PA CDL School Bus Test flashcards
PA CDL School Bus Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- School Bus Endorsement
- An S endorsement added to a Pennsylvania CDL that authorizes operation of a school bus transporting pre-primary through grade 12 students and requires knowledge and skills testing.
- Stop Arm
- A mechanical sign extending from the left side of the bus that signals traffic to stop when students are loading or unloading; it must be used whenever students cross the roadway.
- Flashing Red Lights
- Warning lights activated only when the school bus is stopped to load or unload students; traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a physical median.
- Amber Warning Lights
- Flashing lights used before the stop to warn traffic that the bus is about to stop; they are not a legal stop signal and must not be used alone for loading.
- Railroad Crossing Stop
- A required stop at railroad crossings by a school bus; the driver must open the door or window, silence noisy equipment, listen, and proceed only when clear.
- Hazardous Materials Prohibition
- A school bus may not carry hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding and may not tow another vehicle under any circumstances.
- School Bus Definition
- A commercial motor vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, used to transport students to or from school or school-related activities.
- Student Count
- The driver's practice of counting students before departing a stop and after unloading to ensure every student is accounted for and none remain on the bus.
- Danger Zone
- The area approximately 10 feet around the school bus where students are at greatest risk of being struck; students must stay clear and make eye contact with the driver.
- Unloading Procedure
- Stop the bus, set the parking brake, activate red lights and stop arm, signal students to cross, and recount students before moving the bus.
- Loading Procedure
- Stop the bus, secure it, activate warning lights and stop arm, open the door, supervise boarding, and count students before departing the stop.
- Left-Behind Student Check
- A post-trip walk-through of all seats and the rear of the bus to ensure no student remains aboard at the end of a route.
- Backing Safety
- A school bus driver must use a spotter or visually clear the area before backing; if the area cannot be cleared, the driver must not back up.
- Crossing Signal
- A hand signal given by the driver to students indicating it is safe to cross the roadway in front of the bus; students must wait for this signal.
- Supervision Duty
- The driver's responsibility to maintain order and supervise students at all times while they are on or near the school bus.
- Driver Minimum Age
- In Pennsylvania, a school bus driver must be at least 18 years old for intrastate operation and hold a valid CDL with the S endorsement.
- School Bus Driver Certificate
- A certificate issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education authorizing a qualified person to drive a school bus; it must be carried while operating.
- Background Clearances
- Required criminal history, FBI fingerprint, and child abuse clearances that applicants must pass before transporting students in Pennsylvania.
- Medical Certificate
- A valid medical examiner's certificate confirming the driver meets physical qualification standards; it must be maintained to keep the endorsement active.
- Annual Refresher Training
- Required yearly training for school bus drivers covering safety procedures, student management, and emergency response to maintain certification.
- Disqualifying Offenses
- Certain convictions, including DUI and child-related crimes, permanently disqualify a person from holding a Pennsylvania school bus driver certificate.
- Skills Test
- A behind-the-wheel examination required for the S endorsement that evaluates vehicle inspection, basic control, and on-road driving performance.
- Pre-Trip Inspection
- A required inspection before each trip verifying brakes, lights, stop arm, mirrors, tires, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and communication equipment.
- Post-Trip Inspection
- An inspection after each trip checking for left-behind students, personal belongings, and mechanical problems; results must be documented.
- Fire Extinguisher Rating
- The bus must carry a mounted, charged extinguisher rated at least 5 BC, accessible to the driver and inspected regularly.
- Emergency Exits
- Bus exits including the rear door, side door, roof hatches, and push-out windows; the driver must know their operation and brief students.
- Evacuation Drill
- A practice exercise conducted at least twice per school year training students to exit the bus safely and assemble at a designated point.
- Fire Evacuation
- If a fire occurs, stop the bus, evacuate students upwind and at least 100 feet away, and call emergency services; do not fight a large fire.
- Crash Procedures
- After a crash, secure the scene, check for injuries, evacuate if needed, notify dispatch and 911, and exchange required information.
- Warning Triangles
- Emergency reflective devices placed behind a disabled bus to warn approaching traffic; required equipment on school buses.
- Disabled Bus Protocol
- Move students to a safe location away from traffic, display warning devices, and maintain supervision until assistance arrives.
- First Aid Kit
- A stocked, accessible kit required on every school bus; contents must be checked and replenished as part of the pre-trip inspection.