Illinois 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 a school bus on all sides, where students are at greatest risk of being struck by the bus or passing traffic.

Stop Arm Use

Illinois school bus drivers extend the stop arm and flash red lights when loading or unloading students on a roadway, warning traffic to stop.

Student Crossing Signal

The driver gives a hand signal only after checking traffic; crossing students then walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before crossing.

Student Count

The driver counts students before moving the bus and after each stop, ensuring no child is left in the danger zone or on board unintentionally.

Dropped Item Rule

A student who drops something near the bus must tell the driver and never crawl under or reach beneath the bus to retrieve it.

Loading Zone Lights

In a designated off-road school bus loading zone, the driver may use hazard lights instead of flashing red lights and stop arm.

Unattended Bus Rule

A driver must not leave a school bus unattended with students aboard; set the parking brake, place transmission in park, and stop engine.

Corporal Punishment Ban

Illinois prohibits corporal punishment in schools, including on school buses; drivers may use only reasonable nonphysical measures to maintain order.

Student Removal Limit

A school bus driver may not put a student off the bus except at school or a regular stop, unless an emergency requires it.

Misconduct Reporting

Drivers must report serious student misconduct in writing to school authorities, who may deny transportation under school board policy.

Seated While Moving

Students must remain seated while the school bus is moving; the driver may assign seats and require quiet, orderly behavior.

Cell Phone Rule

School bus drivers may not use a cell phone while driving; a two-way radio may be used for emergencies and dispatch.

Unauthorized Riders

Only authorized students and school personnel may ride the school bus; drivers must not transport unauthorized persons.

Emergency Exit Types

School buses have a rear emergency door, side door, roof hatches, and emergency windows; drivers must know each exit's location and operation.

Evacuation Decision

Evacuate only when staying aboard is more dangerous, such as fire, smoke, fuel leak, flood, or a bus stalled on railroad tracks.

Evacuation Order

Students nearest the exit leave first; after exiting, move students at least 100 feet from the bus and stay upwind of fire.

Post-Crash First Steps

After a crash, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, activate hazard lights, check for injuries, and call 911.

Injured Student Movement

Do not move injured students unless immediate danger requires it; wait for emergency medical personnel when possible.

Evacuation Drills

Illinois school districts conduct school bus evacuation drills; drivers participate and document that students know exit procedures.

Crash Scene Reporting

The driver must remain at the crash scene, report to police and the school district, and exchange required information.

Railroad Stop Distance

A school bus must stop between 10 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad crossing and never stop on the tracks.

Crossing Procedure

Stop, open the service door, look and listen, close the door, then proceed when clear; check each track at multiple-track crossings.

Stalled on Tracks

If a school bus stalls on railroad tracks, evacuate immediately, move students at least 100 feet away, and call 911.

Crossing Exceptions

Illinois school buses may proceed without stopping only where an officer or flagger controls traffic or tracks are clearly abandoned.

Train Overhang

Trains extend beyond the rails; students and drivers must stand well back from tracks because overhang can strike people near the crossing.

Signal Compliance

When railroad lights flash or gates lower, the school bus must stop and wait until gates rise and lights stop before crossing.

Daily Pre-Trip Check

Before each trip, check tires, brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, stop arm, emergency equipment, and fluid leaks on the school bus.

Illinois Bus Inspection

Illinois school buses are inspected by the Illinois State Police at least every six months, in addition to the driver's daily pre-trip inspection.

School Bus Speed Limit

The maximum speed for a school bus in Illinois is 55 mph, or the lower posted limit if one applies.

Following Distance

A school bus should follow at least four seconds behind other vehicles in normal conditions and increase that gap in rain, snow, or fog.

Wiper Headlight Rule

Illinois law requires headlights when windshield wipers are on; school bus drivers must turn on headlights in rain, snow, or fog.

Air Brake Check

With air brakes, verify pressure build-up and low-pressure warning, and test the brakes before driving the school bus.