Florida CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is for mechanical or operational problems.

During your post-trip inspection, after checking for stray students, you should check all the mechanical and operational systems of the school bus for any problems. Immediately report any problems to your supervisor or school authorities.

Not quite. The answer is 10 feet

A school bus's left and right danger zones extend up to ten feet from the sides of the bus.

Not quite. The answer is Gently ease pressure off of the accelerator and engage the clutch

To recover while traveling in a straight line, you should not turn the steering wheel of the bus or apply the brakes. Either action could put the bus into a skid from which recovery would be difficult or impossible. Instead, with no change in steering input, gently ease pressure off of the accelerator and engage the clutch. This will slow your vehicle and let the wheels turn freely; control should then return. If braking is unavoidable, lightly pump the brakes until hydroplaning has stopped.

Not quite. The answer is the left and right front tires touching the ground.

Position the crossover mirrors so you can view the danger zone at the front of the bus. You should be able to see the front tires touching the ground.

Not quite. The answer is 200 feet

When your bus is about 200 feet from the railroad crossing, turn on your hazard lights to make your intentions clear to other road users. (Note: In some other states, you may have to activate your hazard lights even farther in advance under certain conditions. Consult that state's CDL manual for details.)

Not quite. The answer is drive through the gate.

Never stop on railroad tracks. Never shift gears on railroad tracks either because there is a chance that your vehicle might stall. If the gate comes down after you've already started to cross the tracks, keep going and cross the tracks even if you have to drive through the gate.

Not quite. The answer is Evacuate the bus and move the students away from the tracks at an angle toward oncoming trains.

If your bus stalls on railroad tracks, you must evacuate the students from the bus. Have the students exit the bus. Then lead them at an angle to the tracks in the direction from which you think a train may approach. That way, if your bus is hit, neither you nor the students will be struck by flying debris.

Not quite. The answer is count the number of students at the bus stop and make sure that all of them board the bus.

Once you've pulled up to a stop, count the number of students preparing to board the bus. Then have them board single file as you count them again. Make sure that all are accounted for and seated before you drive off.

Not quite. The answer is CDL general knowledge, passenger, school bus

To drive a school bus, you must pass the CDL general knowledge test and the tests for the passenger (P) and school bus (S) endorsements. If you wish to drive school buses equipped with air brakes, you must also pass the air brakes knowledge test.

Not quite. The answer is at least 10 to 15 feet away from the side of the bus.

Instruct students who are exiting the bus at their stop to remain clearly visible at least 10–15 feet away from the bus so you can account for all of them before you drive on. Note: The precise minimum distance that the students must remain from the bus may vary from one state to another. Consult your state's CDL manual or contact your state department of transportation for details.

Not quite. The answer is For safety as required by federal, state, and local laws

The main purpose of school bus inspections is to ensure safety: your safety and that of your passengers and other road users. A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles.

Not quite. The answer is After checking again that all traffic has stopped

At a bus stop, make a final check to see that all traffic has stopped before completely opening the door and signaling students to approach.

Not quite. The answer is Clearly conveying the rules and making sure the needs of you and your students are met

Assertive bus drivers are neither hostile nor passive. They clearly state their needs and back up their statements with appropriate actions. Assertive drivers have a positive outlook and believe in their abilities. They communicate effectively and plan how to respond with actions. They are persistent and quick to respond in a meaningful way, operating in a take-charge manner, but aware of the support needed by each individual child.

Not quite. The answer is All

All school bus accidents must be reported whether or not they involve death, injury, or property damage.

Not quite. The answer is the bus is stalled on a railroad track, even if there is no train in sight.

If your bus stalls on or adjacent to a railroad track, you must evacuate the bus even if you don’t see or hear an approaching train. Don't take any chances. A train can't yield the right-of-way to you.

Not quite. The answer is that no parts are missing, leaking, or damaged and the lift is fully retracted and latched.

During your vehicle inspection test, if your vehicle has a handicap lift, check it for leaks, missing pieces, or other damage. Make sure that the lift is fully retracted and latched securely.

Not quite. The answer is keep a strong grip on the steering wheel and try to anticipate gusts.

Strong winds can buffet a bus from the side, causing it to swerve, move off the road, or even tip over. If your bus is caught in high winds, slow down, grip the steering wheel firmly, and try to anticipate gusts. If necessary, contact your dispatcher for instructions or pull over until the winds subside.

Not quite. The answer is keep your wheels from locking during hard braking.

By preventing your wheels from locking up, ABS allows you to brake harder on slippery roadways. ABS does not significantly affect the rest of your driving. It does not affect your braking capability or necessarily shorten your stopping distance.

Not quite. The answer is The crossover mirrors

The convex and flat mirrors let you view the rear portion of the bus behind the mirror mounts. The crossover mirrors let you view the front danger zone and the danger zone areas to the left and right sides of the bus.

Not quite. The answer is constantly.

When you drive a school bus or any other motor vehicle, frequently check your mirrors to keep aware of what is happening all around your vehicle. When operating a school bus, you should also use your mirrors to check for students that may have wandered into danger zones.