Distracted Driving
What the exam tests
Recognizing and preventing distractions, including passenger-related distractions on a school bus.
Core rules
- Put the phone away before you move. Texting and handheld phone use are prohibited for commercial drivers.
- Set GPS, mirrors, and climate controls before driving.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while driving.
- Manage student behavior without taking your eyes off the road. Use mirrors and your voice; if the behavior is serious, pull over safely.
- Do not reach for dropped items. Wait until you are stopped.
- A distraction is anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off driving - including looking at a student, adjusting the radio, and daydreaming.
Worked example
A student stands up and shouts. The driver checks the mirrors, tells the student to sit down, and continues scanning the road. If the student does not comply, the driver pulls to a safe stop before addressing it. Reasoning: turning around to discipline a student takes your eyes off the road for several seconds - enough to travel the length of a football field at highway speed.
Traps that cost marks
Glancing at a phone at a red light; reaching into the aisle; disciplining while driving; assuming a short glance is harmless.