NC 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 definition

The area within 10 feet of the school bus, where students are closest to the wheels and hardest for the driver to see. Most loading and unloading injuries happen here.

Front crossover mirror purpose

The crossover mirror shows the area directly in front of the bumper and the first several feet ahead, letting the driver see a student who has crossed in front of the bus.

Student crossing rule

A student who must cross the road crosses only in front of the bus, at least 10 feet ahead of the bumper, and only after the driver signals that traffic has stopped.

Rear emergency door check

During the pre-trip inspection the driver confirms the rear emergency door opens fully from the inside, latches securely, and sounds the warning buzzer when unlatched.

Fire evacuation exit choice

A fire at the rear of the bus means students exit through the front service door; a fire at the front means they use the rear emergency door, moving away from the flames.

Evacuation assembly distance

Evacuated students assemble at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind of any fire or spill, where the driver takes a head count before and after moving.

Railroad crossing stop distance

A school bus stops between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at every crossing, sets the parking brake, opens the service door, and listens before proceeding.

Stalled bus on tracks

If a bus stalls on the tracks, evacuate students immediately, move them at least 100 feet away in the direction away from an approaching train, then call 911 and the railroad.

Lowered crossing gate rule

A lowered gate or flashing red light means stop and stay stopped. A driver never drives around a lowered gate, even when no train is visible.

Driver discipline authority

The driver is responsible for order from the moment a student boards until the student exits, and may assign seats or refer students but may not use physical punishment.

Progressive discipline steps

Typical steps are a verbal warning, a seat change, a written referral to the school administrator, and suspension of riding privileges, applied in order for repeated misbehavior.

Unattended bus check

At the end of every route the driver walks the bus, checking each seat and the rear, to confirm no student remains asleep or left behind before securing the vehicle.

Static air leak limits

With the engine off and brakes released, air loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute; with the brakes applied, loss should not exceed 4 psi per minute.

Low air warning threshold

The low-air warning buzzer and light must activate by 60 psi. Below that pressure the bus is unsafe to drive and the defect must be reported.

Out-of-service defects

Defects in brakes, steering, lights, tires, exits, or horn make the bus out of service until repaired; the driver reports them in writing to the carrier.

Loading stop position

Stop with the front bumper even with or slightly past the students' waiting point, set the parking brake, and open the door only after checking traffic.

Red light activation rule

Flashing red lights and the stop arm are used only while students are actually loading or unloading; amber warning lights are used as the bus approaches the stop.

Pre-departure mirror check

Before moving from a stop, the driver checks both mirrors, confirms all students are seated and clear of the danger zone, closes the door, and cancels the red lights.

ABS braking technique

With antilock brakes, apply firm, steady pressure and hold it. Do not pump the pedal; pulsing in the pedal during activation is normal and steering control is maintained.

ABS warning light meaning

If the ABS light stays on after start-up, antilock braking is disabled and the bus has normal braking; the driver allows extra stopping distance and reports the fault.

School bus following distance

Use at least one second per 10 feet of bus length plus one second; a 40-foot bus needs about 5 seconds below 40 mph and 6 seconds above 40 mph.

Air brake lag

Air-braked buses have a brake lag of about 0.3 to 0.4 seconds before braking takes effect, so total stopping distance includes perception, reaction, lag, and braking distance.

Fog driving lights

In fog, use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance. High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility, so they are not used.

Skid recovery steering

When the bus skids, steer in the direction you want the front of the bus to go, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking that can worsen the skid.

Hazard response priority

When a hazard appears, slow down and increase space first. Swerving a loaded school bus risks a rollover, so it is a last resort.

Post-crash scene protection

After a crash, stop, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, activate hazard lights, check for injuries, and place warning devices behind the bus when safe.

When to evacuate after crash

Evacuate after a crash only for fire, a hazardous material spill, or a dangerous position, using the exit farthest from the hazard and moving students at least 100 feet away.

Crash head count procedure

The driver counts students at the assembly point and again after moving, reports missing students to responders immediately, and does not discuss fault at the scene.

School bus endorsement prerequisite

The S endorsement requires a CDL with the passenger P endorsement, a school bus knowledge test, and a skills test taken in a school bus of the proper class.

School bus endorsement age rule

A driver must be at least 18 for intrastate school bus driving and 21 for interstate driving, hold a valid CDL or CLP, and meet medical certification requirements.

Medical certificate requirement

A school bus driver must hold a valid medical examiner's certificate, carry it while driving, self-certify the driving type, and report any change in medical status.

S endorsement knowledge topics

The school bus knowledge test covers danger zones, loading and unloading, railroad crossings, emergency exits, student management, and vehicle inspection and defect reporting.