Bus Handling, Manoeuvring and Vehicle Control
This domain tests control of a long, heavy, high-sided vehicle carrying passengers. The exam focuses on stopping distance, swept path, blind spots and managing weight on hills, because these are where bus crashes concentrate.
Core handling principles
- A loaded bus needs far more stopping distance than a car. Increase the gap and brake early and progressively.
- The centre of gravity is high. Take bends and roundabouts slower than a car would, and avoid sudden steering at speed.
- The rear wheels cut inside the front wheels on turns, and the rear body swings out. Check mirrors and give extra room at kerbs and tight junctions.
- Blind spots are large, especially directly in front, along the right side and behind. Use mirrors continuously and get a guide when reversing.
- On descents, select a lower gear before the hill and use engine braking. Do not coast in neutral or ride the brakes continuously.
- On wet or loose surfaces, ease off, avoid harsh braking and steering together, and allow for reduced grip.
Worked example
A loaded bus is descending a long hill. The driver selects a low gear at the top, uses engine braking to hold a steady speed and applies the brakes in short applications only when needed. A driver who stays in top gear and brakes continuously overheats the brakes and risks fade. The reasoning is weight plus gradient equals heat; engine braking manages speed without generating that heat.
Traps that cost marks
Cutting corners because the front of the bus clears; reversing without a guide; braking hard on a wet bend; and believing a bus "handles like a big car" because it has power steering.