Florida CDL School Bus Test flashcards

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

Danger zone size

The area within 10 feet of the school bus on all sides. Students in this zone are hidden from the driver's view and are at greatest risk of being struck.

Safe crossing distance

Students must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them. The driver signals when it is safe to cross.

Loading procedure order

Stop the bus, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, activate red lights and stop arm, then open the door for students.

Dropped object rule

If a student drops an object near the bus, the student must not retrieve it. The driver retrieves it after all students are safe.

Stop arm retraction

Before moving the bus, the driver retracts the stop arm, closes the door, checks both mirrors, and confirms all students are clear of the danger zone.

Driver discipline authority

Florida law gives the school bus driver responsibility for student conduct on the bus, including assigning seats and enforcing district rules.

Progressive discipline steps

Typical sequence: verbal warning, seat change, parent contact, administrative referral, and bus suspension for serious or repeated violations.

Corporal punishment ban

School bus drivers may not use corporal punishment. Physical force is permitted only to protect student safety in an immediate emergency.

Incident documentation

The driver records time, location, student names, witnesses, and action taken for each misconduct incident and reports serious cases immediately.

Evacuation first steps

Stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key, activate hazard lights, then order students to evacuate.

Evacuation safe distance

After evacuating, move students at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind if fire or hazardous material is present.

Rear-door evacuation use

Use the rear door when fire is near the front of the bus or the front door is blocked. Use the front door for rear fires.

Accident reporting duty

Florida requires reporting any crash involving injury, death, or property damage to law enforcement. The driver stays until released.

Railroad stop distance

Stop the school bus within 15 to 50 feet of the nearest rail, open the door and window, listen, and look both ways before crossing.

Low-air warning check

On air brake buses, verify the low-air warning activates before pressure drops below 60 psi during the pre-trip brake check.

Stall on tracks action

If the bus stalls on railroad tracks, evacuate students immediately and move them at least 100 feet away and toward the approaching train.

Railroad crossing gear rule

Never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks. Cross in the same gear used to start moving so the engine does not stall.

Post-trip walk requirement

After every route, walk front to back checking each seat for sleeping or left-behind students, then complete and sign the report.

Wheelchair securement

A wheelchair needs a four-point tie-down plus an occupant restraint. The driver verifies securement before the bus moves.

Emergency equipment list

Buses carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, body fluid cleanup kit, warning triangles, and operable emergency exits, all checked during inspection.

Crossover mirror purpose

Crossover mirrors let the driver see the front bumper and the danger zone directly in front of the bus. Adjust them before every trip.

Eight-light system

Amber warning lights signal an approaching stop. Red lights and the stop arm activate only when the bus is stopped for loading or unloading.

Following distance rule

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of bus length plus one second. A 40-foot bus needs at least 5 seconds.

Backing rule

Avoid backing unless necessary. When backing, use a spotter and check mirrors and the rear danger zone before moving.

Florida two-way stop law

On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing. Passing is a moving violation.

Divided highway rule

On a divided highway with a median, only traffic on the bus's side of the median must stop for the flashing red lights.

Required endorsements

A Florida school bus driver needs a CDL with passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements, plus background screening and training.

Cell phone prohibition

Florida prohibits school bus drivers from using a hand-held cell phone or texting while operating the bus.

Hydroplaning cause

Hydroplaning occurs when water depth exceeds tire tread depth. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking on wet Florida roads.

Fog driving rule

In fog or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights and increase following distance. Be able to stop within the visible distance.

IPDE process

The hazard response sequence is Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. Use it continuously while scanning the roadway and danger zone.

High wind hazard

In high winds, grip the wheel firmly, reduce speed, and watch for students being blown into the roadway at bus stops.