Bus Operator knowledge, skills, and abilities
What the Bus Operator domain tests
The NYC Transit Bus Operator exam tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to move a 40- or 60-foot bus safely through city traffic while serving riders. Expect questions on pre-trip inspection, defensive driving and following distance, traffic and right-of-way rules, passenger assistance including wheelchair securement, fare and transfer handling, radio/emergency procedure, and schedule/map reading.
Core rules and concepts
- Pre-trip inspection: lights, signals, brakes (including parking brake), tires, mirrors, wipers, horn, doors, wheelchair ramp and securement straps. A defect that affects safety means the bus does not leave the depot.
- Following distance: at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph. A 40-foot bus needs 4 seconds; a 60-foot articulated bus needs 6. Add a second or more for rain, snow, or darkness.
- Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. Stop and wait; do not creep into the crosswalk to hurry them.
- Wheelchair passengers: deploy the ramp, position the chair facing forward, apply the brake, and attach lap/safety belt and securement. Never ask another rider to hold the chair.
- Announce major stops and transfer points; deploy the ramp when requested and give riders time to sit or grasp a stanchion before moving.
- Radio: identify bus and location, state the problem, and follow dispatcher instructions. For an emergency, stop safely, secure the bus, and call.
- Farebox: exact fare, no change; handle fare disputes calmly and do not put yourself or riders at risk.
Worked example
You are driving a 40-foot bus at 30 mph on a wet street. What following distance should you keep? The length rule gives 4 seconds. Wet pavement roughly doubles stopping distance, so choose at least 5–6 seconds. To check: when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a lamppost, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two…" until your front bumper reaches the post.
Traps that cost marks
Confusing legal right-of-way with the safe choice; forgetting to secure a wheelchair; skipping the pre-trip because the bus "drove fine yesterday"; and leaving the scene or admitting fault after a collision.