Driving theory and vehicle handling for buses (jízda s vozidlem skupiny D)
Category D handling questions test whether you can translate the bus's size and mass into driving decisions: turning geometry, braking, mirrors, reversing and driving in restricted spaces.
Dimensions and their consequences
- A standard bus is about 12 m long, 2.55 m wide and 3.2–4 m high; articulated buses reach roughly 18 m.
- A mass of 18–26 t means long braking distances, strong inertia and sensitivity to gradient and side wind.
- Height limits at podjezdy, bridges and tunnels: read the stated clearance, do not rely on memory of the route.
Turning geometry
- The rear wheels track inside the front wheels, so a bus "cuts" the corner.
- The rear overhang sweeps outward, into the neighbouring lane or over the pavement.
- On an articulated bus the trailing section pivots - watch it in the mirror throughout the whole turn.
Braking and speed
- Use the retarder and engine brake on long descents; save the service brakes for stopping.
- ABS/EBS prevent wheel lock but do not shorten the physical braking distance.
- Brake before the bend, not in it; a loaded bus leans heavily with a high centre of gravity.
Mirrors and blind spots
- Set the mirrors before moving off; the nearside mirror shows the kerb and cyclists.
- A pedestrian directly in front of the bus is invisible from the cab - check before leaving a stop.
- Reversing: use a second person or the camera, and stop the moment you lose sight of them.
Worked example
A 12 m bus turns right into a narrow street where a cyclist waits at the corner. Reasoning: as the front swings right, the rear overhang swings left across the opposite lane, while the inner rear wheels run close to the right kerb. You check the right mirror for the cyclist and the left mirror for the overhang, take the turn wide and slow, and only then accelerate.
Traps
- Assuming the rear axle follows the front axle's path.
- Forgetting the roof height after a route change.
- Opening the doors before the bus is fully stopped.
- Braking hard in a bend with standing passengers.