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Colorado CDL School Bus endorsement foundations study materials
Colorado CDL School Bus endorsement foundations study resources

Colorado CDL School Bus endorsement foundations practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Colorado CDL School Bus endorsement foundations understanding.

First 50 of 190 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1Danger zones, mirrors and student location

In the Colorado CDL manual, what is the school bus danger zone?

  1. The area on all sides of the bus where children are most at risk of being hit Correct answer.
  2. Only the lane directly behind the bus
  3. Only the sidewalk area where students wait
  4. The driver's compartment and front stepwell

Explanation

The danger zone is the area around the school bus where children are most likely to be struck by another vehicle or by the bus itself. Colorado's school bus section treats this area as a constant concern during stops, mirror checks, turns, and departures. Drivers must know where children can disappear from direct view.

Question 2Danger zones, mirrors and student location

Why does the Colorado manual always treat the left side of a school bus as dangerous?

  1. Because passing cars may be moving along that side Correct answer.
  2. Because the service door is on the left side
  3. Because mirrors cannot show the left side at all
  4. Because students are required to exit on the left side

Explanation

The left side is always considered dangerous because passing traffic may move along that side of the bus. Students and drivers can both misjudge how quickly a vehicle is approaching. This is one reason mirror checks and traffic control at stops are so important.

Question 3Danger zones, mirrors and student location

What is a key caution when using school bus convex mirrors?

  1. They make people and objects appear with size and distance that are not exact Correct answer.
  2. They are used only to watch students inside the bus
  3. They should replace flat mirrors on high-speed roads
  4. They show only the area directly behind the rear bumper

Explanation

Convex mirrors give a wide-angle view of the sides of the bus, traffic, clearances, and students. The tradeoff is that people and objects do not appear at true size or distance. A driver should use them as part of a full mirror sequence rather than as the only source of judgment.

Question 4Danger zones, mirrors and student location

What are school bus crossover mirrors primarily used to see?

  1. Passenger activity inside the bus
  2. The front bumper danger zone, front wheel areas, service door area, and nearby side danger zones Correct answer.
  3. Only traffic 200 feet behind the bus
  4. Only the rear emergency door

Explanation

Crossover mirrors are mounted at the front corners of the bus and are used during loading and unloading. They show the front bumper danger zone that is not visible by direct vision, plus the front wheel and service door areas. Their view must overlap with direct vision so the driver can detect children or objects close to the bus.

Question 5Danger zones, mirrors and student location

What is the main purpose of the overhead inside rearview mirror on a school bus?

  1. To monitor passenger activity inside the bus Correct answer.
  2. To judge the distance of passing cars on the left
  3. To replace all exterior mirror checks
  4. To check the rear tires touching the ground

Explanation

The overhead inside rearview mirror is used to monitor student and passenger activity inside the bus. It should be adjusted so the driver can see all students, including the heads of students seated right behind the driver. It may have limited rear visibility, but it does not replace exterior mirrors.

Question 6Danger zones, mirrors and student location

When should a school bus driver check mirror adjustment?

  1. Only after a student reports a problem
  2. Before operating the school bus Correct answer.
  3. Only during the post-trip walk-through
  4. Only when backing

Explanation

Colorado's manual says drivers should check each mirror before operating the school bus to obtain the maximum viewing area. If the viewing area is not correct, the mirrors should be adjusted before the bus is placed in service. Proper mirror adjustment is a prevention step, not a reaction after a close call.

Question 7Danger zones, mirrors and student location

A child disappears from view near the front bumper during loading. Which mirror system is designed to help check that front danger-zone area?

  1. Overhead inside rearview mirror
  2. Crossover mirrors Correct answer.
  3. Rear emergency door glass only
  4. Sun visor mirror

Explanation

Crossover mirrors are designed to show the front bumper danger zone and the areas near the front wheels and service door. They are especially important during loading and unloading because children can be hidden from direct view near the front of the bus. The driver should still use a logical sequence of all mirrors.

Question 8Danger zones, mirrors and student location

A driver sees a student in a convex mirror and thinks the student is farther away than they really are. What is the correct response?

  1. Ignore the convex mirror because it is not useful
  2. Use extra caution because convex mirrors distort apparent size and distance Correct answer.
  3. Move the bus because convex mirrors always exaggerate danger
  4. Use only the inside mirror instead

Explanation

Convex mirrors are useful because they provide a wide-angle view of the bus sides and nearby danger zones. However, Colorado's manual warns that they do not accurately reflect size and distance. The driver should use them cautiously with flat mirrors, crossover mirrors, and direct vision.

Question 9Danger zones, mirrors and student location

Why should the driver use exterior side mirrors even if the inside rearview mirror provides some rear visibility?

  1. The inside mirror is only decorative
  2. The inside mirror may have a large rear blind area, so exterior mirrors are needed for traffic behind and beside the bus Correct answer.
  3. Exterior mirrors are needed only in bad weather
  4. The inside mirror is illegal on school buses

Explanation

The inside rearview mirror mainly monitors passenger activity. Colorado's manual notes that it may provide limited rear visibility, but it also has blind areas behind the driver and behind the bus. Exterior side mirrors are needed to monitor traffic that approaches and enters those areas.

Question 10Colorado loading and unloading foundations

At each school bus stop, what should the driver do with the transmission and parking brake?

  1. Leave the bus in Drive and hold the service brake only
  2. Place the transmission in Park, or Neutral if there is no Park position, and set the parking brake Correct answer.
  3. Shift to reverse so the backup alarm reminds students to stay clear
  4. Leave the transmission in gear and open the service door immediately

Explanation

Colorado's stop procedure says to place the transmission in Park, or Neutral if there is no Park shift point, and set the parking brake at each stop. This keeps the bus secured while students are moving near it. The bus should not rely on the driver's foot brake alone during loading or unloading.

Question 11Colorado loading and unloading foundations

When should students board the school bus during route loading?

  1. As soon as they see the bus
  2. Only when signaled by the driver Correct answer.
  3. Whenever traffic behind the bus starts to slow
  4. Before the bus has fully stopped

Explanation

Students should wait in the designated location and board only when the driver signals them to do so. The driver must first complete the safe stop, check traffic, activate required warning devices, and confirm the danger zones. This keeps students from entering traffic or the danger zone too early.

Question 12Colorado loading and unloading foundations

During loading, how should students board the bus?

  1. Slowly, single file, using the handrail Correct answer.
  2. Two at a time to reduce traffic delay
  3. Only through the rear emergency door
  4. Only after placing backpacks in the roadway

Explanation

The Colorado procedure says students should board slowly, in single file, and use the handrail. The dome light should be on while loading in the dark. This reduces falls, handrail hang-ups, and confusion at the service door.

Question 13Colorado loading and unloading foundations

Before moving after loading students, what should the driver confirm?

  1. That students are seated and facing forward Correct answer.
  2. That students are standing in the stairwell
  3. That the red lights remain on while the bus re-enters traffic
  4. That the door is open for ventilation

Explanation

The manual directs the driver to wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. This reduces injury risk from sudden movement and keeps aisles clear. The driver then completes the departure sequence and mirror checks before re-entering traffic.

Question 14Colorado loading and unloading foundations

If a student outside the bus cannot be accounted for during loading, what should the driver do?

  1. Move the bus slowly and check mirrors again
  2. Ask another student to look under the bus while the engine runs
  3. Secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus Correct answer.
  4. Close the door and continue the route

Explanation

Colorado's loading procedure says that if a student outside cannot be accounted for, the driver must secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus. A missing student may be in a blind area or under the bus. Moving before accounting for the student is one of the highest-risk mistakes a school bus driver can make.

Question 15Colorado loading and unloading foundations

What should students be told to do if they drop an object near the school bus?

  1. Leave it, move to a safe point outside the danger zones, and get the driver's attention Correct answer.
  2. Run under the bus before the driver moves
  3. Ask another student to retrieve it from under the bus
  4. Pick it up quickly before traffic starts moving

Explanation

The manual warns that dropped or forgotten objects can cause students to disappear from the driver's sight at a dangerous moment. Students should leave the object, move to a point of safety out of the danger zones, and get the driver's attention. The driver controls when and how the object can be retrieved safely.

Question 16Colorado loading and unloading foundations

Before opening the service door at a school bus stop, what must the driver verify?

  1. That all traffic has stopped and it is safe to signal students Correct answer.
  2. That the bus is still moving slowly
  3. That students have already started crossing
  4. That the left turn signal is on

Explanation

After stopping and activating the red warning lights and stop arm, the driver must make a final check that all traffic has stopped. Only then should the driver completely open the door and signal students to approach. Opening the door too early can release students into an uncontrolled traffic situation.

Question 17Colorado loading and unloading foundations

During school-campus loading, what should the driver do if leaving the driver's compartment?

  1. Leave the engine running and the key in place
  2. Turn off the ignition and remove the key Correct answer.
  3. Ask a student to hold the brake pedal
  4. Keep the transmission in Drive

Explanation

For loading at a school campus, Colorado's manual says to turn off the ignition and remove the key if leaving the driver's compartment. The driver should position themselves to supervise loading as required or recommended locally. A school bus must be secured before the driver leaves the seat.

Question 18Colorado loading and unloading foundations

Why does Colorado's route unloading procedure require counting students as they unload?

  1. To confirm the location of all students before pulling away Correct answer.
  2. To calculate the driver's route pay
  3. To decide whether the red lights can be skipped
  4. To replace mirror checks

Explanation

Counting students while unloading helps the driver confirm where all students are before moving. It is especially important because children can move back toward the bus, drop objects, or disappear into blind spots. The count supplements mirror checks rather than replacing them.

Question 19Colorado loading and unloading foundations

A driver missed a student's unloading stop. What does the Colorado manual say about backing up?

  1. Back up only if the student asks
  2. Do not back up; follow local procedures Correct answer.
  3. Back up with the red lights flashing
  4. Back up only if no cars are behind the bus

Explanation

The Colorado school bus section specifically notes that if a student's unloading stop is missed, the driver should not back up. The driver should follow local procedures instead. Backing near students or stops creates a high risk of striking a child in a blind spot.

Question 20Colorado loading and unloading foundations

When students reach the edge of the roadway before crossing, what should they do?

  1. Stop, look in all directions, confirm it is safe, check that red lights are still flashing, and wait for the driver's signal Correct answer.
  2. Run immediately while the bus blocks traffic
  3. Wave traffic around the bus
  4. Cross only after the driver closes the service door

Explanation

Colorado's procedure says students should stop at the edge of the roadway, look in all directions, check that the red lights are still flashing, and wait for the driver's signal. The driver must control the crossing rather than assume traffic will obey. Students should continue looking while crossing.

Question 21Colorado loading and unloading foundations

What is the correct driver response to handrail hang-up risk during unloading?

  1. Observe students closely as they exit and confirm they are in a safe location before moving Correct answer.
  2. Close the door quickly to keep traffic moving
  3. Assume loose clothing will free itself
  4. Move the bus slightly to shake the item loose

Explanation

The manual warns that students have been injured or killed when clothing, accessories, or body parts became caught in the handrail or door. The driver must watch students exit and confirm they are safely away before moving. Rushing the door or moving the bus can turn a hang-up into a severe injury.

Question 22Colorado loading and unloading foundations

Which Colorado CDL manual statement about school bus stops is accurate?

  1. Each school district establishes official routes and official school bus stops Correct answer.
  2. Each driver may relocate stops whenever traffic is heavy
  3. Students choose the stop location each morning
  4. Official stops are unnecessary if the bus has red lights

Explanation

The Colorado manual states that each school district establishes official routes and official school bus stops. Stop locations should consider visibility, lateral clearance, student access, and control of other motorists. A route operator should not relocate a student stop without supervisor approval except under specified emergency procedures.

Question 23Colorado loading and unloading foundations

A student drops a phone just under the right front corner of the bus and starts to bend down for it. What is the safest instruction?

  1. Pick it up quickly before the driver turns off the red lights
  2. Leave the phone, move to a safe place outside the danger zone, and get the driver's attention Correct answer.
  3. Ask another student to crawl under the bus
  4. Stand directly in front of the bumper and point at it

Explanation

Dropped objects near the bus can cause a child to disappear from the driver's sight at a dangerous moment. Colorado's manual says students should leave the object, move out of the danger zones, and get the driver's attention. The driver can then control retrieval safely.

Question 24Colorado loading and unloading foundations

After unloading, the count shows one student is missing and the driver cannot see the student in any mirror. What should happen before the bus moves?

  1. Move a few feet to improve the mirror angle
  2. Secure the bus and check around and underneath it Correct answer.
  3. Ask the remaining students to vote on where the missing student went
  4. Continue because the student probably went home

Explanation

If a student outside the bus cannot be accounted for, the driver must secure the bus and check around and underneath it. A missing student may be in a blind spot or close to the bus. Moving the bus to improve the view can create the exact collision the rule is designed to prevent.

Question 25Colorado loading and unloading foundations

At a stop, traffic behind the bus is still rolling forward even though the red warning lights are about to be activated. What is the safest door and student-signal decision?

  1. Open the door so the red lights activate sooner
  2. Make a final traffic check and do not open the door or signal students until traffic has stopped and it is safe Correct answer.
  3. Signal students to run because traffic is slowing
  4. Cancel the stop and unload at the next intersection without checking

Explanation

The driver must make a final check to see that all traffic has stopped before completely opening the door and signaling students. Rolling traffic creates a direct threat to students entering or crossing the roadway. The door and student signal should not be used until the stop is controlled.

Question 26Colorado loading and unloading foundations

A route operator wants to move a stop one block to make the route faster. What is the correct Colorado-based answer?

  1. The driver may relocate any stop for efficiency
  2. The driver should not relocate a student stop without supervisor approval, except under specified emergency procedures Correct answer.
  3. Students may vote on the new stop
  4. The stop can be moved if the bus has crossover mirrors

Explanation

Colorado's manual says each school district establishes official routes and official school bus stops. The route operator should not relocate a student stop without supervisor approval. Emergency relocation procedures are specified by the supervisor, not improvised for convenience.

Question 27Colorado loading and unloading foundations

A school bus has no Park shift position. At a student stop, what transmission and brake setup follows the Colorado procedure?

  1. Neutral with the parking brake set Correct answer.
  2. Drive with the service brake held
  3. Reverse with the parking brake off
  4. Any gear, as long as red lights are flashing

Explanation

Colorado's stop procedure says to place the transmission in Park, or if there is no Park shift point, in Neutral and set the parking brake. The bus must be secured before students board or leave. Warning lights do not substitute for securing the vehicle.

Question 28Bus inspection and brake information

What should a Colorado school bus driver do after unloading at school before leaving the area?

  1. Walk through the bus and check for hiding or sleeping students and items left behind Correct answer.
  2. Skip the interior check because school staff are nearby
  3. Back away immediately to clear the lane
  4. Turn off all mirrors to avoid distraction

Explanation

After unloading at school, the driver should walk through the bus and check for hiding or sleeping students and items left by students. The driver should also check mirrors to make sure no students are returning to the bus. This is a direct child-safety step, not a courtesy inspection.

Question 29Bus inspection and brake information

What is the purpose of a school bus post-trip inspection?

  1. To look for students, items left behind, open windows or doors, bus problems, and damage Correct answer.
  2. To replace the next pre-trip inspection
  3. To decide whether students may sit near the driver tomorrow
  4. To avoid reporting mechanical problems

Explanation

After a route or activity trip, the driver should walk through and around the bus. The inspection looks for articles left on the bus, sleeping students, open windows and doors, mechanical or operational problems, school-bus-specific equipment problems, and damage or vandalism. Problems or special situations should be reported immediately.

Question 30Bus inspection and brake information

When is backing a school bus allowed under the Colorado school bus guidance?

  1. Whenever it saves route time
  2. Only when there is no other safe way to move the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Whenever students are outside to watch
  4. At every missed stop

Explanation

Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged and should be done only when there is no other safe way to move the vehicle. Colorado's manual also says never to back a school bus when students are outside the bus. Backing increases collision risk and requires strict control.

Question 31Bus inspection and brake information

What does ABS help a school bus driver do during hard braking?

  1. Avoid wheel lockup and maintain steering control Correct answer.
  2. Stop faster in every situation
  3. Drive faster in poor weather
  4. Ignore brake maintenance

Explanation

ABS helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, which helps the driver maintain steering control. It may or may not shorten stopping distance. ABS is an add-on to normal brakes, not permission to drive faster or maintain poor brakes.

Question 32Bus inspection and brake information

What should a school bus driver inspect in addition to ordinary emergency equipment?

  1. Emergency kit, body fluid cleanup kit, and school-bus lighting indicators Correct answer.
  2. Only a spare tire and jack
  3. Only a CB radio and route map
  4. Only the fare box

Explanation

Colorado's vehicle inspection material includes the usual emergency equipment and school-bus-specific items. School bus drivers must inspect the emergency kit, body fluid cleanup kit, and lighting indicators such as amber, red, and strobe indicators when equipped. These items support student safety and emergency response.

Question 33Bus inspection and brake information

Which school-bus-specific exterior lights or devices should be checked during inspection?

  1. Strobe light if equipped, stop arm light if equipped, and alternating amber and red flashing lights Correct answer.
  2. Only the headlights
  3. Only the backup lights
  4. Only decorative roof marker lights

Explanation

School bus drivers must check exterior school-bus warning devices in addition to regular lights and reflectors. The Colorado inspection material includes the strobe light if equipped, stop arm light if equipped, alternating amber lights if equipped, and alternating red lights on the front and back. A failed warning device can make student stops unsafe.

Question 34Bus inspection and brake information

What should be done with problems found during a school bus post-trip inspection?

  1. Report them immediately to the supervisor or school authorities Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next monthly inspection
  3. Record only cosmetic damage
  4. Tell students to remind the next driver

Explanation

Colorado's post-trip procedure says problems or special situations should be reported immediately to the supervisor or school authorities. This includes mechanical issues, operational problems, vandalism, or student-related concerns. Delayed reporting can leave an unsafe bus in service.

Question 35Bus inspection and brake information

What is the correct ABS braking technique in an emergency stop on an ABS-equipped school bus?

  1. Pump the brakes rapidly
  2. Brake the same way as normal, using only the force necessary to stop safely and stay in control Correct answer.
  3. Turn off the ABS before braking
  4. Release the steering wheel and let ABS steer

Explanation

Colorado's manual says to brake the same way whether or not the bus has ABS, using only the braking force necessary to stop safely and maintain control. In emergency braking on a bus with ABS, do not pump the brakes. ABS can help preserve steering control, but the driver must still steer and manage speed.

Question 36Bus inspection and brake information

If the yellow ABS malfunction lamp stays on after the bulb check, what should the driver understand?

  1. The bus has no regular brakes
  2. ABS control may be lost at one or more wheels, but regular brakes remain and the system should be serviced soon Correct answer.
  3. The bus can be driven faster because ABS is active
  4. The lamp means the parking brake is set

Explanation

Colorado's manual says that if the ABS lamp stays on after the bulb check or comes on underway, ABS control may be lost at one or more wheels. Regular brakes still function, so the driver should drive normally but get the system serviced soon. The warning does not authorize careless operation.

Question 37Bus inspection and brake information

When should a roof-mounted white strobe light be used if the bus is equipped with one?

  1. Whenever visibility is limited, subject to state or local regulations Correct answer.
  2. Only when students are standing
  3. Only as a substitute for red warning lights
  4. Only when parked overnight

Explanation

Colorado's manual says a roof-mounted white strobe should be used when visibility is limited, if the bus is equipped with one. Limited visibility can mean difficulty seeing in front, behind, or beside the bus. The driver must still obey applicable state or local rules for strobe use.

Question 38Bus inspection and brake information

What is the recommended response when a school bus is caught in strong winds?

  1. Speed up to reduce the time in the wind
  2. Keep a strong grip, anticipate gusts, slow down or pull off and wait, and contact dispatch for guidance Correct answer.
  3. Open all windows so wind passes through
  4. Drive closer to other vehicles for protection

Explanation

Colorado's manual warns that the side of a school bus acts like a sail in strong winds. The driver should grip the wheel, anticipate gusts, slow down or pull off and wait, and contact dispatch for more information. Speeding or crowding other vehicles increases the hazard.

Question 39Bus inspection and brake information

If a school bus must back and a lookout is posted, what is the lookout's job?

  1. Warn the driver about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles Correct answer.
  2. Tell the driver exactly how to steer
  3. Stand behind the bus where the driver cannot see them
  4. Stop traffic by walking into the travel lane

Explanation

Colorado's backing procedure says the lookout's purpose is to warn the driver about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. The lookout should not give directions on how to back the bus. The driver remains responsible for vehicle control and mirror checks.

Question 40Bus inspection and brake information

If no lookout is available and the bus must be backed, what should the driver do before backing?

  1. Set the parking brake, turn off the motor, take the keys, and walk to the rear to check whether the way is clear Correct answer.
  2. Back quickly before anyone approaches
  3. Rely only on the horn
  4. Ask students to look out the rear windows while seated

Explanation

Colorado's manual gives a specific procedure when no lookout is available. The driver should secure the bus, take the keys, and personally walk to the rear to determine whether the way is clear. This check is necessary because mirrors cannot show every backing hazard.

Question 41Bus inspection and brake information

At a student pickup point where backing is unavoidable, when should students be picked up?

  1. After backing is complete
  2. Before backing, while watching for latecomers Correct answer.
  3. Only after the driver honks twice
  4. Only after students stand behind the bus

Explanation

Colorado's backing guidance says that if backing at a student pickup point is unavoidable, the driver should pick up students before backing and watch for latecomers. All students should be in the bus before backing. This prevents students from standing in or entering the backing path.

Question 42Bus inspection and brake information

A driver notices the ABS lamp is on but the regular brakes feel normal. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. ABS may not be functioning, regular brakes can still work, and the system should be serviced soon Correct answer.
  2. The driver should pump the brakes at every stop
  3. The bus cannot steer at all
  4. ABS will now shorten every stop

Explanation

If the ABS lamp stays on or comes on while driving, ABS control may be lost at one or more wheels. Colorado's manual says regular brakes still function, so the driver should drive normally and get the system serviced soon. The lamp is not permission to change to unsafe braking habits.

Question 43Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

Which situation requires mandatory evacuation of a school bus?

  1. The bus is on fire or there is a threat of fire Correct answer.
  2. A student forgot a backpack
  3. Traffic behind the bus is impatient
  4. The bus is running late

Explanation

Colorado's school bus section lists fire or threat of fire as a mandatory evacuation condition. Fire can spread quickly and trap passengers if the driver delays. Routine delays or forgotten items do not justify exposing students to unnecessary evacuation risk.

Question 44Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

What is a passive railroad-highway crossing?

  1. A crossing without an active traffic control device Correct answer.
  2. A crossing with gates, flashing lights, and bells
  3. A crossing where school buses never stop
  4. A crossing that can be ignored when no train horn is heard

Explanation

A passive crossing does not have an active traffic control device such as flashing lights or gates. The driver must recognize the crossing, stop, search for trains, and decide whether there is enough clear space to cross safely. Passive crossings demand extra caution because the decision rests heavily on the driver.

Question 45Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

When railroad crossing gates remain down after a train passes, what should a school bus driver do?

  1. Drive around the gate if no train is visible
  2. Ask students to lift the gate
  3. Wait and call the dispatcher for instructions Correct answer.
  4. Back away across the traffic lane

Explanation

The Colorado manual says not to drive around a railroad gate if it stays down after the train passes. The driver should call the dispatcher and get instructions. Driving around a gate assumes the device is wrong and ignores the possibility of another train or a malfunctioning crossing.

Question 46Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

What should a driver do if the school bus is stalled or trapped on railroad tracks?

  1. Keep everyone seated until a tow truck arrives
  2. Get everyone out and off the tracks immediately, moving away from the tracks and toward the train at an angle Correct answer.
  3. Try to restart the bus until the train is close
  4. Ask students to push the bus

Explanation

If a school bus stalls or is trapped on tracks, everyone must be evacuated immediately. The safe movement is away from the tracks and toward the approaching train at an angle so debris is less likely to strike the group. Waiting on the bus is not acceptable when a train hazard exists.

Question 47Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

Which evacuation decision best matches Colorado guidance?

  1. Evacuate whenever students are noisy
  2. Keep students on the bus if doing so is safer and does not expose them to unnecessary risk Correct answer.
  3. Always evacuate before calling dispatch
  4. Never evacuate unless a police officer orders it

Explanation

Colorado's manual says student safety and control are generally best maintained by keeping students on the bus if it does not expose them to unnecessary risk or injury. The decision to evacuate must be timely and based on the hazard. Fire, railroad-track danger, imminent collision, and certain hazardous materials situations can make evacuation mandatory.

Question 48Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

Which condition is listed as a mandatory school bus evacuation?

  1. A student asks to change seats
  2. The bus is stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-highway crossing Correct answer.
  3. The bus is five minutes late
  4. The dome light is not bright enough

Explanation

A bus stalled on or adjacent to a railroad-highway crossing must be evacuated. The risk of a train collision is too severe to wait with students on board. The driver should move students away from the tracks and toward the oncoming train at an angle if a train is approaching.

Question 49Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

Which action is part of securing the bus before an emergency evacuation?

  1. Leave the engine running so lights stay bright
  2. Place the transmission in Park or Neutral, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard-warning lights Correct answer.
  3. Release the parking brake for emergency responders
  4. Leave the ignition key in case students need it

Explanation

Colorado's general evacuation procedures include securing the bus before students leave. The driver should place the transmission in Park or Neutral, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the ignition key, and activate hazard-warning lights. This prevents unintended movement while students evacuate.

Question 50Railroad crossings and emergency decisions

What should the driver do after students have evacuated and reached the safe place?

  1. Account for all students and check for their safety Correct answer.
  2. Leave immediately to find help alone
  3. Allow students to return to the bus for belongings
  4. Cancel all warning devices before responders arrive

Explanation

After evacuation, the driver should join the waiting students, account for everyone, and check for their safety. The driver should also protect the scene and prepare information for emergency responders. Students should not be allowed to drift back into the hazard area.