Minnesota 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 the school bus on all sides where students are at greatest risk of being struck. Drivers must keep students visible in this zone.

Amber warning lights

Lights activated before a school bus stop to warn traffic that the bus is about to load or unload students. They are used before the red lights and stop arm.

Red lights and stop arm

Signals activated only when students are actually loading or unloading. Traffic must stop in both directions on undivided roads while they are displayed.

Student count

The driver counts students as they exit and again after they clear the danger zone, confirming no student remains before moving the bus.

Crossing in front of bus

Students must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver's hand signal before entering the roadway.

Driver discipline authority

The driver may manage student behavior while students are on the bus or boarding, limited to reasonable non-physical measures and reporting serious misconduct to the district.

Corporal punishment prohibition

Physical punishment of students is not permitted. Physical force may be used only to protect students or others from imminent harm.

Reporting misconduct

Serious student misconduct is documented and reported in writing to the school district, which may suspend the student's bus-riding privileges.

Seating assignments

Assigned seats are used when behavior problems persist. Documented assignments support later discipline decisions by the district.

Railroad crossing stop distance

The school bus must stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail at every railroad-highway grade crossing.

Crossing listening procedure

Before crossing, turn off radio and fans, open the service door and driver's window, and look and listen in both directions.

Stall on tracks

If the bus stalls on a railroad crossing, evacuate students immediately, move them at least 100 feet from the tracks, and call 911.

Crossing without shifting

Cross the tracks in a gear that lets the bus complete the crossing without shifting gears while on the tracks.

When to evacuate

Evacuate only when staying aboard is more dangerous, such as fire, fuel leak, hazardous material, or a dangerous position on the roadway.

Rear door evacuation

The driver exits first and assists students coming down. Two students may exit side by side. Used when the front door is blocked.

Evacuation assembly point

Students move at least 100 feet from the bus, upwind of fire or spills, to a designated point where the driver takes a head count.

Evacuation drills

Minnesota requires at least two school bus evacuation drills per school year, with one conducted in the first weeks of school.

Pre-trip inspection

A check of brakes, steering, lights, tires, mirrors, emergency exits, stop arm, crossing gate, and horn before every trip.

Tire tread minimums

Commercial vehicles require at least 4/32 inch tread on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires. Worn tires fail inspection.

Emergency equipment check

Verify the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, body fluid cleanup kit, and warning triangles are present and serviceable before each trip.

Post-trip inspection

At the end of each route, check for sleeping or left-behind students and report any vehicle defects found.

Following distance rule

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second. A 40-foot bus at 40 mph needs at least 5 seconds.

Eight-way warning lights

Amber lights warn of an approaching stop; red lights and the stop arm require traffic to stop while students load or unload.

Backing a school bus

Back only when necessary, use a spotter if available, and check all mirrors and the rear area before backing.

Divided highway bus stop

On a divided highway with a median or barrier, traffic on the opposite side of the median is not required to stop for a loading school bus.

Stop location selection

Avoid stopping on curves, hill crests, or where visibility is limited. Choose locations visible to approaching traffic in both directions.

Illegal passing report

When a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, do not pursue. Record the plate number and report to law enforcement.

Hazard scanning

Scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead and check mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds to identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other hazards early.

Bridge ice hazard

Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze before surrounding roadway. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking on these surfaces.

Post-crash priorities

Stop, protect the scene, check students for injuries, call 911, and do not move injured students unless there is immediate danger.

Post-crash documentation

Photograph the scene, collect witness names, and write an account of the crash. Notify dispatch and the school district immediately.

Minnesota stop arm law

Vehicles must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing and stop arm extended on undivided roads. Violators face criminal penalties.