On-Road Driving
On-Road Driving is the practical application of the other domains. The examiner watches whether you scan, signal, position the bus, manage speed, and complete passenger stops safely in real traffic.
Observation and positioning
- Look well ahead, check mirrors often, and cover the brake at intersections and crosswalks.
- Signal before turns and lane changes; turn from the correct lane and do not drift wide into another lane.
- Maintain a safe following distance and adjust for passengers standing or walking in the aisle.
Passenger stops
- Signal early, slow smoothly, and stop with the front door close to the curb so riders do not step into the street.
- Set the parking brake before opening the door. Monitor boarding, close the door, then check the left mirror and blind spot before pulling out.
- At railroad crossings, stop when required and do not proceed until the bus can clear the tracks.
Worked example
You are stopping on the right at 30 mph. Signal before the stop, reduce speed gradually, and align the front door with the curb. If you stop three feet out, passengers step into traffic; if you stop too close, you may strike the curb. After boarding, check for late runners, close the door, signal, and merge smoothly.
Traps
Stopping too far from the curb; opening the door before a full stop; pulling out without a blind-spot check; rolling through stop signs; and failing to scan crosswalks and intersections.