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NM CDL School Bus study materials
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NM CDL School Bus practice questions

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Question 1Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Before a school bus driver may leave the driver's seat during a loading or unloading stop, what must be done with the transmission and parking brake?

  1. Shift to reverse so the bus cannot roll forward
  2. Place the transmission in park (or the lowest gear if manual) and set the parking brake Correct answer.
  3. Place the transmission in neutral and leave the parking brake released
  4. Keep the engine running in drive with the foot brake held by a helper

Explanation

When the driver leaves the seat at a stop, the bus must be secured so it cannot roll: shift into park or the lowest gear and set the parking brake. This protects students who may be crossing in front of or behind the bus.

Question 2Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When students must cross the roadway after getting off the school bus, where should the driver direct them to cross?

  1. In front of the bus, well beyond the front bumper and within the driver's view Correct answer.
  2. Behind the rear bumper of the bus
  3. Diagonally across the lane in front of the bus
  4. At the nearest point directly beside the door

Explanation

Students should cross in front of the bus, far enough ahead to be clearly visible to the driver and to any oncoming traffic. Crossing there keeps them inside the driver's field of view and out of the danger zones near the wheels.

Question 3Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How far ahead of the school bus should students walk when they cross the road in front of it?

  1. At least 50 feet beyond the front bumper
  2. At least 10 feet beyond the front bumper Correct answer.
  3. About 2 feet beyond the front bumper
  4. Directly at the front bumper

Explanation

The standard guidance is that students cross at least 10 feet in front of the bumper so the driver can see them over the hood and they stay clear of the front danger zone. Ten feet also gives the driver time to react if a student stops or drops something.

Question 4Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Which action should the driver take first when approaching a railroad crossing while carrying students?

  1. Open the service door to listen for a train
  2. Shift to a higher gear to cross quickly
  3. Stop the bus, then look and listen in both directions before crossing Correct answer.
  4. Turn on the hazard lights and continue at normal speed

Explanation

A school bus carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings unless the crossing is exempt and protected, then look and listen carefully before proceeding. Stopping gives the driver time to confirm no train is approaching and that there is room to clear the tracks.

Question 5Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus is stopped at a railroad crossing with students aboard. When should the driver open the service door?

  1. Before stopping so the warning sound can be heard
  2. Only after the bus has fully crossed the tracks
  3. After stopping, to listen for an approaching train Correct answer.
  4. Never, because the door must stay sealed at crossings

Explanation

After the bus has come to a complete stop, opening the door and window lets the driver hear a train horn or rumble that may be masked by engine and heater noise. Listening at the open door is part of the stop-look-listen procedure.

Question 6Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus with students aboard stalls on the railroad tracks. What should the driver do?

  1. Wait for a signal from the crossing gate
  2. Evacuate students off the tracks and away from the crossing, then notify authorities Correct answer.
  3. Have students push the bus off the tracks
  4. Stay inside and keep trying to restart the engine

Explanation

If the bus cannot move off the tracks, the priority is getting everyone out and away from the crossing before a train arrives. Students should be moved to a safe distance, and then the railroad or emergency services should be notified.

Question 7Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What is the danger zone around a stopped school bus?

  1. The area inside the bus aisles
  2. The area more than 30 feet in front of the bus
  3. The area only directly behind the rear bumper
  4. The area within about 10 feet around the front, sides, and rear of the bus Correct answer.

Explanation

The danger zone is the space immediately around the bus, roughly 10 feet out on all sides, where the driver's visibility is limited and students are at greatest risk. Students should be taught to move out of this zone promptly and never to linger there.

Question 8Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When should a school bus driver count the students during unloading?

  1. Before students leave and again after they have moved away from the bus Correct answer.
  2. Only at the end of the route
  3. Only when students are noisy
  4. After the bus has left the stop

Explanation

Counting students as they leave and again once they are clear of the bus confirms that no child remains in the danger zone or is missing. This double count is a key defense against leaving a student behind or losing track of one at the stop.

Question 9Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Before moving the school bus away from an unloading stop, what should the driver confirm?

  1. That the students have reached the school building
  2. That the next stop is within one mile
  3. That the students have waved goodbye
  4. That all students are clear of the bus and out of the danger zone Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver must verify that every student is safely away from the bus and outside the danger zone before releasing the brake and pulling away. Moving before students are clear risks running over a child who has slipped or returned to the bus.

Question 10Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When must a school bus driver use the eight-way warning lights during a stop?

  1. Only when the bus is moving faster than 45 mph
  2. Only at stops on the right side of the road
  3. Only when the bus is empty
  4. When loading or unloading students, to warn traffic that the bus is stopped Correct answer.

Explanation

The eight-way warning lights are activated during loading and unloading so other drivers know the bus is stopped for students. They should be turned on in advance of the stop and remain on until students are clear and the bus is ready to move.

Question 11Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How far before a school bus stop should the driver activate the eight-way warning lights?

  1. About one-quarter mile before the stop
  2. After students begin to board
  3. At least 200 feet before the stop, where allowed by law and conditions Correct answer.
  4. Exactly at the stop

Explanation

The warning lights should be turned on far enough ahead of the stop, generally about 200 feet or as required by local rules, so traffic behind has time to slow and stop. Activating them early reduces the chance of a vehicle passing the bus during loading.

Question 12Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A student is walking toward the school bus but has not yet reached the door. What should the driver do?

  1. Close the door and pull away to stay on schedule
  2. Release the brake and roll forward slowly
  3. Sound the horn to hurry the student
  4. Keep the bus stopped with the warning lights on until the student is seated or clear Correct answer.

Explanation

The bus stays stopped with warning lights on until each student has safely boarded and is seated or otherwise secure. Trying to save time by closing the door or rolling forward creates a serious risk of a student being struck or left behind.

Question 13Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How should students be managed while the school bus is in motion?

  1. Students should be allowed to open windows and lean out for fresh air
  2. Students may move about freely as long as the bus is below 30 mph
  3. Students should remain seated and reasonably quiet so the driver can concentrate Correct answer.
  4. Students may stand in the aisle if they hold a seat back

Explanation

Riders are expected to stay seated and keep noise low so the driver can hear warnings and focus on the road. Movement in the aisle or leaning out of windows distracts the driver and risks injury if the bus stops suddenly.

Question 14Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A student refuses to stay seated and becomes disruptive while the bus is moving. What is the driver's best course of action?

  1. Continue driving and ignore the behavior until the end of the route
  2. Speed up to reach the school sooner
  3. Ask another student to physically restrain the disruptive student
  4. Stop the bus in a safe place and address the behavior before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

If a student's behavior makes the ride unsafe, the driver should pull over in a safe location and deal with the situation before continuing. Continuing to drive while distracted or allowing students to handle discipline increases the risk to everyone aboard.

Question 15Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When a school bus driver must report a student discipline problem, what information should the report include?

  1. Only the time of day
  2. The driver's opinion of the student's family
  3. Only the student's name
  4. The student's name, the specific behavior, and the location or time it occurred Correct answer.

Explanation

A useful discipline report identifies the student, describes the specific behavior, and notes when and where it happened so school officials can follow up. Vague reports without specifics are hard to act on and may not support the school's response.

Question 16Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should the driver do with the school bus's stop arm during loading and unloading?

  1. Extend it at every stop where students load or unload, as required Correct answer.
  2. Extend it only when students cross the road
  3. Leave it retracted to avoid damage
  4. Extend it only when traffic is heavy

Explanation

The stop arm is extended during loading and unloading stops to warn traffic that students are entering or leaving the bus. Using it consistently, along with the warning lights, gives other drivers the clearest signal to stop.

Question 17Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus must stop to unload students on a divided highway with a median. What should the driver do before students exit?

  1. Unload students into the traffic lane
  2. Keep students aboard until it is safe and follow the planned unloading procedure Correct answer.
  3. Let students exit immediately and cross the median
  4. Signal students to cross the highway lanes

Explanation

Students should only leave the bus when it is safe and according to the established unloading procedure for that stop. On a divided highway, letting students exit into traffic or cross the median puts them in the path of fast-moving vehicles.

Question 18Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should the driver do if a student drops an item near the school bus after exiting?

  1. Back the bus up to the item
  2. Tell the student to leave the item and move away from the bus Correct answer.
  3. Get out and retrieve the item yourself while the bus is running
  4. Allow the student to return to the danger zone to pick it up

Explanation

Students should never return to the danger zone to retrieve dropped items because the driver may not see them near the wheels or bumper. The driver should tell the student to leave the item and move to safety, then handle the item later if appropriate.

Question 19Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When is it acceptable for a school bus driver to back up the bus at a loading or unloading area?

  1. Any time the driver uses a spotter
  2. Only when absolutely necessary and with proper precautions, since backing is discouraged Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the driver is running late
  4. When students are already outside the bus

Explanation

Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged and should be done only when there is no other safe option, using all available precautions such as a spotter and a careful check around the bus. Students must never be outside the bus during a backing maneuver.

Question 20Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How should the driver use the school bus mirrors during loading and unloading?

  1. Check the mirrors to monitor students around the bus before moving Correct answer.
  2. Adjust the mirrors only at the start of the shift
  3. Use only the interior mirror to watch students
  4. Rely on the mirrors only after the bus starts moving

Explanation

Mirrors are the driver's main tool for watching students around the bus, especially in the danger zone near the front and sides. Checking them before moving confirms that no student is hidden near a wheel or in the blind areas.

Question 21Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus driver is approaching a railroad crossing where the gates are up and the lights are not flashing. What should the driver still do?

  1. Honk and cross at normal speed
  2. Stop and check that the track is clear before crossing Correct answer.
  3. Cross without stopping because the signals are clear
  4. Slow down but keep rolling through the crossing

Explanation

Even when gates are up and lights are off, the bus must stop and the driver must confirm the track is clear before crossing. Signals can fail or a train may be approaching without activating them, so a visual and auditory check is required.

Question 22Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Which statement best describes the driver's responsibility for students who have just exited the school bus?

  1. Responsibility ends as soon as the door closes
  2. Responsibility ends once the bus pulls away from the stop
  3. Responsibility applies only to students who cross in front
  4. Responsibility continues until students are safely clear of the bus and the roadway Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver remains responsible for students until they are safely off the roadway and clear of the bus. This is why the driver counts students, watches the mirrors, and stays stopped until everyone is out of the danger zone.

Question 23Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should the driver do if a student is injured during loading or unloading?

  1. Continue the route and report it at the end of the day
  2. Send the student home without notifying anyone
  3. Move the bus immediately to the next stop
  4. Stop, provide appropriate care, and notify dispatch or emergency services as needed Correct answer.

Explanation

An injury at a stop requires the driver to stop, care for the student within their training, and notify dispatch or emergency services so proper help can be arranged. Continuing the route or delaying the report can worsen the injury and complicate accountability.

Question 24Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How should the driver handle students who are waiting at the stop as the bus arrives?

  1. Have them stand in the roadway to be seen
  2. Let them approach the door while the bus is still moving
  3. Have them board from behind the bus
  4. Have them wait in a safe place away from the roadway until the bus stops and the door opens Correct answer.

Explanation

Students waiting at a stop should stay in a safe area away from traffic until the bus has stopped and the driver signals them to board. Approaching a moving bus or standing in the roadway puts them at risk from the bus and from other vehicles.

Question 25Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus driver is stopped at a crossing and a train is approaching but the bus will not restart. Which action is most important?

  1. Wait inside for the train to pass before trying to restart
  2. Get everyone off the bus and away from the tracks immediately Correct answer.
  3. Call dispatch first, then decide about evacuating
  4. Try jump-starting the bus from the battery compartment

Explanation

When a bus is stalled on the tracks and a train is coming, the immediate priority is to get all occupants off the bus and well away from the tracks. Notification and repairs come after everyone is safe, because a train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.

Question 26Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When a school bus driver unloads students on the left side of a divided highway, what is the primary reason for routing students to cross only after the driver signals them?

  1. The driver must wait until the stop arm has fully retracted before releasing students
  2. The driver must first confirm that traffic in all lanes has stopped and that the students can cross safely Correct answer.
  3. The driver must count the students twice before allowing them to leave the bus
  4. The driver must sound the horn to warn oncoming traffic before students cross

Explanation

Left-side unloading is high risk because students cross lanes of traffic. The driver must visually confirm that traffic in every lane has stopped and that no vehicle is approaching before signaling students to cross. Only then does the driver give the crossing signal.

Question 27Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What is the correct way for a school bus driver to signal students that it is safe to cross the road after unloading?

  1. Open the door and wave the students across
  2. Give a hand signal after checking that traffic has stopped Correct answer.
  3. Flash the headlights once
  4. Tap the horn twice in quick succession

Explanation

The driver establishes eye contact, checks that all traffic has stopped, and then gives a clear hand signal for the students to cross. Students are taught to wait for that signal rather than to judge traffic themselves.

Question 28Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When should a school bus driver perform the post-trip inspection for sleeping or left-behind students?

  1. Whenever the driver has time before the next run
  2. Only when the driver suspects a student stayed aboard
  3. Only on trips that carry elementary students
  4. At the end of every route and every trip, before leaving the bus Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver must walk the bus and check every seat at the end of every trip, regardless of suspicion or student age. Sleeping or hiding children have died in parked buses, so the check is mandatory each time the bus is secured.

Question 29Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A school bus driver is approaching a railroad crossing and sees the crossing gate lowered but no train visible. What should the driver do?

  1. Stop, then cross if the gate appears to be malfunctioning
  2. Back up and take another route without stopping
  3. Proceed slowly around the gate after checking both directions
  4. Stop and wait until the gate rises completely before crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

A lowered gate means a train is approaching or the signal is active, so the driver stops and waits until the gate is fully raised. Never drive around or under a gate, even if no train is visible, because sight lines and train speed can deceive.

Question 30Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Before crossing railroad tracks, how should a school bus driver verify that the tracks are clear?

  1. Ask a student to watch out the window for trains
  2. Look and listen, then check that the bus has enough space to clear the tracks completely Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the crossing lights and gates alone
  4. Open the door and listen for a train horn

Explanation

The driver must open the window or door, turn off noisy equipment, look both ways, and listen before proceeding. The driver also confirms there is room on the far side so the bus will not stop on the tracks.

Question 31Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When a school bus is stopped at a railroad crossing and the driver cannot restart the engine, what should the driver do first?

  1. Try the ignition repeatedly while students remain aboard
  2. Keep students seated and call the dispatcher
  3. Set the parking brake and inspect the engine
  4. Get all students off the bus and move them well away from the tracks Correct answer.

Explanation

If the bus is stopped on or near the tracks and cannot move, the immediate priority is to evacuate students and move them far from the tracks in case a train comes. The driver then contacts authorities. Students should be moved to a safe distance, not kept beside the bus.

Question 32Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

Where should the driver position evacuated students after a school bus emergency near railroad tracks?

  1. Far enough from the tracks that a train could not strike them Correct answer.
  2. Behind the bus on the shoulder
  3. Along the side of the bus facing traffic
  4. At the crossing signal post so they can be counted

Explanation

Evacuated students must be moved well away from the tracks and the bus, far enough that debris or a train could not reach them. The driver should keep them together and away from traffic lanes.

Question 33Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should a school bus driver do if a student is not accounted for after an unloading stop?

  1. Return to the stop only after finishing all other stops
  2. Assume the student walked home and take no action
  3. Continue the route and report it at the end of the day
  4. Search the bus immediately and notify dispatch and school staff Correct answer.

Explanation

A missing student is an urgent safety matter. The driver should check the bus thoroughly and immediately notify dispatch and the school so a search can begin. Delaying the report can leave a child unaccounted for near traffic.

Question 34Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How should a school bus driver manage the bus when students are boarding and the driver must leave the seat to assist a student?

  1. Secure the bus by setting the brake and removing the key Correct answer.
  2. Leave the bus in gear to prevent rolling
  3. Leave the engine running and the door open
  4. Ask another student to hold the brake

Explanation

Whenever the driver leaves the driver's seat, the bus must be secured: parking brake set, transmission in park or neutral as required, and the key removed to prevent unauthorized movement. This protects students near and inside the bus.

Question 35Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What is the driver's responsibility regarding students who must cross the street to board the bus in the morning?

  1. The driver signals them to cross only after traffic has stopped Correct answer.
  2. The driver should honk so students run across quickly
  3. Students should wait until the bus door opens and then cross
  4. Students should cross alone as soon as they see the bus

Explanation

Morning boarding carries the same crossing hazard as afternoon unloading. The driver checks that traffic has stopped and then signals students to cross, and students wait for that signal.

Question 36Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When loading students at a school, what should the driver do with the bus before opening the door?

  1. Open the door first and then find a safe stopping point
  2. Stop wherever is closest to the building entrance
  3. Keep the bus moving slowly while students board
  4. Stop in a position that keeps students away from moving traffic and other buses Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver selects a loading position that protects students from traffic and other buses, then stops fully and secures the bus before opening the door. Loading areas should keep students out of travel lanes.

Question 37Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What is the correct order for a driver who is preparing to unload students at a regular stop?

  1. Activate the warning lights, stop the bus, secure it, then open the door Correct answer.
  2. Stop the bus, open the door, then activate the warning lights
  3. Activate the warning lights only after students have stepped off
  4. Open the door, then activate the warning lights

Explanation

The warning lights are activated before the stop so approaching traffic is warned. The driver then brings the bus to a full stop, secures it, and opens the door to release students.

Question 38Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A driver is unloading students and sees a vehicle approaching from behind that appears not to be slowing. What should the driver do?

  1. Release students quickly so they clear the area
  2. Step into the roadway to wave the vehicle around
  3. Open the door and let students decide whether to exit
  4. Keep students on the bus and sound the horn to warn the approaching driver Correct answer.

Explanation

If traffic is not stopping, the driver keeps students aboard and uses the horn to alert the approaching driver. Releasing students into the path of a vehicle that is not slowing could be fatal.

Question 39Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should a school bus driver do with the stop arm when students are crossing to board in the morning?

  1. Extend it only if traffic is heavy
  2. Extend it after the last student is seated
  3. Extend it before students cross and keep it out until they are safely across Correct answer.
  4. Leave it retracted because the bus is on the right side

Explanation

The stop arm is deployed before students cross and remains extended until all students are safely across and seated. It warns traffic in both directions that students are present.

Question 40Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

How should a school bus driver handle a student who repeatedly leaves their seat while the bus is moving?

  1. Ask another student to physically restrain them
  2. Stop the bus in a safe place and address the behavior Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it until the bus reaches school
  4. Brake sharply to teach the student a lesson

Explanation

A student out of the seat is a safety hazard, so the driver pulls to a safe location and stops before dealing with the behavior. Confronting the student while driving distracts the driver and endangers everyone aboard.

Question 41Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should a driver do when a student becomes loud and threatening toward other students while the bus is moving?

  1. Stop the bus in a safe place and separate the students Correct answer.
  2. Continue driving and speak calmly to the student while keeping attention on the road
  3. Speed up to reach school sooner
  4. Turn around to face the student and resolve the conflict

Explanation

The driver pulls over in a safe spot and separates the students before continuing. Turning to intervene while driving or rushing to school leaves the bus uncontrolled and the conflict unresolved.

Question 42Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What information should a driver document after a student discipline incident on the bus?

  1. Only the student's name and the date
  2. The names of students involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and any witnesses Correct answer.
  3. Only the action the driver took
  4. A general note that the students were disruptive

Explanation

A useful discipline report identifies who was involved, what happened, the time and location, and any witnesses. This lets school administrators investigate and respond consistently.

Question 43Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When students are waiting at a stop as the bus arrives, what should the driver require before opening the door?

  1. That students board as soon as the bus slows down
  2. That students stand back from the curb until the bus has stopped and the door is opened Correct answer.
  3. That students board from any side of the bus
  4. That students line up in the roadway so they can board faster

Explanation

Students wait well back from the curb until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver opens the door. This keeps them clear of the bus and of passing traffic during the approach.

Question 44Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A driver is unloading at a stop where several students must cross the road. What should the driver do before giving the crossing signal?

  1. Check that all traffic in both directions has stopped and that the stop arm is extended Correct answer.
  2. Count the students and then wave them across
  3. Sound the horn and let students cross
  4. Wait for a crossing guard to arrive

Explanation

Before signaling students to cross, the driver must confirm that traffic in both directions has stopped and that the stop arm and warning lights are operating. Only then is the crossing signal given.

Question 45Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should the driver do if a student exits the bus and then runs back toward the door to retrieve a forgotten item?

  1. Wave the student back to the door quickly
  2. Drive away immediately without addressing the student
  3. Signal the student to stop and stay clear, then secure the item after the student is safe Correct answer.
  4. Let the student reboard to get the item

Explanation

A student running back toward the bus is in the danger zone and may be struck. The driver signals the student to stop and stay clear, then retrieves the item only after the student is safely away.

Question 46Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What is the driver's responsibility once students have stepped off the bus at a stop?

  1. The driver's duty ends when the door closes
  2. The driver must watch students until they are safely clear of the bus and roadway Correct answer.
  3. The driver may leave as soon as the stop arm retracts
  4. The driver should rely on parents to watch the students

Explanation

The driver remains responsible for watching students until they are safely away from the bus and out of the roadway. Leaving before they are clear risks a student being struck by the bus or by traffic.

Question 47Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

A driver unloading students at a stop sees a student walking toward the bus from the opposite side of the road while traffic is still moving. What should the driver do?

  1. Honk to hurry the student across
  2. Keep the door closed and wait until traffic has stopped and the student is safely across Correct answer.
  3. Step off the bus to stop traffic
  4. Open the door and let the student board as traffic allows

Explanation

The driver keeps the door closed and waits until traffic has stopped and the student has safely crossed. Releasing students into moving traffic or hurrying them increases the risk of a collision.

Question 48Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should a driver do if a student reports feeling ill while the bus is moving?

  1. Speed up to reach the school nurse sooner
  2. Continue to school and deal with it there
  3. Tell the student to wait until the route is finished
  4. Stop in a safe place and assess the student, then notify dispatch and school staff Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver stops in a safe location, checks on the student, and notifies dispatch and school staff so proper care can be arranged. Continuing the route or speeding can worsen the situation.

Question 49Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

When is a school bus driver permitted to back up at a loading or unloading area?

  1. Whenever students are still seated
  2. Only when no safe forward alternative exists and the driver has checked the area carefully Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the driver has signaled with the horn
  4. Only during morning routes

Explanation

Backing a school bus is avoided whenever possible because students and pedestrians may be behind it. It is permitted only when there is no safe forward option and the driver has verified the area is clear, often with a spotter.

Question 50Driving Safely with Passengers (loading, unloading, railroad crossings, student management)

What should a driver do with the bus mirrors while loading and unloading students?

  1. Adjust the mirrors while students are crossing
  2. Use the mirrors continuously to watch the danger zone around the bus Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the mirrors because students are visible through the door
  4. Rely on the mirrors only after the door is closed

Explanation

Mirrors are the driver's main tool for monitoring the area around the bus during loading and unloading. The driver scans them continuously to spot students in the danger zone and approaching vehicles.