NJ 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 a school bus on all sides, including front, rear, and flanks, where the driver's visibility is limited and students are at greatest risk of injury.

Student count procedure

The driver counts students as they exit, counts as they board, and performs a final visual sweep of the bus before moving, ensuring no student is left in the danger zone or aboard.

Dropped object near bus

A student who drops an item near or under the bus must leave it and move to safety; the driver retrieves it only after securing the bus and confirming all students are clear.

Crossing signal from driver

The driver makes eye contact with the student and gives a hand signal before the student crosses; the horn is never used to signal a student to cross the roadway.

Amber warning lights

Flashing amber lights warn traffic that the bus is preparing to stop; they are activated in advance of the stop and switched to red only when the bus is stopped or stopping.

Stop arm and red lights

The stop signal arm is extended and red lights flash whenever students load or unload; traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a physical median.

Stop positioning

The bus stops with the front bumper at least 10 feet from the student's crossing point so the driver can see the student over the hood and the student crosses in front.

Securing the bus at a stop

At each stop the driver applies the parking brake, selects neutral or park per procedure, and keeps brake pressure until all students are clear of the danger zone.

Evacuation decision rule

Evacuate for fire, smoke, fuel leak, hazardous spill, or a bus stopped where it may be struck; stay aboard when downed power lines or traffic make exiting more dangerous.

Evacuation assembly point

Students move at least 100 feet from the bus and upwind of fire or spills, then remain under a designated student leader until the driver completes a roster head count.

Bus evacuation drill

New Jersey requires school bus evacuation drills at least twice each school year; the driver documents participation and practices front, rear, and window exit procedures.

Student leaders and helpers

The driver assigns a leader to guide students to safety and a helper to assist younger students and check the bus for remaining passengers during an evacuation.

Pre-trip inspection scope

The pre-trip check covers brakes, steering, all lights, stop arm, mirrors, tires, horn, wipers, emergency exits, first-aid kit, and emergency reflectors before the route begins.

Air brake static test

With the engine off and brakes applied, the driver checks for excessive air-pressure loss and confirms the low-pressure warning activates; failure places the bus out of service.

Tire out-of-service defects

Tread below the minimum, cuts or bulges exposing cord, improper inflation, or dual tires touching remove the bus from service until the defect is corrected.

Defect reporting rule

Any defect affecting safe operation must be reported in writing to the carrier before the next trip; the driver does not operate a bus with a known safety defect.

Railroad crossing stop distance

The bus stops not less than 15 feet and not more than 50 feet from the nearest rail at every crossing, regardless of gates, lights, or bells.

Crossing listening procedure

Before crossing, the driver opens the window and door, silences fans and radio, looks both ways, and confirms the track is clear in both directions.

Clearing the tracks

The driver crosses only when there is room to clear the tracks completely on the far side, and never shifts gears while on the crossing.

Stall on railroad tracks

If the bus stalls on the tracks, the driver immediately evacuates students at least 100 feet away and upwind, then calls 911 and the railroad.

Loading sequence

Stop, set the parking brake, activate amber then red lights, extend the stop arm, open the door, and supervise students boarding one at a time using the handrail.

Unloading sequence

Stop, secure the bus, activate red lights and stop arm, check mirrors, release students, count them out, and confirm they are clear before retracting the arm.

Crossing in front of bus

Students who must cross the street cross in front of the bus, never behind it, walking to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the front bumper.

Releasing young students

Kindergarten and early-grade students should be released only to a parent, guardian, or designated adult when local policy requires it, with the driver verifying the receiving adult.

New Jersey bus speed limit

The school bus speed limit in New Jersey is 50 mph on all roadways, including highways, unless a lower posted limit applies; the posted limit is a maximum.

Following distance rule

Use a 4-second following distance in good conditions and double it in rain, fog, or when loaded with students, always allowing a stop within visible clear distance.

Distraction prohibition

School bus drivers may not use a handheld cell phone, text, eat, or drink while operating the bus; attention must remain on the roadway and mirrors.

Adverse weather response

In fog, rain, or snow, reduce speed, increase following distance, use low-beam headlights, and avoid sudden braking or steering to maintain control.

Disabled bus on roadway

Activate hazard lights, set reflectors or triangles, and keep students aboard unless a hazard such as fire or a strike risk requires evacuation.

Flooded roadway rule

The driver does not drive through flooded roadways; water depth and current are unpredictable and can stall or sweep the bus off the road.

Passing a stopped school bus

New Jersey motorists must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm in both directions and remain stopped until the lights stop and the arm retracts.

Driver qualification requirements

School bus drivers must hold the required license endorsements and a valid medical certificate, complete pre-service and in-service training, and pass drug and alcohol testing.