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ND CDL School Bus practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection of a school bus, you check the emergency exit doors. Which condition requires the bus to be placed out of service before transporting students?

  1. The emergency door buzzer sounds when the door is opened with the ignition on
  2. The emergency door does not latch securely and swings open on its own Correct answer.
  3. The emergency door glass is clean and free of cracks
  4. The emergency door opens freely from the inside with the handle

Explanation

An emergency exit that will not latch securely is a safety defect because the door could open while the bus is moving and students could fall out. Any emergency exit that fails to open, close, or latch properly must be corrected before the bus carries passengers. Clean glass and a working buzzer are normal, acceptable conditions.

Question 2Vehicle Inspection

While inspecting the braking system on a school bus, which item should you check on the air brake system during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. That the air compressor fills the tanks only while the bus is moving
  2. That the brake pedal travels to the floor when applied firmly
  3. That the parking brake releases automatically when the engine starts
  4. That the low air pressure warning activates before pressure drops below 60 psi Correct answer.

Explanation

The low air pressure warning device must activate before air pressure falls below 60 psi so the driver is alerted to a developing brake failure. This is a required check in the air brake inspection sequence. A pedal that sinks to the floor or a parking brake that self-releases indicates a defect, not normal operation.

Question 3Vehicle Inspection

You are checking the tires on a school bus before a route. Which finding must be corrected before the bus is used to carry students?

  1. Tires inflated to the pressure listed on the tire placard
  2. Tread depth of 6/32 inch on the front steer tires
  3. A tire with a visible bulge or separation in the sidewall Correct answer.
  4. Valve stem caps installed on all wheels

Explanation

A bulge or separation in a tire sidewall indicates internal structural damage and the tire can fail suddenly at highway speed, so the bus must not be driven until it is replaced. Proper inflation and adequate tread depth are acceptable conditions. Valve stem caps are a normal, desirable detail.

Question 4Vehicle Inspection

During the exterior inspection, you check the school bus stop arm. What should happen when you extend it with the switch?

  1. The stop arm extends and the red warning lights activate together Correct answer.
  2. The stop arm extends only when the parking brake is released
  3. The stop arm extends only when the bus is in gear
  4. The stop arm extends but the warning lights stay off until the door opens

Explanation

The stop arm and the red flashing warning lights work as a coordinated system to warn traffic that students are loading or unloading. When the driver activates the stop arm, the red lights should come on as well. The system is not tied to gear selection or parking brake release.

Question 5Vehicle Inspection

When performing the pre-trip inspection, how should you check the service door and its controls?

  1. By leaving it open during the entire inspection
  2. Only visually from the driver's seat without operating it
  3. By checking it only after the engine is running
  4. By opening and closing it fully and confirming it latches and the warning device works Correct answer.

Explanation

The service door must be operated through its full range to confirm it opens, closes, and latches securely, and that any door warning device functions. A door that fails to latch is a safety hazard because students could fall from the moving bus. Visual inspection alone does not confirm proper operation.

Question 6Vehicle Inspection

You are checking the mirrors on a school bus. Which adjustment confirms the mirrors are set correctly for the driver?

  1. The interior mirror shows only the rear window
  2. The mirrors show only the sides of the bus body
  3. The mirrors are folded in to avoid damage while parked
  4. The crossover and side mirrors together give the driver a view of the blind spots around the front, sides, and rear of the bus Correct answer.

Explanation

School bus mirrors are set as a system so the driver can see the danger zones around the bus, including the area directly in front, along both sides, and behind. Each mirror has a specific purpose and together they eliminate as much of the blind spot as possible. Mirrors that show only the bus body or are folded in do not provide the required view.

Question 7Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection, you test the horn on a school bus. What is the correct expectation?

  1. The horn may be silent if the bus has a working backup alarm
  2. The horn should sound clearly when the button is pressed Correct answer.
  3. The horn only needs to work when the bus is in motion
  4. The horn is optional on school buses

Explanation

A functioning horn is required equipment because it is used to warn others of danger. During inspection the driver presses the horn button and confirms it produces a clear, audible sound. A backup alarm does not substitute for the horn, and the horn is not optional.

Question 8Vehicle Inspection

While inspecting the exhaust system of a school bus, which condition should cause you to remove the bus from service?

  1. The exhaust exits beyond the passenger compartment
  2. There is visible soot or a leak at a joint in the exhaust system Correct answer.
  3. The exhaust pipe is securely mounted with no leaks
  4. The muffler is intact and free of holes

Explanation

A leak in the exhaust system can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment, which is especially dangerous on a bus full of students. Soot streaks or audible leaks at joints indicate a defect that must be repaired before the bus is used. A secure, intact system exiting beyond the passenger area is correct.

Question 9Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's warning lights and gauges. Which observation indicates a problem that must be addressed before departure?

  1. The fuel gauge shows a full tank
  2. The alternator warning light stays on after the engine starts Correct answer.
  3. All gauges read within normal ranges after engine start
  4. The speedometer reads zero while parked

Explanation

An alternator warning light that remains illuminated after the engine starts indicates the charging system is not working, which could leave the bus with a dead battery and no warning lights or stop arm function. Gauges reading normal, a full tank, and a zero speedometer while parked are all expected.

Question 10Vehicle Inspection

When checking the emergency exit windows on a school bus, what should you verify?

  1. That the windows are sealed permanently shut to prevent tampering
  2. That the windows open and the release mechanism functions, and that the exit is marked Correct answer.
  3. That the windows are painted over to reduce glare
  4. That the windows open only with a tool kept in the office

Explanation

Emergency exit windows must open from the inside using their release mechanism so passengers can escape in an emergency, and they must be clearly marked as exits. Sealing them shut or requiring a tool defeats their purpose. Painting over the glass would hide the exit and reduce visibility.

Question 11Vehicle Inspection

You are inspecting the school bus's steering system. Which finding requires the bus to be taken out of service?

  1. The steering wheel has slight free play within the manufacturer's limit
  2. The steering wheel is adjusted to a comfortable position
  3. There is excessive steering wheel free play beyond the allowed limit Correct answer.
  4. The power steering pump makes a normal operating sound

Explanation

Excessive free play in the steering wheel means the driver cannot control the bus precisely and the steering components may be worn or failing. Free play beyond the manufacturer's limit is a defect that must be corrected before the bus carries students. Slight free play within limits, normal pump sound, and a comfortable wheel position are acceptable.

Question 12Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's backup alarm. When should it sound?

  1. Only when the bus is moving forward
  2. Only when the service door is open
  3. Whenever the bus is shifted into reverse Correct answer.
  4. Only when the parking brake is set

Explanation

The backup alarm is designed to warn people behind the bus whenever it is shifted into reverse, because the driver's rearward visibility is limited. It is not tied to forward motion, the parking brake, or the service door. A backup alarm that fails to sound in reverse is a defect.

Question 13Vehicle Inspection

While checking the school bus's lights during the pre-trip inspection, which combination must function correctly?

  1. Only the headlights need to work
  2. Only the brake lights and turn signals
  3. Only the interior dome lights
  4. Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights Correct answer.

Explanation

A school bus must have all required exterior lighting working, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights, because each serves a distinct warning or visibility function. Missing any of these reduces the bus's visibility to other drivers and can lead to a collision. Interior dome lights alone do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 14Vehicle Inspection

You notice the school bus's stop arm does not fully extend during your inspection. How should you proceed?

  1. Extend the arm manually at each stop
  2. Place the bus out of service and have the stop arm repaired before transporting students Correct answer.
  3. Use hand signals instead of the stop arm
  4. Drive the route and report it at the end of the day

Explanation

A stop arm that does not fully extend fails to warn traffic that students are crossing, creating a serious risk. The bus must be removed from service and the defect repaired before it carries students. Manual extension at each stop or hand signals do not provide the required warning and are not acceptable substitutes.

Question 15Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's battery and battery compartment. Which condition is acceptable?

  1. The battery is loose and slides in its tray
  2. The battery cables are frayed and exposed
  3. The battery is securely mounted with the cables tight and the compartment covered Correct answer.
  4. The battery compartment cover is missing

Explanation

A battery must be securely mounted so it does not shift or short against metal, and the cables must be tight and undamaged. The compartment cover protects the battery from debris and prevents accidental contact. Loose batteries, frayed cables, and missing covers are all defects.

Question 16Vehicle Inspection

When checking the school bus's fuel system during the pre-trip inspection, which observation should be treated as a defect?

  1. There is a strong smell of fuel and visible wet spots under the tank Correct answer.
  2. The fuel tank cap is tight and the tank is securely mounted
  3. The fuel gauge shows the tank is full
  4. The fuel lines are routed away from hot exhaust parts

Explanation

A strong fuel smell with visible wet spots indicates a leak, which is a serious fire hazard on a bus carrying students. The bus must be taken out of service until the leak is repaired. A tight cap, secure tank mounting, a full gauge reading, and properly routed lines are all acceptable conditions.

Question 17Vehicle Inspection

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the school bus's seat belts and passenger seats. Which condition must be corrected before the bus is used?

  1. Seats are securely fastened to the floor and seat belts function
  2. Seat cushions are intact and free of tears
  3. A seat is loose and moves when pushed Correct answer.
  4. Seat belts are clean and free of cuts

Explanation

A loose seat can break free in a sudden stop or crash and injure passengers, so it must be secured before the bus carries students. Securely fastened seats, functioning belts, and intact cushions are all acceptable. A seat that moves when pushed indicates loose mounting hardware.

Question 18Basic Control of Your Vehicle

Before backing a school bus, the driver should first do which of the following?

  1. Walk to the rear of the bus and check for children or obstacles Correct answer.
  2. Sound the horn continuously while reversing
  3. Ask a passenger to watch from a window
  4. Rely entirely on the rearview mirror

Explanation

The blind area behind a school bus is large, so the driver must get out and check the area before backing. Mirrors cannot show small children directly behind the bumper. A spotter or horn does not replace the walk-around check.

Question 19Basic Control of Your Vehicle

When turning a school bus, what should the driver do with the rear wheels in mind?

  1. Turn from the lane farthest from the corner
  2. Accelerate through the turn to shorten it
  3. Turn wide enough that the rear wheels clear the inside curb Correct answer.
  4. Turn as sharply as the steering wheel allows

Explanation

A bus has a large off-tracking distance, meaning the rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels. The driver must swing wide or start the turn later so the rear wheels do not ride over the curb or a pedestrian area. Sharp turning or speeding up increases the risk of a curb strike.

Question 20Basic Control of Your Vehicle

What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel when driving a school bus?

  1. Both hands inside the rim with thumbs hooked around it
  2. One hand on the wheel and the other resting on the door
  3. Both hands on the outside of the wheel, with thumbs along the rim Correct answer.
  4. One hand at the top center of the wheel

Explanation

Both hands should be on the outside of the wheel so the driver keeps full control and can respond quickly. Keeping thumbs along the rim rather than hooked inside prevents injury if the wheel jerks. One-handed or hooked-thumb grips reduce control and increase injury risk.

Question 21Basic Control of Your Vehicle

A school bus driver must stop on a steep downhill grade. What is the recommended practice?

  1. Keep the engine running in drive and only use the foot brake
  2. Place the transmission in reverse to hold the bus
  3. Apply the parking brake and place the transmission in a low forward gear Correct answer.
  4. Leave the transmission in neutral and rely on the parking brake

Explanation

On a downhill grade the bus should be held by the parking brake plus a low forward gear so engine compression helps resist rolling. Leaving it in neutral or relying on the foot brake alone allows the bus to creep if the brake fades. Reverse is not used to hold a bus facing downhill.

Question 22Basic Control of Your Vehicle

When should a school bus driver use the engine brake or retarder on a long downgrade?

  1. Never, because retarders are prohibited on school buses
  2. Only when the bus is fully loaded with passengers
  3. Only after the service brakes have overheated
  4. Continuously, to control speed and reduce reliance on the service brakes Correct answer.

Explanation

On a long downgrade the engine brake or retarder should be used continuously to hold a safe speed and keep the service brakes cool. Waiting until the brakes overheat is too late to prevent fade. Retarders are a normal aid on school buses when used correctly.

Question 23Basic Control of Your Vehicle

What does the term 'controlled braking' mean when stopping a school bus in an emergency?

  1. Pumping the brake pedal rapidly to avoid any wheel slip
  2. Applying the brakes firmly without locking the wheels and keeping the bus straight Correct answer.
  3. Slamming the brakes so all wheels lock immediately
  4. Using only the parking brake to stop the bus

Explanation

Controlled braking means applying firm, steady pressure that slows the bus without locking the wheels, while steering straight ahead. Locked wheels cause a skid and loss of steering control. The parking brake is not a service brake and should not be used to make an emergency stop.

Question 24Basic Control of Your Vehicle

A school bus begins to skid on a wet road. What should the driver do first?

  1. Turn the wheel sharply away from the skid
  2. Apply more brake pressure to stop the skid
  3. Release the brakes and steer in the direction the bus should go Correct answer.
  4. Accelerate to pull the bus out of the skid

Explanation

When a bus skids, the driver should release the brakes and steer in the direction the bus should travel so the wheels regain traction. Adding brake pressure or accelerating makes the skid worse. Steering away from the skid increases the loss of control.

Question 25Basic Control of Your Vehicle

How much following distance should a school bus driver generally allow behind the vehicle ahead?

  1. One second regardless of speed
  2. Two seconds only when passengers are aboard
  3. Half the speed limit in feet
  4. At least one second for each ten feet of bus length Correct answer.

Explanation

A common rule is to allow at least one second of following distance for each ten feet of vehicle length. A longer bus needs more room to stop, so the gap grows with bus size. A fixed one- or two-second gap does not account for the bus's weight and length.

Question 26Basic Control of Your Vehicle

When driving a school bus at night, what should the driver do when meeting an oncoming vehicle?

  1. Keep the high beams on to see better
  2. Turn off all headlights briefly
  3. Flash the high beams repeatedly
  4. Dim the high beams to low beams to avoid blinding the other driver Correct answer.

Explanation

High beams should be dimmed to low beams when meeting oncoming traffic so the other driver is not blinded. Glare can cause the oncoming driver to drift toward the bus. Flashing or turning off lights creates confusion and reduces everyone's visibility.

Question 27Basic Control of Your Vehicle

A school bus driver is passing through a work zone with narrow lanes. What is the safest action?

  1. Move closer to the lane line to give workers room
  2. Maintain highway speed to clear the zone quickly
  3. Sound the horn the entire time through the zone
  4. Slow down and keep a steady lane position while watching for workers Correct answer.

Explanation

Work zones have narrowed lanes, uneven surfaces, and workers close to traffic, so the driver should slow down and hold a steady lane position. Speeding up or crowding the lane line reduces the margin for error. Continuous horn use does not make the zone safer.

Question 28Basic Control of Your Vehicle

What is the purpose of the pre-trip inspection of the brakes on a school bus?

  1. To test the radio and warning lights
  2. To warm up the brake linings before driving
  3. To adjust the brake pedal height for the driver
  4. To confirm the brakes will hold the bus and operate before carrying passengers Correct answer.

Explanation

The pre-trip inspection checks that the brakes operate and will hold the bus, which is essential before passengers board. It is a safety check, not a warm-up or adjustment procedure. Radio and warning-light checks are separate inspection items.

Question 29Basic Control of Your Vehicle

A school bus is approaching a curve posted with an advisory speed. How should the driver handle it?

  1. Ignore the advisory speed if the bus is empty
  2. Slow to the advisory speed before entering and maintain it through the curve Correct answer.
  3. Brake hard only after entering the curve
  4. Accelerate through the curve to stay in the lane

Explanation

The advisory speed is set for the curve's geometry, and a bus should be slowed to it before entering so the driver can hold the lane smoothly. Braking hard inside the curve can cause a skid or loss of control. Whether the bus is empty does not change the curve's limits.

Question 30Basic Control of Your Vehicle

Why should a school bus driver avoid sudden lane changes at highway speed?

  1. The bus's size and weight make quick maneuvers likely to cause a loss of control Correct answer.
  2. The bus's mirrors are too small to use at speed
  3. Lane changes are illegal for school buses on highways
  4. Passengers are required to stand during lane changes

Explanation

A school bus is long, heavy, and has a high center of gravity, so abrupt steering inputs can cause sway or loss of control. Lane changes should be planned and made gradually with proper signaling. There is no rule banning highway lane changes or requiring passengers to stand.

Question 31Basic Control of Your Vehicle

When must a school bus driver use the four-way hazard flashers while driving?

  1. Only when driving in fog
  2. When the bus is disabled or moving slowly and is a hazard to traffic Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the bus is stopped to load passengers
  4. Whenever the bus is empty

Explanation

Hazard flashers warn other drivers when the bus is disabled or traveling well below traffic speed and poses a hazard. They are not the same as the red loading lights used at a stop. Fog driving calls for headlights and reduced speed, not necessarily hazards.

Question 32Basic Control of Your Vehicle

A school bus driver must cross railroad tracks. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Stop only if the crossing has a gate
  2. Sound the horn and proceed without stopping
  3. Stop, open the door or window, listen, and look both ways before crossing Correct answer.
  4. Slow down but keep rolling if no train is visible

Explanation

At railroad crossings the driver must stop, open a door or window to listen, and look both ways before proceeding. A bus is large and slow to clear the tracks, so a full stop is required. Rolling through or relying only on gates leaves too little margin for error.

Question 33Basic Control of Your Vehicle

When a school bus is stopped at a bus stop with the red lights flashing, how should the driver set the transmission?

  1. In reverse to warn other drivers
  2. In a low forward gear with the engine off
  3. In drive with the foot on the brake only
  4. In neutral or park with the parking brake set, depending on the procedure Correct answer.

Explanation

When stopped to load or unload students, the bus should be secured so it cannot roll, using neutral or park with the parking brake set as the procedure requires. Holding it only with the foot brake risks movement if the driver's foot slips. Reverse or a low forward gear with the engine off is not a secure stop configuration.

Question 34Basic Control of Your Vehicle

Why is it important to check the bus's mirrors and adjust them before driving?

  1. Mirrors must be adjusted only while the bus is moving
  2. Mirrors are optional equipment on school buses
  3. Mirrors are used only for backing, not for normal driving
  4. Properly adjusted mirrors reduce blind spots around the bus and improve awareness of students Correct answer.

Explanation

Correctly adjusted mirrors shrink the blind areas around a school bus and help the driver see students near the wheels and doors. Adjustment should be done before driving, not while moving. Mirrors are required equipment and are used in normal driving as well as backing.

Question 35Shifting Gears

In a school bus with an automatic transmission, which gear should normally be selected before pulling away from a stop on level ground?

  1. Drive Correct answer.
  2. Reverse
  3. Neutral
  4. Low

Explanation

The Drive range is the normal operating range for forward movement, and the transmission will shift through its gears automatically as speed rises. Neutral provides no power to the wheels and Reverse moves the bus backward, so neither is appropriate for pulling away forward.

Question 36Shifting Gears

Before shifting a manual-transmission school bus from a stop into first gear, the clutch pedal should be pressed:

  1. Released while the shifter is moved
  2. About halfway down
  3. Only enough to feel the friction point
  4. All the way to the floor Correct answer.

Explanation

Fully depressing the clutch disengages the engine from the transmission so the shifter can move into gear without grinding. Partial clutch travel leaves the input shaft spinning and can cause gear clash or lurching.

Question 37Shifting Gears

When upshifting a manual-transmission school bus, at what point should the clutch pedal be released?

  1. Snapped out quickly to save time
  2. Smoothly as engine speed matches the next gear Correct answer.
  3. Released only after the brake is applied
  4. Held down until the next shift

Explanation

The clutch should be released smoothly while engine speed is matched to the new gear, which lets the discs engage without slipping or jerking. Snapping the pedal out shocks the driveline, and holding it down leaves the bus coasting without engine braking.

Question 38Shifting Gears

A school bus with an automatic transmission is descending a long, steep grade. Selecting a lower range helps mainly because it:

  1. Locks the torque converter for better fuel economy
  2. Allows the transmission to upshift sooner
  3. Uses engine braking to control speed and reduce brake fade Correct answer.
  4. Disengages the driveline to save the brakes

Explanation

A lower range keeps engine speed up so engine compression helps hold the bus back, reducing reliance on the service brakes and the risk of overheating them. It does not disconnect the driveline or improve fuel economy on a descent.

Question 39Shifting Gears

While driving a manual-transmission school bus, you approach a stop sign. Which sequence is correct?

  1. Downshift through the gears while braking, then stop with the clutch in Correct answer.
  2. Hold the clutch down and brake to a stop
  3. Apply the brake, then shift directly to first after stopping
  4. Shift to neutral and coast to the stop

Explanation

Braking while downshifting through the gears keeps the bus under control and in the proper gear for the road speed, so you can accelerate again if needed. Coasting in neutral or with the clutch down removes engine braking and control.

Question 40Shifting Gears

What is the purpose of double-clutching when shifting an unsynchronized manual transmission in some school buses?

  1. To match gear speeds and avoid gear clash Correct answer.
  2. To warm the transmission fluid
  3. To allow shifting without using the clutch
  4. To shorten the time spent in each gear

Explanation

Double-clutching lets the engine and transmission speeds match the gear being selected, preventing clashing in a non-synchronized gearbox. It is a speed-matching technique, not a way to bypass the clutch or warm the fluid.

Question 41Shifting Gears

A manual-transmission school bus is on a steep uphill grade and must stop. Which action helps prevent rolling backward when you resume?

  1. Hold the brake, engage first, and release the brake as the clutch reaches the friction point Correct answer.
  2. Release the brake and let the bus roll back slightly before engaging
  3. Hold the clutch at the floor while releasing the brake
  4. Shift to a higher gear to reduce wheelspin

Explanation

Holding the brake until the clutch reaches its friction point lets the engine begin to pull before the brake is released, which prevents rollback. Rolling backward is dangerous and may be illegal, and a higher gear would lug the engine on a steep grade.

Question 42Shifting Gears

Which statement about shifting gears while a school bus is crossing railroad tracks is correct?

  1. Shift while crossing to keep engine speed up
  2. Shift to a lower gear before the tracks and do not shift while crossing Correct answer.
  3. Shift to a higher gear just before crossing
  4. Shift to neutral while crossing to reduce noise

Explanation

Selecting the proper gear before the tracks lets you cross without shifting, so both hands stay on the wheel and power stays delivered to the wheels. Shifting during the crossing risks stalling or loss of control on the rails.

Question 43Shifting Gears

While driving a school bus with an automatic transmission, you notice the selector has been left in a low range and engine speed is high at highway speed. What should you do?

  1. Shift to Drive to allow normal upshifts Correct answer.
  2. Continue; the transmission will protect itself
  3. Apply the brake until speed drops
  4. Shift to Neutral and coast

Explanation

A low range holds the transmission in lower gears, so engine speed stays high at road speed. Moving the selector to Drive lets the transmission upshift normally and returns engine speed to a safe range.

Question 44Shifting Gears

What does the tachometer tell a driver about shifting a manual-transmission school bus?

  1. Engine speed, which guides when to shift Correct answer.
  2. Road speed in miles per hour
  3. Air pressure in the brake system
  4. Transmission fluid temperature

Explanation

The tachometer displays engine revolutions per minute, which tells the driver when to upshift or downshift to stay within the engine's efficient and safe range. Road speed is shown on the speedometer, and fluid temperature and air pressure have their own gauges.

Question 45Shifting Gears

A school bus driver is stopped and the bus is equipped with a manual transmission. Which practice best protects the clutch during long waits at a loading zone?

  1. Keep the clutch pedal partly depressed
  2. Shift to neutral and hold the bus with the brake Correct answer.
  3. Hold the bus with the clutch at the friction point
  4. Rest a foot on the clutch pedal while waiting

Explanation

Shifting to neutral and holding the bus with the brake keeps the clutch fully engaged or released rather than slipping, which avoids heat and wear. Holding the bus at the friction point or resting a foot on the pedal causes continuous slip.

Question 46Shifting Gears

When downshifting a manual-transmission school bus before a curve, why is it better to select the lower gear before entering the curve?

  1. It allows a higher speed through the curve
  2. It lets the transmission cool during the curve
  3. It prevents the brake lights from coming on
  4. It keeps both hands free for steering through the curve Correct answer.

Explanation

Completing the shift before the curve means both hands can stay on the wheel and the bus is already in the correct gear, so the driver can accelerate smoothly on exit. Shifting mid-curve divides attention and can upset the vehicle.

Question 47Shifting Gears

A school bus with an automatic transmission is stuck in snow and the wheels are spinning. Which selector position is designed to help the bus move without excessive wheelspin?

  1. Park
  2. Neutral
  3. Drive
  4. A winter or low-traction mode if equipped Correct answer.

Explanation

Some automatic transmissions provide a winter or low-traction mode that starts the bus in a higher gear or reduces torque to limit wheelspin. Normal Drive may spin the wheels, Neutral delivers no power, and Park locks the transmission.

Question 48Shifting Gears

Which condition most clearly indicates that a school bus's automatic transmission should be checked before the route continues?

  1. Slipping between gears with rising engine speed Correct answer.
  2. A soft thump when engaging Reverse
  3. A slight whine in first gear when cold
  4. A firm shift when accelerating hard

Explanation

Slipping, where engine speed rises without a matching increase in road speed, signals internal wear or low fluid and can leave the bus unable to move. Minor noises or firm shifts may be normal characteristics, but slipping is a safety concern.

Question 49Shifting Gears

When starting from a stop in a manual-transmission school bus, what is the friction point?

  1. The point where the engine reaches governed speed
  2. The point where the transmission is in neutral
  3. The point where the clutch is fully depressed
  4. The point where the clutch begins to engage and the bus starts to move Correct answer.

Explanation

The friction point is where the clutch discs begin to contact and transmit power, so the bus starts to creep forward. Recognizing it lets the driver add throttle smoothly and avoid stalling or lurching.

Question 50Shifting Gears

Why should a school bus driver avoid skipping gears when downshifting from highway speed to a stop?

  1. Skipping gears can overspeed the engine and shock the driveline Correct answer.
  2. Skipping gears improves brake life
  3. Skipping gears is required by most transmission designs
  4. Skipping gears saves fuel on the descent

Explanation

Skipping several gears at once can force the engine above its safe rpm and jolt the driveline as the lower gear engages. Working down through the gears keeps engine speed within limits and the bus under control.