Georgia 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

The area within 10 feet of the school bus where students are hardest to see. Drivers must know where every student is before moving the bus.

Stop arm

An extendable sign on the driver's side of the bus that signals traffic to stop when students are loading or unloading. It is used with flashing red lights.

Red flashing lights

Warning lights that mean the bus is stopped for loading or unloading and traffic must stop. They are activated before students enter or exit the roadway.

Divided highway rule

On a divided highway with a median, only traffic behind the bus must stop for the stop arm. Oncoming traffic on the other side is not required to stop.

Student count

Counting students as they leave and re-enter the bus. If the count does not match, the driver must locate the missing student before moving.

Railroad crossing stop

The bus must stop at every railroad-highway crossing, open the service door, turn off noisy equipment, listen, look both ways, then proceed when clear.

Emergency evacuation

The process of removing students from the bus after stopping safely, setting the brake, shutting off the engine, and activating hazard lights.

Post-trip child check

A walk through the bus after every route to look for sleeping or hiding children. It is required and must be reported according to district policy.

Loading zone

The area where students board or leave the bus. It must be kept clear of traffic and students must be directed to wait in a safe location.

Unloading sequence

The driver stops, sets the brake, activates red lights, extends the stop arm, and monitors students until they are clear of the danger zone.

Bus evacuation drill

A practice exercise where students learn to exit the bus safely through the front door, rear door, or emergency windows in an emergency.

Emergency window exit

A side window designed to open fully for evacuation. Students should be taught to use it only when the doors are blocked or unsafe.

Fire extinguisher

Safety equipment on the bus used to put out small fires. Drivers must know its location and how to operate it during an emergency.

First aid kit

A stocked kit on the bus used to treat minor injuries. Drivers must know its location and check that it is complete before each trip.

Seat belt use

The requirement that the driver and students wear seat belts if the bus is equipped with them. The driver must check that students are secured.

Student management

The driver's responsibility to maintain order on the bus so that driving is not distracted. Rules should be explained before the first trip.

Distracted driving

Any activity that takes the driver's attention from the road, such as using a phone or disciplining students. It is prohibited while driving a school bus.

Pre-trip inspection

A check of the bus before each trip, including brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, and emergency equipment. Any defect must be reported before driving.

Mirror adjustment

Setting the mirrors so the driver can see the sides and rear of the bus, including the danger zone around the wheels and doors.

Blind spots

Areas around the bus that the driver cannot see directly or through mirrors. Drivers must check them before changing lanes or turning.

Right turn procedure

The driver swings wide, checks mirrors for students or cyclists, and turns slowly so the rear wheels do not run over the curb or a student.

Left turn procedure

The driver checks for oncoming traffic and for students in the crosswalk, then turns when clear. The bus must not cut the corner.

Backing up

Backing a school bus should be avoided when possible. If necessary, the driver uses a spotter and checks mirrors and the danger zone before moving.

Loading/unloading lights

The amber warning lights come on before the stop, followed by red lights and the stop arm when the bus is fully stopped for students.

Student crossing

Students must cross in front of the bus only after the driver signals them. The driver watches until they are safely across the road.

Bus stop location

A place where students can wait safely away from traffic. The driver should stop so students do not have to cross the road when possible.

Hazard lights

Flashing lights used to warn other drivers that the bus is stopped or in an emergency. They are used during evacuation and breakdowns.

Breakdown procedure

The driver pulls off the road, activates hazard lights, sets out warning triangles, and moves students to a safe location away from traffic.

Georgia CDL disqualification

A second DUI conviction results in lifetime disqualification of the CDL. School bus drivers are also subject to stricter alcohol and drug rules.

School bus endorsement

The S endorsement added to a Georgia CDL after passing the school bus knowledge and skills tests. It is required to drive a school bus.

Commercial learner's permit

A permit that allows a person to practice driving a commercial vehicle, including a school bus, under the supervision of a qualified driver.

Skills test

A driving test in a school bus that checks pre-trip inspection, basic control, and on-road driving. It is required for the S endorsement.