Vehicle Controls and Safe Driving Practices
What this domain tests
This domain tests basic control of a large school bus: mirrors, steering, shifting, braking, following distance, backing, and turns. The exam looks for habits that compensate for the bus's size, weight, and blind spots.
Core rules
- Adjust mirrors before moving. Use them continuously, but do not rely on them alone for backing.
- Maintain at least a four-second following distance in good conditions and more in rain or traffic.
- Brake smoothly and early. A loaded school bus needs far more stopping distance than a car.
- Use a spotter when backing. If no spotter is available, get out and check the path before backing.
- Remember tail swing: the rear of the bus swings outward opposite the direction of the front in a tight turn.
- Remember off-tracking: rear wheels cut inside the front wheels in a turn, so give the rear wheels room at curbs and corners.
- Use ABS as designed: press and hold the brake firmly; do not pump.
Worked example
You are making a tight right turn at a corner with a curb and a signpost. Reasoning: the rear wheels will track inside the front wheels, and the rear body may swing toward the curb. Correct action: approach slowly, position the bus to give the rear wheels room, check the right mirror throughout the turn, and avoid cutting the corner. Do not swing wide into the opposing lane without checking.
Traps that cost marks
- Backing without a spotter or a walk-around check.
- Pumping ABS brakes.
- Following too closely because the bus feels slow.
- Cutting a corner and hitting the curb with the rear wheels.
- Relying on mirrors alone when a blind spot remains.
Key points
- Use a four-second following distance in good conditions and more in bad weather.
- Brake early and smoothly; a loaded bus needs extra stopping distance.
- Back only with a spotter or after checking the path yourself.
- Tail swing and off-tracking make tight turns hazardous; check mirrors throughout.
- With ABS, press and hold the brake; do not pump.