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Indiana CDL School Bus Test study materials
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Indiana CDL School Bus Test practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During a pre-trip inspection of a school bus, what should you check first before walking around the vehicle?

  1. Start the engine and turn on the heater
  2. Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park Correct answer.
  3. Release the parking brake to test the air system
  4. Open the emergency exit door

Explanation

A pre-trip inspection begins with securing the bus: parking brake set, transmission in neutral or park, and wheels chocked if needed. Securing the vehicle first prevents it from rolling while you are outside checking components.

Question 2Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

When inspecting the stop arm on a school bus, which condition requires the bus to be placed out of service?

  1. The stop arm extends fully and the red lights flash when the switch is activated
  2. The stop arm retracts slowly but fully when the switch is released
  3. The stop arm is clean and free of decals
  4. The stop arm is cracked at the pivot and does not stay extended Correct answer.

Explanation

A cracked or damaged stop arm that will not stay extended is defective and must be repaired before the bus carries students. The stop arm is required safety equipment that protects children crossing the roadway.

Question 3Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What is the correct way to check the slack adjusters on a school bus with air brakes during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. Press the brake pedal and watch the wheels spin
  2. Pull each slack adjuster by hand to check for more than about one inch of free play at the pushrod Correct answer.
  3. Spray them with lubricant and listen for a click
  4. Check them only after the bus has been driven 50 miles

Explanation

With the parking brake released and wheels chocked, grasp each slack adjuster and check for excessive free play at the pushrod; more than about one inch indicates the brakes need adjustment. Excessive slack means the brakes may not apply fully.

Question 4Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

How much air pressure loss per minute is allowed during a static leak test on a school bus with a fully charged air brake system?

  1. No more than 3 psi per minute with the engine off and brakes released Correct answer.
  2. No more than 20 psi per minute
  3. Any loss is acceptable as long as the low-pressure warning works
  4. No more than 10 psi per minute

Explanation

With the system fully charged, engine off, and brakes released, leakage should not exceed about 3 psi per minute. A greater loss means the air system has a leak that must be repaired before operation.

Question 5Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, how should you check the service brakes on a school bus?

  1. With the engine running and the parking brake released, apply the brake pedal and check for a firm pedal that does not fade Correct answer.
  2. Apply the brakes only while the bus is moving at highway speed
  3. Rely on the low-air warning buzzer alone
  4. Pump the pedal rapidly five times and release it

Explanation

A service brake check is done with the parking brake released and the engine running; the pedal should feel firm and hold without fading or dropping. A spongy or fading pedal indicates a hydraulic or air problem that must be corrected.

Question 6Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What should you verify about the emergency exit doors and windows on a school bus during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. That they are painted the same color as the bus
  2. That they open only from the outside
  3. That they are locked so students cannot open them
  4. That they open freely from the inside, are labeled, and the buzzer or alarm sounds when opened Correct answer.

Explanation

Emergency exits must open freely from the inside without special tools, be clearly labeled, and trigger the warning buzzer when opened. These features let passengers escape and alert the driver if an exit is opened.

Question 7Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

When checking the tires on a school bus, which condition makes the bus unsafe to operate?

  1. Tires inflated to the pressure listed on the sidewall
  2. Even wear across the tread
  3. Tread depth of 6/32 inch on the front steering tires
  4. A tire with a bulge or cut exposing the cords Correct answer.

Explanation

A bulge, cut, or any damage exposing the cords means the tire can fail and must be replaced before the bus is driven. Cord exposure is a structural failure, not normal wear.

Question 8Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What is the purpose of checking the heater and defroster during a school bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. To confirm they can keep the windshield clear and the passenger area warm Correct answer.
  2. To verify the fuel gauge reading
  3. To test the air conditioning compressor
  4. To check the radio antenna

Explanation

The heater and defroster must work so the driver can keep the windshield clear and students stay warm in cold weather. A failed defroster can obscure vision and make the bus unsafe.

Question 9Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver should check the school bus's mirrors and confirm that they are adjusted so the driver can see which areas?

  1. The area directly behind the bus only
  2. The sides, the rear, and the danger zones around the bus including the front bumper area Correct answer.
  3. Only the left side of the bus
  4. Only the passenger loading area

Explanation

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see both sides, the rear, and the danger zones around the bus, including the area in front of the bumper. Proper adjustment is essential for watching students near the bus.

Question 10Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What should a driver do if the pre-trip inspection reveals that the school bus's warning lights and stop arm do not function?

  1. Use hand signals in place of the lights
  2. Record the defect and place the bus out of service until repaired Correct answer.
  3. Ask students to watch for traffic instead
  4. Drive the route but avoid using the stop arm

Explanation

Defective required safety equipment such as the warning lights and stop arm means the bus cannot be used to transport students until it is repaired. The defect should be documented and reported.

Question 11Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

When inspecting the school bus's brake lights and turn signals during the pre-trip, the driver should:

  1. Have an assistant observe the lights while the driver operates each control, or use reflections to verify Correct answer.
  2. Test them while driving at highway speed
  3. Check only the left turn signal
  4. Assume they work if the fuse is good

Explanation

Lights must be verified by actually operating each control and observing the result, either with a helper or by using reflections. A good fuse does not prove the bulbs and wiring work.

Question 12Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's steering system. Which finding indicates a problem?

  1. More than the allowed free play before the front wheels begin to move Correct answer.
  2. Power steering that assists easily at low speed
  3. Slight steering wheel free play within the manufacturer's specification
  4. Steering that returns smoothly after a turn

Explanation

Excessive free play in the steering wheel means the steering linkage is worn and the bus may not respond predictably. Free play beyond the manufacturer's limit requires repair before operation.

Question 13Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What is the correct procedure for checking the school bus's engine oil level during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Immediately after a long drive without waiting
  2. With the engine running at high idle
  3. With the engine off and the bus level, remove the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it fully, and read the level Correct answer.
  4. By looking at the oil pressure gauge only

Explanation

The oil level is checked with the engine off on level ground: pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and read the level. This gives an accurate reading and prevents overfilling or underfilling.

Question 14Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, what should the driver confirm about the school bus's battery and battery box?

  1. That the battery box is left open for ventilation
  2. That the battery is securely mounted, the connections are tight and free of corrosion, and the box cover is secure Correct answer.
  3. That the terminals are loose to allow expansion
  4. That the battery is removed for storage

Explanation

Batteries must be securely mounted with tight, corrosion-free connections and a secured cover to prevent shorts and movement. Loose batteries or corroded terminals can cause starting failure or electrical hazards.

Question 15Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

A driver is inspecting a school bus and finds the parking brake will not hold the bus on a slight incline. What is the correct action?

  1. Place the bus out of service and have the parking brake repaired Correct answer.
  2. Set the parking brake harder each time
  3. Use wheel chocks instead of the parking brake on every route
  4. Drive only on flat roads

Explanation

A parking brake that will not hold the bus is a defect that must be repaired before the bus is used. Chocks or route changes do not fix the defective brake system.

Question 16Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver should check the school bus's exhaust system for which condition?

  1. A shiny exhaust pipe
  2. Loose or leaking exhaust components that could allow carbon monoxide into the passenger area Correct answer.
  3. An exhaust system that is louder than normal
  4. A tailpipe that points toward the rear

Explanation

A loose, cracked, or leaking exhaust system can let carbon monoxide enter the bus, which is dangerous to students and the driver. Any leak must be repaired before operation.

Question 17Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

What should the driver verify about the school bus's first aid kit and body-fluid cleanup kit during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. That they are stored in the engine compartment
  2. That they are locked in the driver's compartment
  3. That they are removed to save weight
  4. That they are present, complete, and securely stored Correct answer.

Explanation

Required emergency supplies such as the first aid kit and body-fluid cleanup kit must be on board, fully stocked, and securely stored so they are accessible when needed. Missing or incomplete kits are a deficiency.

Question 18Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, how does the driver check the school bus's horn?

  1. Assume the horn works if the fuse is intact
  2. Check the horn only while driving
  3. Tap the horn lightly to avoid disturbing others
  4. Sound the horn and confirm it produces a clear, audible warning Correct answer.

Explanation

The horn must be sounded during the pre-trip to confirm it gives a clear, audible warning that can alert others to danger. A weak or silent horn is a defect to report.

Question 19Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

A driver inspecting a school bus notices the left rear dual tires are touching each other. What does this indicate?

  1. The tires are correctly matched
  2. The tires are underinflated or overloaded and the bus should not be operated until corrected Correct answer.
  3. The bus is ready for service
  4. The tires are overinflated and safe

Explanation

Dual tires that touch indicate underinflation or overloading, which can cause overheating and tire failure. The bus should be taken out of service until the cause is corrected.

Question 20Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's windshield and wipers. Which condition requires correction before operation?

  1. Cracked glass in the driver's line of sight or wiper blades that streak and fail to clear the glass Correct answer.
  2. A clean windshield with no cracks
  3. A windshield washer reservoir that is full
  4. Wiper blades that clear the glass in one pass

Explanation

Cracks in the driver's view or wipers that cannot clear the windshield impair visibility and must be corrected. Clear vision is essential for safely transporting students in bad weather.

Question 21Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

When performing the pre-trip inspection, the driver should check the school bus's passenger seats and handrails for:

  1. Whether the seats are numbered
  2. Loose or broken seat frames, torn padding, and secure handrails Correct answer.
  3. Whether the seats fold flat
  4. Only the color of the upholstery

Explanation

Seats and handrails must be secure and free of damage so students are not injured by broken frames, sharp edges, or loose rails. Damage found during the pre-trip should be repaired before the bus is used.

Question 22Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, what should the driver check about the school bus's fuel system?

  1. That the fuel gauge reads empty
  2. That the fuel tank is completely full
  3. For fuel leaks and a secure fuel cap Correct answer.
  4. That the fuel cap is removed

Explanation

The driver looks for fuel leaks and confirms the fuel cap is secure to prevent spills and fire hazards. A full tank is not required, but leaks or a missing cap are defects.

Question 23Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

When checking the school bus's emergency equipment, which item must be on board and accessible?

  1. A fire extinguisher that is charged and securely mounted Correct answer.
  2. A flashlight kept in the driver's home
  3. A spare tire stored in the passenger aisle
  4. A tool kit locked in the office

Explanation

A charged fire extinguisher must be mounted securely and be readily accessible in case of fire. Missing or discharged extinguishers are a deficiency that must be corrected.

Question 24Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

A driver is completing the pre-trip inspection and finds the school bus's left brake light is out. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Drive the route and report it at the end of the day
  2. Continue if the turn signal still works
  3. Tag the defect and have the light repaired before transporting students Correct answer.
  4. Cover the right brake light to match

Explanation

A nonworking brake light is a safety defect that must be repaired before the bus carries students. The defect should be documented and the bus kept out of service until fixed.

Question 25Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection of a school bus, the driver should check the air pressure buildup rate. Which result is acceptable?

  1. Pressure builds from 85 to 100 psi in five minutes
  2. Pressure does not build at all
  3. Pressure builds from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds at fast idle Correct answer.
  4. Pressure builds only when the engine is off

Explanation

The air compressor should build pressure from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds at fast idle. A slower buildup rate indicates a compressor or leak problem that must be repaired.

Question 26Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During a school bus pre-trip inspection, you check the slack adjusters on a vehicle with air brakes. What pushrod travel reading indicates the brakes may be out of adjustment?

  1. About 1 inch of travel with the brakes applied
  2. Any movement at all when the brakes are released
  3. About 1/2 inch of travel with the brakes released
  4. More than 1 inch of travel with the brakes applied Correct answer.

Explanation

On air-brake systems, a pushrod stroke of about 1 inch or less at the slack adjuster is generally acceptable; a longer stroke means the brake chamber is over-stroking and the brakes need adjustment. Over-stroked brakes can reduce stopping power and must be corrected before the bus is driven. The check is made with the brakes fully applied and the wheels chocked.

Question 27Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

While walking around the school bus, you notice the wheels are chocked and the parking brake is set. Why must the wheels be chocked before you crawl underneath to inspect the driveline?

  1. To prevent the driveshaft from turning while the engine idles
  2. To keep the tires from losing air pressure during the inspection
  3. To make the suspension compress so leaks are easier to hear
  4. To keep the bus from rolling if the parking brake releases or fails Correct answer.

Explanation

Chocking is a backup safeguard: the parking brake alone may not hold if it is out of adjustment or if air pressure bleeds off. A bus that rolls while a person is underneath can cause fatal injury. Chocks do not affect tire pressure, suspension compression, or driveshaft rotation.

Question 28Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

You are inspecting the air compressor and air system on a school bus. Which observation during the static leak test means the system must be repaired before use?

  1. Pressure holds steady after the initial application and release
  2. Pressure drops slightly when the brake pedal is first released
  3. Pressure continues to fall steadily with the brakes applied and engine off Correct answer.
  4. Pressure rises when the governor cuts in during idle

Explanation

With the engine off and brakes applied, a steady continuing loss of air pressure indicates a leak that can eventually cause brake failure. A small initial drop when the pedal is applied and released is normal. Pressure rising at governor cut-in is normal compressor operation.

Question 29Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's brake fluid reservoir on a hydraulically braked bus. What condition requires the bus to be taken out of service?

  1. Fluid level below the minimum mark or a visible leak at the lines Correct answer.
  2. Fluid level at the full mark with a clean appearance
  3. A slight dark tint to the fluid in the reservoir
  4. A firm brake pedal with the engine running

Explanation

Low fluid or a visible leak means the hydraulic system may lose pressure and the brakes could fail. The bus cannot be driven until the leak is repaired and the system refilled and bled. A firm pedal and a normal fluid color are acceptable.

Question 30Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

Before driving a school bus, you inspect the stop arm and confirm it is stowed. Which check best verifies the stop arm will deploy correctly?

  1. Measure the distance from the arm to the bus body with a tape
  2. Push the stop arm out by hand and look for bent hardware
  3. Check that the arm is painted a bright, visible color
  4. Operate the switch from the driver's seat and watch it extend fully Correct answer.

Explanation

The stop arm is electrically or air operated, so the only reliable check is to activate it from the driver's seat and observe full extension. Hand-pushing only tests the hinge and does not prove the actuator works. Paint condition and clearance measurements do not confirm deployment.

Question 31Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's emergency exit buzzer and the exit-release handles. What must be true for the bus to pass this check?

  1. The buzzer stays silent when an exit is opened and the handles are painted red
  2. The buzzer sounds when an exit is opened and the handles release the door Correct answer.
  3. The buzzer sounds when the engine starts and the handles are locked
  4. The buzzer sounds only when the bus is in gear and the handles are chained

Explanation

The emergency exit warning buzzer must sound whenever an exit is opened, alerting the driver that a child may have left the bus. The release handles must actually unlatch the exit without excessive force. Locked, chained, or silent exits fail the inspection.

Question 32Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

You are checking the school bus's lighting during the pre-trip inspection. Which lighting system must be verified separately because it is not covered by turning on the headlights?

  1. The eight-way warning lamps and stop arm lights Correct answer.
  2. The daytime running lights
  3. The instrument panel backlighting
  4. The low-beam headlights

Explanation

The eight-way warning lamps and the stop arm lights are controlled by separate switches and must be tested individually. Turning on the headlights does not activate them. Headlights, running lights, and panel lighting are checked through the normal light switch.

Question 33Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the walk-around, you find the school bus's rear emergency door glass is cracked and a piece is missing. What is the correct action?

  1. Remove the door entirely so passengers can exit faster
  2. Cover the opening with tape and complete the route
  3. Continue if the door still latches and the crack is small
  4. Report the defect and keep the bus out of service until repaired Correct answer.

Explanation

Broken emergency exit glass can injure passengers and compromises the exit, so the bus must be reported and repaired before carrying students. Taping over an opening is not an approved repair. Removing the door would defeat the exit's purpose.

Question 34Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

You are checking the school bus's mirrors before departure. Which mirror adjustment is required for the bus to pass the pre-trip inspection?

  1. The crossover mirrors show the front bumper and the area ahead of the bus Correct answer.
  2. The interior mirror shows only the driver's face
  3. The side mirrors show the rear tires but not the sides of the bus
  4. The convex mirrors are angled toward the sky

Explanation

Crossover mirrors must reveal the area directly in front of the bus, including the bumper, so the driver can see children who walk in front. Side and convex mirrors must show the sides and rear of the bus. An interior mirror aimed at the driver's face or convex mirrors aimed skyward are incorrect adjustments.

Question 35Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's tires with a gauge. Which reading requires the bus to be removed from service?

  1. Tires with tread depth above the minimum
  2. Tires warm from a short drive at the recommended pressure
  3. All tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure
  4. One tire ten psi below the recommended pressure Correct answer.

Explanation

A tire significantly below the recommended pressure can overheat and fail, and it indicates a leak or damage that must be corrected. Tires should be set to the manufacturer's specification when cold. Warm tires and adequate tread are normal.

Question 36Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

You are inspecting the school bus's frame and undercarriage. Which finding is a defect that must be repaired before the bus is used?

  1. Surface rust on the exhaust pipe
  2. A small dent in a plastic fender
  3. Mud splatter on the underside of the floor
  4. A cracked frame rail or loose cross member Correct answer.

Explanation

A cracked frame rail or loose cross member weakens the structure that holds the body and axles, so it is a serious defect. Surface rust, mud, and cosmetic dents do not compromise structural integrity. Structural defects must be repaired before the bus carries passengers.

Question 37Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's suspension. Which condition indicates the bus should not be operated?

  1. Normal up-and-down movement when you push on the bumper
  2. A slight lean when parked on level ground
  3. New shock absorbers with no visible leaks
  4. A broken leaf spring or a leaking air bag Correct answer.

Explanation

A broken leaf spring or a leaking air bag means the suspension cannot support the load safely and handling will be unpredictable. A slight lean on level ground, normal bounce, and new leak-free shocks are acceptable. Suspension defects must be repaired before the bus is driven.

Question 38Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's steering wheel. Which condition must be corrected before the bus is driven?

  1. The wheel turns freely with the engine running
  2. The wheel is adjusted to a comfortable height
  3. The wheel has more than the allowed free play before the front wheels respond Correct answer.
  4. The wheel returns to center after a turn

Explanation

Excessive free play means the steering linkage is worn and the driver cannot steer precisely, which is dangerous with a full load of children. Free turning with the engine running, return to center, and a comfortable height are normal. The free-play limit is specified by the manufacturer.

Question 39Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

You are checking the school bus's heater and defroster before a cold-morning run. Which result means the system is working as required?

  1. The defroster blows cold air and the heater warms only the driver's seat
  2. The heater works only when the bus is moving
  3. The defroster blows warm air that clears the windshield and the heater warms the passenger area Correct answer.
  4. The defroster clears the windshield after thirty minutes of driving

Explanation

The defroster must clear the windshield quickly so the driver can see, and the heater must keep passengers warm. Cold defroster air, heat limited to the driver, or heat that works only while moving indicates a defect. A thirty-minute delay to clear the windshield is not acceptable.

Question 40Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's fuel system. Which finding requires repair before the bus is used?

  1. The fuel gauge reads three-quarters full
  2. The tank is mounted securely with no movement
  3. A fuel line is cracked and seeping diesel Correct answer.
  4. The fuel cap is tight and seals the tank

Explanation

A cracked, seeping fuel line is a fire hazard and must be repaired before the bus is driven. A three-quarters tank, a tight cap, and a secure tank mount are all normal. Fuel leaks near a hot engine are especially dangerous on a school bus.

Question 41Loading and Unloading Students Safely

Under Indiana and federal school bus rules, when must the driver activate the red flashing lights and stop arm during a student stop?

  1. When the bus is stopped and the students are actually loading or unloading Correct answer.
  2. As soon as the bus begins slowing, before the bus leaves the travel lane
  3. Only when the stop is on a road with a posted speed limit above 40 mph
  4. Only after all students have stepped off the bus and cleared the doorway

Explanation

The red lights and stop arm are warning devices that must be displayed when the bus is stopped and children are entering or exiting. Activating them too early confuses other drivers about whether the bus is actually stopped. Deactivating them before loading or unloading is complete exposes students to passing traffic.

Question 42Loading and Unloading Students Safely

A school bus driver is preparing to unload students at a designated stop. Which action should be completed before opening the service door?

  1. Signaling students to stand and move toward the front of the bus
  2. Turning off the engine and removing the keys from the ignition
  3. Checking mirrors and confirming traffic has stopped in both directions Correct answer.
  4. Releasing the parking brake and placing the transmission in neutral

Explanation

Before students step out, the driver must verify through the mirrors that traffic in both directions has stopped and that no vehicle is passing the bus. Opening the door earlier invites students into an unsafe roadway. The engine stays running and the brake stays set during the unload.

Question 43Loading and Unloading Students Safely

How far from the school bus should students be instructed to walk before crossing the roadway in front of the bus?

  1. At least 25 feet ahead of the bus, near the center of the road
  2. At least 5 feet ahead of the front bumper, at the edge of the mirror line
  3. Directly beside the front door, then diagonally across the lane
  4. At least 10 feet ahead of the front bumper, in the driver's view Correct answer.

Explanation

Students are trained to walk roughly 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them over the hood and in the mirrors. This distance keeps them out of the front blind spot. Crossing closer than that risks the child disappearing from the driver's view.

Question 44Loading and Unloading Students Safely

Which signal should the driver give students when it is safe to begin crossing the roadway after unloading?

  1. An audible and visual signal, such as the horn plus a hand motion Correct answer.
  2. A head nod through the windshield
  3. A short tap of the horn
  4. An open hand wave out the window

Explanation

Drivers use a clear, combined signal such as a horn tap paired with a hand gesture so students can see and hear the cue to cross. The signal is given only after traffic is confirmed stopped. A single ambiguous gesture can be missed by a child focused on traffic.

Question 45Loading and Unloading Students Safely

A driver must unload students at a stop where the bus cannot be positioned so students cross in front safely. What is the correct response?

  1. Choose an alternate unloading point that allows students to cross in front of the bus Correct answer.
  2. Unload only after honking to warn oncoming traffic
  3. Unload anyway and tell students to cross behind the bus
  4. Have students cross the road before the bus arrives

Explanation

Students should always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them, so the driver selects a stop position that makes this possible. If the location cannot support that pattern, the driver moves the stop or changes the approach. Crossing behind the bus puts children outside the driver's view.

Question 46Loading and Unloading Students Safely

Before putting the bus in motion after students have loaded, the driver should confirm which of the following?

  1. That all students are seated and the aisle is clear Correct answer.
  2. That the horn has been sounded to alert nearby traffic
  3. That the stop arm has been fully retracted for at least 30 seconds
  4. That the door has been closed for at least 10 seconds

Explanation

The driver must account for every student and ensure all are seated with the aisle clear before releasing the brake. Moving with a student still standing or in the aisle risks a fall. Warning devices are retracted as part of the departure sequence, not timed delays.

Question 47Loading and Unloading Students Safely

A student drops a book in the roadway while walking to the bus. What should the driver tell the student to do?

  1. Run back to pick it up while the driver watches the mirrors
  2. Leave the item and continue boarding, retrieving it later Correct answer.
  3. Pick it up only if the driver honks to signal it is safe
  4. Wait at the edge of the road until traffic clears, then pick it up

Explanation

Students should never go back for dropped items because they may be struck by a passing vehicle or lose the driver's sight line. The driver retrieves the item after boarding is complete. The safest instruction is to leave it and keep moving to the bus.

Question 48Loading and Unloading Students Safely

Where should students wait before the school bus arrives at their stop?

  1. At least 10 feet back from the roadway, in a safe waiting area Correct answer.
  2. On the shoulder at the edge of the traffic lane
  3. Directly in front of where the bus door will open
  4. In the roadway so the driver can see them sooner

Explanation

Students should wait well off the roadway, roughly 10 feet back, until the bus has stopped and the driver signals them to board. Waiting in or near the lane exposes children to traffic. The driver then controls the approach to the door.

Question 49Loading and Unloading Students Safely

When a school bus is stopped to load or unload students on a two-lane road, what must approaching traffic in both directions do?

  1. Stop until the red lights are deactivated and the stop arm is retracted Correct answer.
  2. Slow to 25 mph and proceed with caution
  3. Pass on the shoulder if the shoulder is wide enough
  4. Yield only if a student is visibly in the roadway

Explanation

On an undivided road, vehicles traveling both directions must stop for a school bus displaying red lights and an extended stop arm. They may proceed only after the lights stop flashing and the arm retracts. Passing on the shoulder is prohibited.

Question 50Loading and Unloading Students Safely

On a divided highway with a physical median separating the directions of travel, which vehicles must stop for a school bus loading students on the opposite side?

  1. No vehicles, because the bus is not in a travel lane
  2. All vehicles in both directions
  3. Only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus Correct answer.
  4. Only commercial vehicles and buses

Explanation

When a physical median or barrier divides the roadway, only traffic on the same side as the bus must stop. Vehicles on the opposite side of the median are not required to stop. Drivers should still use caution because students may cross unexpectedly.