KS CDL School Bus flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

S endorsement purpose

The S endorsement authorizes driving a school bus designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver. It is added to a CDL after passing the school bus knowledge test.

Amber warning lights

Amber lights warn traffic that a school bus is preparing to stop for loading or unloading. They are activated before the stop, giving drivers time to slow down.

Red lights and stop arm

Red flashing lights and the stop arm are activated when the bus is stopped and students are entering or exiting. Traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a median.

Danger zone

The danger zone is the area within 10 feet around a stopped school bus. Students must wait for the driver's signal and cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

Post-trip student check

After every run, the driver walks the aisle and checks under and between seats for sleeping or hidden students before securing the bus and leaving it.

Railroad crossing stop

A school bus must stop at railroad crossings, open the door or window, turn off noise, look and listen both ways, and proceed only when clear of trains.

School bus required equipment

Required equipment includes stop arm, red and amber flashing lights, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency exits, and a two-way communication device.

Unloading count

The driver counts students as they exit and verifies all have cleared the danger zone before moving the bus. A student left behind must be reported immediately.

P endorsement requirement

The P endorsement is required to drive a vehicle carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver. It is not required for a school bus if the driver already holds P.

Passenger pre-trip inspection

Before driving, check doors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, brakes, lights, and tires. Report any defect that affects safe operation.

Loading procedure

Stop in a safe location, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and supervise passengers boarding. Ensure all are seated before moving.

Standing passengers

Standing passengers are allowed only where the vehicle is designed for standees and local rules permit. Otherwise, all passengers must be seated and secure.

Passenger misconduct

The driver enforces no smoking, no hazardous materials, and no interference with driving. Unruly passengers may be removed at the next safe stop.

Bus breakdown warning

When a bus breaks down, secure the scene, warn traffic with reflective triangles or flares, and evacuate passengers only if there is fire or immediate danger.

Vehicle height clearance

Know the bus height, weight limits, and turning radius before travel. Check bridges and overpasses to avoid collisions and route restrictions.

Air brake lag

Air brakes engage after a short delay following pedal application. Maintain at least one second of following distance per 10 feet of vehicle length.

Emergency evacuation

Know exit locations, use the evacuation signal, assist passengers with disabilities, and account for all passengers after evacuation at a safe assembly point.

Passenger door check

Before departure, verify passenger doors and emergency exits open and close properly. A jammed exit can prevent evacuation in an emergency.

Road test vehicle type

The road test is conducted in a school bus representative of the type the driver will operate. The examiner evaluates pre-trip, basic control, and on-road skills.

Pre-trip demonstration

The examiner asks the driver to identify and explain engine compartment, lights, tires, brakes, emergency exits, stop arm, and warning lights during the pre-trip inspection.

Straight-line backing

The driver backs the bus in a straight line within a marked lane without hitting cones or crossing boundary lines. Smooth steering corrections are required.

Offset backing

The driver backs from one lane into an adjacent lane and then straightens, demonstrating control of the bus's size and blind spots within the marked area.

Parallel parking

The driver parks the bus parallel to a curb within a marked area, avoiding cones and boundary lines. The maneuver tests space judgment and steering control.

Railroad crossing failure

Failing to stop at a railroad crossing during the road test is a critical error that results in automatic failure of the examination.

Critical driving errors

Running a red light, striking a cone, or failing to stop at a crossing are critical errors. Any critical error results in failure regardless of total points.

Point system scoring

Examiners score the road test on a point system. Accumulating too many points or committing a critical error results in failure of the test.

Loading demonstration

During the road test, the driver demonstrates loading and unloading: activating amber lights, stopping, setting the brake, and using the stop arm.

Mirror checks

The driver must check mirrors frequently during turns, lane changes, and backing. Proper mirror use demonstrates awareness of the bus's blind spots.

Smooth braking

The driver demonstrates smooth braking and acceleration, proper gear selection, and awareness of the bus's size. Jerky control indicates poor vehicle handling.

Lane control

The bus must stay centered in its lane during driving. Wide turns and lane changes require checking mirrors and signaling before maneuvering.

Turn signal use

Signal before every turn and lane change, and cancel the signal afterward. Proper signaling is scored during the on-road portion of the road test.