducing power and steering where you want the front of the vehicle to point, which brings the bus back into line with its direction of travel. Hard braking or abrupt corrections on ice usually provoke a spin or a jackknife instead of stopping the slide.

Question 50Safe and defensive driving of buses and large commercial vehicles

Why does a loaded bus roll over more readily than a car when it enters a curve too fast?

  1. Because its tyres have a larger contact patch, which increases the grip available to it in a turn.
  2. Because its high centre of gravity lets the sideways force in a turn load the outer wheels until they lift. Correct answer.
  3. Because the brakes of a fully loaded bus are less effective at high speed than those of an ordinary passenger car.
  4. Because its steering ratio is slower, so the driver cannot correct the path quickly enough.

Explanation

Passengers and luggage ride well above the road, so sideways force in a curve creates a large overturning moment about the outer wheels. Once that moment exceeds the weight holding the tyres down, the bus tips before the tyres lose grip, which is why entry speed must be set before the curve.