Ontario Class C Bus flashcards

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

Bus following distance

In good conditions a bus should follow at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Add one second for each adverse factor such as rain, darkness, or heavy load.

Off-tracking

The tendency of a bus's rear wheels to follow a path inside the front wheels during a turn. Drivers must swing wide enough to keep the rear wheels clear of curbs.

Stopping distance formula

Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. Braking distance increases with the square of speed, so doubling speed quadruples braking distance.

School bus red lights

On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with alternating red lights flashing and stop arm extended. On a divided highway, only traffic behind must stop.

Railway crossing stop

A bus carrying passengers must stop at a railway crossing with a stop sign, flashing lights, or gate, open a door or window to listen, and proceed only when safe.

Uncontrolled intersection rule

At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle on the right. A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.

Daily inspection items

The daily bus inspection covers service and parking brakes, steering, lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, mirrors, horn, wipers, exhaust, emergency exits, and passenger seats.

Low air pressure warning

The low-pressure warning must activate before air brake pressure falls below 60 psi. Pressure should build from about 85 to 100 psi within the manufacturer's specified time.

Tire tread minimums

Front steer tires on a bus typically need at least 3 mm (4/32 in) of tread; other positions need at least 1.5 mm (2/32 in). Check for cuts, bulges, and exposed cord.

Rust streaks on lug nuts

Rust streaks radiating from lug nuts can indicate loose or moving nuts. The wheel must be checked and the bus taken out of service until the condition is resolved.

Required emergency equipment

A bus must carry a charged fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, warning triangles or flares, and any required emergency tool. All must be present and functional before departure.

Crossover mirror purpose

The crossover mirror lets the driver see the area directly in front of the bus, including students crossing. It must be clean and correctly aimed before departure.

Pre-trip sequence

Inspect the exterior with a walk-around, check under-hood fluids and belts, then perform in-cab checks of gauges, controls, lights, horn, and brakes before moving the bus.

Major versus minor defect

A major defect such as faulty brakes, steering, tires, night lights, or emergency exits grounds the bus. A minor defect is recorded and reported but may not prevent operation.

Defect reporting duty

Every defect found must be recorded on the daily inspection report with date, vehicle number, description, and driver signature, and reported to the operator before the next trip.

Pre-trip brake test

With the parking brake released, apply and hold the service brake to check for air loss, then test the parking brake by attempting to move slowly and confirming it holds.

Emergency exit verification

Each emergency exit must open freely from inside, the exit alarm must sound where equipped, and the exit must be unobstructed by seats, luggage, or equipment.

Standing passenger rule

Passengers must remain seated while the bus moves. Standees are allowed only on buses designed and licensed for standing, with handholds provided.

School bus danger zone

The danger zone extends about 3 metres (10 feet) around a school bus in all directions. Students must be able to see the driver and be seen before crossing.

Wheelchair securement

A mobility device must be secured with the wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint system. The bus must not move until the securement is checked by the driver.

Aisle clearance rule

Aisles, stairwells, and emergency exits must be kept clear of baggage, strollers, and equipment at all times so that evacuation is never blocked.

Loading sequence

Stop the bus fully, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and only then open the door to load passengers.

Student crossing procedure

Students must cross at least 3 metres (10 feet) in front of the bus, never behind it, and only after the driver signals that traffic has stopped in both directions.

Left-behind passenger check

The driver counts passengers off and on at each stop and checks under seats and in the aisle for sleeping or left-behind passengers before leaving the unloading point.

Backing to load

When backing to load or unload, a spotter must guide the bus. Without a spotter, the driver must walk the area to confirm it is clear before reversing.

Evacuation decision

Evacuate only for fire, smoke, a fuel leak, an unsafe position in traffic, or another immediate hazard. Otherwise keep passengers aboard and call for help.

Fire evacuation distance

Pull over, shut off the engine, evacuate upwind and uphill, and keep passengers at least 30 metres (100 feet) from the bus before calling emergency services.

Extinguisher PASS method

Pull the pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side. Use only on small fires and never re-enter a burning bus.

Collision reporting duty

After a collision, stop, protect the scene, check for injuries, call emergency services, exchange information, and report to the operator as required by law.

Class C licence scope

In Ontario, a Class C licence permits driving a bus designed to carry 24 or more passengers, or a school bus, with the appropriate endorsements and medical fitness.

Baggage securement

Cargo and baggage must be secured so they cannot shift, block an aisle, cover an exit, or obstruct the driver's view or control of the bus.

Daily log requirement

A driver must carry a daily log or use an electronic logging device where required, record duty status changes, and retain records for the prescribed period.