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Maryland CDL School Bus Test study materials
Maryland CDL School Bus Test study resources

Maryland CDL School Bus Test practice questions

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Question 1School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During a pre-trip inspection of a Maryland school bus, which item confirms the service door operates as designed?

  1. The door has a decal listing the passenger capacity
  2. The door opens and closes smoothly from both inside and outside handles and the warning buzzer activates Correct answer.
  3. The door hinges are painted the same color as the body
  4. The door glass is tinted dark enough to block sunlight

Explanation

The service door must open and close freely from both the inside and outside handles, and the door warning device must sound when the door is open with the ignition on. Tinted glass, paint color, and capacity decals have no bearing on door function.

Question 2School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What is the correct way to check the school bus stop arm before a route?

  1. With the ignition on, activate the stop arm switch and confirm it extends fully and the red lights flash Correct answer.
  2. Lower the arm manually and check that the decal is legible
  3. Tap the arm housing lightly and watch for vibration
  4. Extend it by hand with the engine off and listen for the click

Explanation

The stop arm is electrically or air operated, so it should be tested with the bus powered and the switch engaged. The arm must extend fully and the red warning lights must flash in sync with it. Manual handling or tapping does not verify the electrical circuit.

Question 3School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A school bus driver finds the red warning lamps on the front of the bus do not flash when the switch is activated. What should the driver do?

  1. Place the bus out of service until the lamps are repaired Correct answer.
  2. Continue the route and report it at the end of the day
  3. Turn on the hazard flashers and run the route
  4. Use hand signals in place of the red lamps

Explanation

Red flashing warning lamps are mandatory school bus equipment, and a bus with an inoperative warning-light system cannot legally or safely be used to load or unload students. The defect must be corrected before the bus carries passengers. Substituting hazards or hand signals does not satisfy the requirement.

Question 4School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

Which check confirms the school bus emergency exit door is in proper working order?

  1. The door stays latched when the bus is in motion regardless of the handle
  2. The door opens freely from the inside, the buzzer sounds, and the outside handle releases it Correct answer.
  3. The door has a lock that prevents student operation
  4. The door opens from the outside only with a key

Explanation

Emergency exit doors must open easily from the inside without a key or special tool, and the buzzer must alert the driver when the door is unlatched. The outside handle must also release the door so responders can enter. A door that only opens with a key or cannot be operated by students fails the inspection.

Question 5School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

How should a driver verify the school bus's crossover mirrors are adjusted correctly?

  1. By confirming the mirror glass is clean and free of cracks only
  2. From the driver's seat, confirm the mirrors show the front bumper area and the danger zones beside the bus Correct answer.
  3. By standing behind the bus and looking for the driver's reflection
  4. By checking that the mirror brackets are tight with a wrench

Explanation

Crossover mirrors are set so the driver can see the area directly in front of the hood and the danger zones along both sides of the bus. Adjustment is verified from the driver's seated position, because that is the vantage point used while driving. Clean glass and tight brackets are necessary but do not prove the aim is correct.

Question 6School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What does a properly functioning school bus back-up alarm do when the transmission is placed in reverse?

  1. It sounds continuously while the bus is in reverse Correct answer.
  2. It activates only when the parking brake is set
  3. It sounds only when the brake pedal is released
  4. It chirps once and then stops

Explanation

The back-up alarm is wired to sound whenever reverse gear is engaged, alerting students and pedestrians behind the bus. It should continue sounding the entire time the bus is backing. Brake position and parking-brake status do not control it.

Question 7School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus tires. Which condition requires the bus to be removed from service?

  1. Light dust on the sidewalls
  2. A cut deep enough to expose cord in the tread Correct answer.
  3. Tread depth at the legal minimum with even wear
  4. Small stones lodged in the tread grooves

Explanation

Any tire damage that exposes cords or fabric, such as a deep cut or gouge, makes the tire unsafe and the bus unserviceable. Tread at the legal minimum with even wear, embedded stones, and dust are not by themselves grounds for removal. Structural damage is the disqualifying condition.

Question 8School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What is the purpose of the school bus's emergency roof hatch?

  1. To let the driver inspect the roof from inside
  2. To provide ventilation on hot days
  3. To serve as an additional exit and to allow rescuers access from above Correct answer.
  4. To hold the roof-mounted strobe light

Explanation

Roof hatches are escape exits that open from inside and can also be opened by emergency responders on the roof. They supplement the side and rear exits when the bus must be evacuated. Ventilation and equipment mounting are secondary uses, not the safety purpose.

Question 9School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is checking the school bus's brake system during the pre-trip inspection. Which result indicates the air brake system may have a leak?

  1. The air pressure gauge holds steady after the engine is shut off and the brakes are applied
  2. The pressure drops steadily with the engine off and no brake applied Correct answer.
  3. The low-air warning buzzer sounds below 60 psi
  4. The compressor builds pressure to the governed limit

Explanation

With the engine off and the system charged, air pressure should hold steady; a steady drop indicates a leak. The low-air warning activating below 60 psi and the compressor reaching governed pressure are normal behaviors. Holding steady with brakes applied is the desired result, not a symptom.

Question 10School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

When checking the school bus's hydraulic brakes during the pre-trip inspection, the driver presses the pedal and holds it. What should happen?

  1. The pedal sinks slowly to the floor
  2. The pedal travels halfway before stopping
  3. The pedal pulses rapidly without moving
  4. The pedal holds firm and does not fade Correct answer.

Explanation

A firm pedal that holds its position while pressure is maintained shows the hydraulic system is not leaking and has no air in the lines. A pedal that sinks or fades indicates a leak or internal bypass and must be repaired before the bus is used. Pulsing would suggest warped rotors or ABS activity, not a normal static check.

Question 11School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A school bus is equipped with a crossing gate. How does the driver confirm it works during inspection?

  1. The gate can be folded up and locked in place by hand
  2. The gate deploys automatically when the stop arm extends and retracts when it folds Correct answer.
  3. The gate swings freely by hand in both directions
  4. The gate stays down until the driver presses a release button

Explanation

The crossing gate is linked to the stop arm so that it swings out when the arm extends, forcing students to walk far enough in front of the bus to be seen. It should retract when the stop arm folds. Free-swinging or hand-locked behavior would indicate a linkage problem.

Question 12School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

Why must the school bus driver check that the exhaust system is intact and not leaking during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Exhaust leaks can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment Correct answer.
  2. The exhaust must match the bus's paint scheme
  3. A loose exhaust makes the bus louder on the route
  4. Exhaust leaks reduce fuel economy

Explanation

Carbon monoxide from a leaking exhaust can enter the cabin and endanger students and the driver, so the system must be free of holes, loose connections, and excessive rust. Noise and fuel economy are minor compared with the poisoning risk. Appearance has no bearing on exhaust integrity.

Question 13School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

The driver tests the school bus's eight-light warning system. Which sequence is correct when the driver activates the red lights for a student stop?

  1. Red lights flash first, then amber lights flash
  2. Amber lights flash first, then red lights flash as the stop arm extends Correct answer.
  3. Only the red lights flash at all times
  4. Amber lights flash continuously and the red lights stay off

Explanation

The eight-light system uses amber lights to warn traffic that the bus is preparing to stop, then switches to red lights and extends the stop arm when students are loading or unloading. Red-first or amber-only operation would give traffic the wrong message. The sequence must be verified during inspection.

Question 14School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's fire extinguisher. Which condition makes it acceptable for service?

  1. The extinguisher is mounted loosely so it can be grabbed quickly
  2. The gauge reads in the red but the tank feels full
  3. The gauge needle is in the green operating range and the pin is in place Correct answer.
  4. The extinguisher is stored in the luggage compartment

Explanation

A serviceable extinguisher shows pressure in the green range, has its safety pin and seal intact, and is securely mounted within the driver's reach. A red gauge reading means the charge is inadequate. Loose mounting or remote storage would delay access in an emergency.

Question 15School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What should the driver confirm about the school bus's first aid kit and body fluid cleanup kit during inspection?

  1. They contain only bandages
  2. They are stored under the hood
  3. They are present, complete, and accessible to the driver Correct answer.
  4. They are sealed in a locked cabinet

Explanation

Maryland requires school buses to carry a first aid kit and a body fluid cleanup kit that are complete and readily accessible. A locked cabinet would prevent use during an emergency. Storage outside the passenger area or missing supplies would make the kit noncompliant.

Question 16School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

How does the driver check that the school bus's heater and defroster are working before a route on a cold morning?

  1. Run the engine, turn on the heater and defroster, and confirm warm air reaches the windshield and passenger area Correct answer.
  2. Look for condensation on the outside of the windshield
  3. Check that the blower fuse is installed
  4. Feel the heater hoses under the hood only

Explanation

The heater and defroster must actually deliver warm air to the windshield and the passenger compartment so the driver can see and students stay safe in cold weather. Feeling hoses or checking a fuse does not prove airflow or heat. Outside condensation says nothing about system performance.

Question 17School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver inspecting a school bus notices the left rear turn signal does not flash, though the right one works. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The bus may not be operated until the turn signal is repaired Correct answer.
  2. The driver should use hand signals instead of repairing it
  3. The bus is safe to use because the right signal works
  4. The turn signal is optional equipment on school buses

Explanation

All required exterior lights, including both turn signals, must work before the bus is placed in service. One functioning signal does not compensate for a failed one, because other drivers rely on the signal to predict the bus's movement. Hand signals do not substitute for required lighting.

Question 18School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

When checking the school bus's mirrors, what should the driver confirm about the convex mirrors?

  1. They are adjusted while the bus is moving
  2. They magnify objects so distances are easier to judge
  3. They are aimed only at the rear wheels
  4. They show a wider view of the danger zones and are free of cracks and discoloration Correct answer.

Explanation

Convex mirrors widen the driver's view of the danger zones along the sides of the bus, and they must be clean and undamaged to be useful. Because convex glass makes objects appear smaller and farther away than they are, the driver must not rely on them for precise distance judgment. Adjustment is done while parked.

Question 19School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What is the correct pre-trip check for the school bus's parking brake?

  1. Check that the brake pedal feels firm
  2. Set the brake, place the bus in gear, and confirm the bus does not move Correct answer.
  3. Release the brake and confirm the bus rolls freely
  4. Pull the brake handle and listen for a click only

Explanation

The parking brake must hold the bus when it is set and the transmission is engaged, proving it can prevent movement on a grade or during loading. Releasing the brake to roll freely tests the opposite of what is needed. A click or pedal feel does not demonstrate holding power.

Question 20School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A school bus driver is inspecting the bus's stop arm and notices the red lights flash but the arm does not extend. What is the most likely consequence if the bus is used on a route?

  1. Students may cross outside the protected zone the arm is designed to create Correct answer.
  2. Traffic will still stop because the red lights are flashing
  3. The crossing gate will compensate for the missing arm
  4. The bus will fail only a cosmetic inspection criterion

Explanation

The stop arm extends to create a buffer that keeps students from crossing too close to the front of the bus, where the driver's view is limited. If the arm fails to deploy, students may cross in an area the driver cannot see, even though the red lights are flashing. The crossing gate depends on the arm and cannot substitute for it.

Question 21School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's battery and electrical system. Which finding indicates a problem that should be corrected before the route?

  1. The battery terminals are corroded and the cables are loose Correct answer.
  2. The battery hold-down bracket is present
  3. The alternator gauge shows charging after the engine starts
  4. The battery is securely mounted and the terminals are clean and tight

Explanation

Corroded terminals and loose cables can cause the bus to lose electrical power, affecting lights, the stop arm, and the warning system. The battery must be secure with clean, tight connections. A charging gauge and a present hold-down are signs of a healthy system.

Question 22School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver must decide whether a school bus with a cracked red warning light lens can be used for a morning route. Which reasoning is correct?

  1. A cracked lens may scatter light and reduce visibility of the warning, so it must be replaced before use Correct answer.
  2. A cracked lens is acceptable as long as the bulb still lights
  3. The lens can be taped over and the route continued
  4. The lens only matters at night, so a daytime route is fine

Explanation

A cracked lens can let moisture in and scatter or dim the warning light, reducing its effectiveness at the exact moment traffic must see it. Required warning lamps must be intact and functioning before the bus carries students. Taping or relying on daylight does not restore the required visibility.

Question 23School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A school bus has a rear emergency door that opens from the inside but whose outside handle will not release it. Why is this a safety concern that must be corrected?

  1. The interior buzzer will not sound
  2. The door will not stay closed on rough roads
  3. Emergency responders may be unable to open the rear exit from outside Correct answer.
  4. The door will not latch during normal driving

Explanation

The outside release allows firefighters and other responders to open the rear exit from outside when students are trapped or the interior is inaccessible. A door that only opens from inside can delay rescue. Latching and buzzer operation are separate functions from the outside handle.

Question 24School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver finds the school bus's speedometer is inoperative but all other gauges work. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Operate the route and estimate speed by traffic flow
  2. Remove the bus from service until the speedometer is repaired Correct answer.
  3. Report it at the next scheduled maintenance
  4. Use a GPS app on a phone instead of the speedometer

Explanation

A functioning speedometer is required equipment, and a bus with an inoperative speedometer should not be placed in service. Estimating speed or using a phone app does not meet the requirement and could lead to unsafe speed judgments. Deferring the repair leaves the bus noncompliant.

Question 25School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is evaluating whether the school bus's emergency exit windows are compliant. Which combination of features must be present?

  1. Windows that open only when the bus is stopped and the parking brake is set
  2. Windows that open only with a special tool and are labeled from outside
  3. Windows that open from inside without tools, are clearly marked as exits, and sound an alarm when opened Correct answer.
  4. Windows that are fixed and marked with a red decal

Explanation

Emergency exit windows must be operable from inside without tools, marked so passengers can find them, and wired to alert the driver when opened. Requiring a tool or tying operation to the parking brake would prevent use in a crash. Fixed windows marked as exits would be a dangerous mislabeling.

Question 26School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During a pre-trip inspection of a Maryland school bus, the driver checks the service door. Which condition shows the door is in proper working order?

  1. The door opens easily, but the driver's warning indicator stays dark when the door is open
  2. The door latch requires extra force to close fully, but it eventually latches
  3. The door opens only when the engine is running, and the warning light stays off
  4. The door opens and closes smoothly, and the warning buzzer sounds when it is open with the ignition on Correct answer.

Explanation

The service door must open and close freely, and the driver must get a clear warning when it is not fully secured. With the ignition on, an open door should trigger the audible and visual warning so the driver knows the door is unlatched before moving.

Question 27School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is checking the school bus's emergency exits before a route. Which finding means an exit is acceptable for use?

  1. The exit opens from the inside but the warning buzzer stays silent
  2. The exit is sealed with a security bar that the driver removes at each stop
  3. The exit opens from the inside without a key, and the buzzer sounds when it is opened Correct answer.
  4. The exit opens only after the driver releases a keyed lock from the outside

Explanation

Emergency exits must be operable from the inside without a key or special tool, and opening one must trigger the warning buzzer so the driver is alerted. A silent buzzer or a locked exit defeats the purpose of an emergency exit.

Question 28School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

What should the driver verify about the school bus's warning triangles or reflective devices during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. That they are stored in a locked compartment behind the driver's seat
  2. That at least one device is mounted permanently on the rear bumper
  3. That the required number is present, clean, and stored where they are accessible Correct answer.
  4. That they are kept in the engine compartment to save passenger space

Explanation

Reflective warning devices must be on board in the required quantity and kept clean and accessible so they can be placed quickly if the bus stops on the roadway. Storing them locked away or in the engine compartment delays their use.

Question 29School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's windshield and wipers. Which condition is acceptable?

  1. The washer reservoir is empty, but the wipers work
  2. The wipers streak the glass but still move across it
  3. The windshield has a small star crack directly in the driver's line of sight
  4. The windshield is free of cracks in the driver's view, and the wipers clear the glass and return to rest Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver's view must be unobstructed, so cracks or damage in the viewing area are not acceptable. The wipers must clear the glass and park properly, and the washer system should have fluid for visibility in bad weather.

Question 30School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is checking the school bus's stop arm before leaving the lot. The arm extends, but the red lights on the arm do not illuminate. What is the correct action?

  1. Extend the arm manually at each stop and continue the route
  2. Place the bus out of service until the arm lights are repaired Correct answer.
  3. Continue the route and report the problem at the end of the week
  4. Use the bus but rely on the flashing eight-light system alone

Explanation

The stop arm and its red lights work together to warn traffic that children are crossing, so a non-illuminating arm light is a safety defect. The bus should not carry students until the defect is corrected.

Question 31School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's emergency door buzzer. The buzzer sounds when the door is opened, but the driver's warning light does not come on. What does this indicate?

  1. The visual warning circuit is faulty and must be repaired before the route Correct answer.
  2. The door switch is working perfectly and nothing is wrong
  3. The buzzer alone is sufficient, so the bus can go out
  4. The warning light bulb is optional on school buses

Explanation

The emergency door must give both audible and visual warning to the driver when opened. If the buzzer works but the light does not, the visual warning circuit or bulb is defective and needs repair.

Question 32School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver inspects the school bus's tires and finds a rear dual tire with a large bulge in the sidewall. How should the driver proceed?

  1. Reduce speed and complete the route with the bulged tire
  2. Remove the bus from service until the tire is replaced Correct answer.
  3. Inflate the tire to the maximum pressure and continue
  4. Move the tire to a front position and continue

Explanation

A bulge in a tire sidewall indicates internal damage and a high risk of sudden failure, so the bus cannot be used until the tire is replaced. Inflating it or moving it to another position does not correct the defect.

Question 33School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's air brake system. With the engine off and the system fully charged, the driver applies the brake and holds it. What should the driver observe?

  1. The low-pressure warning buzzer sounds immediately
  2. The air pressure drops rapidly to zero
  3. The air pressure holds steady without a noticeable drop Correct answer.
  4. The brake pedal sinks slowly to the floor

Explanation

A static leak check confirms that the system holds pressure when the brakes are applied and held with the engine off. A rapid pressure loss or a sinking pedal points to a leak that must be repaired before the bus is used.

Question 34School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is checking the school bus's mirrors before a route. Which adjustment confirms the mirrors are set correctly?

  1. The driver can see the front bumper but not the rear tires
  2. The mirrors are folded in to protect them while parked
  3. The driver can see the rear tires, the side of the bus, and the danger zones around the bus from the driver's seat Correct answer.
  4. The driver can see only the sky and the road far behind the bus

Explanation

Mirrors must be adjusted so the driver can see the sides of the bus, the rear tires, and the danger zones where children may be hidden. Seeing only distant road or sky leaves blind spots near the bus.

Question 35School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's horn. What is the correct expectation?

  1. The horn works only when the parking brake is set
  2. The horn is optional on school buses
  3. The horn sounds only when the engine is off
  4. The horn sounds clearly and is audible to others Correct answer.

Explanation

The horn is a required warning device and must produce a clear, audible sound. A horn that works only under unusual conditions or not at all is a defect that must be corrected before the route.

Question 36School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver finds that the school bus's fuel gauge reads empty even though the tank was filled the day before. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Verify the actual fuel level and have the gauge repaired before relying on it Correct answer.
  2. Assume the tank is full and start the route
  3. Fill the tank again and continue without checking the gauge
  4. Ignore the gauge because fuel level is not part of the pre-trip inspection

Explanation

Gauges must give the driver accurate information, and a fuel gauge that reads incorrectly can leave the bus stranded. The driver should confirm the true fuel level and have the gauge repaired.

Question 37School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the school bus's seat belts and passenger seats. Which finding requires correction before the route?

  1. A seat back is upright and locked in position
  2. A seat belt retracts fully when released
  3. A seat cushion is loose and its mounting bolts are missing Correct answer.
  4. A seat belt webbing shows normal wear but still latches

Explanation

Seats must be securely mounted so they stay in place in a crash or sudden stop. Missing mounting bolts leave the seat unsecured and require repair before passengers ride.

Question 38School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is evaluating a school bus's emergency exit windows before a route. Which combination of features must be present?

  1. The window opens only with a special tool kept in the office
  2. The window opens from the inside without tools, and opening it triggers the warning Correct answer.
  3. The window opens from the inside but gives no warning to the driver
  4. The window is fixed and cannot be opened

Explanation

Emergency exit windows must be openable from the inside without tools and must trigger a warning when opened so the driver knows. A fixed window or one requiring a tool cannot serve as an emergency exit.

Question 39School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver inspecting a school bus notices the left rear turn signal does not flash, though the brake light on that side works. What is the correct conclusion?

  1. The bulb is fine because the brake light works
  2. The problem will correct itself once the bus is moving
  3. The turn signal circuit is faulty and the bus should not be used until it is repaired Correct answer.
  4. The signal is optional on the rear of a school bus

Explanation

Turn signals and brake lights use separate circuits even when they share a housing, so a working brake light does not prove the turn signal is good. A non-flashing signal is a safety defect that must be repaired before the route.

Question 40School bus vehicle inspection and equipment

A driver is deciding whether a school bus with a cracked red warning light lens can be used for a morning route. Which reasoning is correct?

  1. The bus can be used if the driver flashes the lights manually
  2. The bus can be used if the crack is on the passenger side
  3. The bus can be used because the bulb still lights
  4. The lens must be replaced because a cracked lens can scatter light and weaken the warning to traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

Warning light lenses are designed to focus and color the light so it is clearly visible to traffic. A cracked lens can scatter or dim the signal, so it must be replaced before the bus carries students.

Question 41Loading and unloading students

Under Maryland and federal school bus rules, at what point must the driver activate the flashing red lights and stop arm when preparing to load students?

  1. When the bus is stopped or about to stop to receive or discharge students Correct answer.
  2. As soon as the bus pulls out of the school lot
  3. Only after the students have stepped off the curb
  4. After the last student has boarded and the door is closed

Explanation

Red flashing lights and the stop arm are required whenever the bus is stopped, or about to stop, to receive or discharge students on a roadway. They warn traffic in both directions that children are entering or leaving the bus. Activating them early gives approaching drivers time to stop.

Question 42Loading and unloading students

A school bus driver is loading students on a two-lane road. When may the driver turn off the flashing red lights and retract the stop arm?

  1. As soon as the last student's foot touches the first step
  2. Once all students are seated and the driver has checked that traffic has stopped Correct answer.
  3. When oncoming traffic has slowed to below the posted limit
  4. After the driver sounds the horn to signal departure

Explanation

The red lights and stop arm stay out until students are safely seated and the driver has confirmed surrounding traffic has stopped. Retracting the warning too early invites vehicles to move while children are still near the bus. The driver controls the sequence, not the students' pace.

Question 43Loading and unloading students

When students must cross the roadway after exiting the bus, what procedure does the driver follow?

  1. Signal students to cross quickly before traffic resumes
  2. Have students cross behind the bus to avoid the driver's blind spot
  3. Let students choose their own crossing point
  4. Count students off, then give a hand signal to cross in front of the bus Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver counts students off the bus and gives a clear hand signal before any student crosses. Students cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to be seen by the driver. This keeps the driver in control of when the roadway is entered.

Question 44Loading and unloading students

Where should students who must cross the road after leaving the bus walk?

  1. Along the shoulder until they are past the bus
  2. Behind the bus, out of traffic's view
  3. Directly beside the bus's left mirror
  4. In front of the bus, beyond the stop arm and within the driver's view Correct answer.

Explanation

Students cross in front of the bus and walk forward past the stop arm so the driver can see them at all times. Crossing behind the bus hides them from the driver. The driver watches until each student is safely across.

Question 45Loading and unloading students

How far ahead of the school bus should students cross when they must cross the roadway?

  1. About 10 feet ahead of the front bumper Correct answer.
  2. Directly at the front bumper
  3. About 30 feet ahead of the bus
  4. At the rear corner of the bus

Explanation

Students should cross roughly 10 feet in front of the bus, far enough forward to be clearly visible to the driver and to be inside the protected zone. Crossing too close to the bumper keeps them in the blind area near the hood. The driver signals them across only when traffic is stopped.

Question 46Loading and unloading students

A student drops a book in the roadway while crossing in front of the bus. What should the student do?

  1. Leave it and continue across, then tell the driver Correct answer.
  2. Step back toward the bus to retrieve it
  3. Wait in the road until the driver waves
  4. Bend down immediately to pick it up

Explanation

Students are taught never to stoop in front of the bus, because the driver may lose sight of them. They should leave the dropped item, continue across, and report it to the driver, who can retrieve it safely later. Stopping or bending near the bumper is dangerous.

Question 47Loading and unloading students

What is the driver's responsibility regarding students who are waiting at the bus stop before boarding?

  1. Require them to board from the rear of the bus
  2. Load them only after they have formed a single file and are under control Correct answer.
  3. Let them board from any direction as long as the door is open
  4. Board them while the bus is still rolling slowly

Explanation

Students should wait in an orderly line and board only when the driver signals, so no one approaches from a blind area. The driver must ensure the group is under control before opening the door. Boarding from random directions risks a student entering the danger zone unseen.

Question 48Loading and unloading students

When a school bus is loading students at a stop, how far from the bus should waiting students stand until the driver signals them to board?

  1. At least 10 feet away from the bus Correct answer.
  2. Touching the side of the bus for balance
  3. On the roadway beside the door
  4. Right at the edge of the open door

Explanation

Waiting students should stay at least 10 feet back from the bus until the driver signals them to board. This keeps them clear of the danger zone near the wheels and door. It also lets the driver see the whole group before opening the door.

Question 49Loading and unloading students

How should the driver account for all students during unloading at a school?

  1. Count students off and check the bus for sleeping or remaining students Correct answer.
  2. Rely on the school staff to count students
  3. Assume students leave as soon as the door opens
  4. Only check the bus at the end of the day

Explanation

The driver counts students off the bus and then walks the bus to check for any student who remained aboard or fell asleep. This two-part check prevents a child from being left on the bus. The driver, not school staff, is responsible for the count.

Question 50Loading and unloading students

Where should the driver position the bus when stopping to unload students who live on a residential street?

  1. As close to the right curb as practical Correct answer.
  2. In the travel lane with the red lights on
  3. On the left shoulder facing oncoming traffic
  4. In the center of the road to block traffic

Explanation

The bus should stop as close to the right curb as practical so students step out onto the curb rather than into the travel lane. A tight stop shortens the distance students travel in the roadway. The red lights and stop arm still warn traffic.