Minnesota CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is every emergency exit

The detailed requirements for this part of the pre-trip inspection test may vary from one state to another. According to the Minnesota Commercial Driver's Manual, you will have to check every emergency exit to be sure that it is undamaged, operating smoothly, and able to be closed securely from the inside. Check that the rear door exit can be operated properly from both inside and outside the bus. Finally, you'll have to check all emergency exit devices to be sure they're working.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above are true.

During your pre-trip inspection, check that the battery is secure and free of excessive corrosion. Also check that the cover or door of the battery box is secure and undamaged.

Not quite. The answer is tell the students to remain seated until you signal them to exit.

When unloading the bus at school, secure the bus, tell the students to remain seated until you signal them to exit, and position yourself to supervise unloading. Only then should you signal the students to start exiting the bus in an orderly manner under your supervision.

Not quite. The answer is Both of the above statements are true.

When dealing with autistic students, remember that these students are affected by a disorder; their conduct is not necessarily willful. They cannot always control or stop their behavior when you ask them to. They may also be very resistant to any change in routine or environment. These students need sameness, calmness, structure, and firmness along with gentleness and patience.

Not quite. The answer is Drive through the gate.

It's much too dangerous to remain stopped on the tracks for an extended period. If the gate comes down after you have started across, drive right through it. The gate will break away.

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.

Not quite. The answer is the entire sides of the bus up to the mirror mounts.

The outside left and right side convex mirrors should be positioned so you can see the left and right sides of the bus up to the mirror mounts, at least one lane of traffic on each side, and the front of the rear tires touching the ground. However, bear in mind that convex mirrors can make objects look smaller and farther away than they really are.

Not quite. The answer is 400 feet

The blind spot behind a school bus usually extends 50 to 150 feet behind the bus, but it can extend up to 400 feet, depending on the length and width of the bus.

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 monitor passenger activity inside the bus.

The main purpose of the inside rear-view mirror is to monitor passenger activity inside the bus.

Not quite. The answer is 70

Statistically, children are 70 times safer, riding in a school bus to school than riding in a car. School buses are designed to be highly visible, and they have high crush standards and rollover protection features built in. Children are at the greatest risk of an accident when they are entering or leaving the bus.

Not quite. The answer is When water builds between the tires of your bus and the road surface

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of your bus and the road surface, leading to the loss of traction, and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to steering, braking or accelerating. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph, if there is a lot of water. Hydroplaning is more likely, if tire pressure is low or the tread is worn.

Not quite. The answer is Stop, look, and listen.

Before crossing the tracks, you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. Look in both directions for an approaching train. Also turn off the radio and any noisy equipment and listen for an approaching train.

Not quite. The answer is 200 feet

As a general rule, when your bus is within 200 feet of a railroad crossing, you should turn on your hazard lights to make your intentions clear to other road users. Note: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires you to turn on the hazard lights at least 100 feet before the nearest rail.

Source: Minn. Rules 7470.1100

Not quite. The answer is the length of the bus plus 15 feet.

Before you proceed through a railroad crossing, make sure that the containment area (the space on the opposite side of the crossing) is large enough for your bus. As a general rule, the Minnesota Commercial Driver's Manual recommends that the containment area be at least equal to the length of your bus plus 15 feet. However, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommends a containment of one bus length plus 10 feet.

Source: Section 5.10 Railroad Crossings, Minnesota School Bus Driver Model School Bus Driver Training Program, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, May 2011

Not quite. The answer is It depends on the state.

There is no national standard governing whether the oxygen cylinder or tank must be secured to the wheelchair, the bus floor, or the bus sidewall. Instead, each state and possibly even each school district can set its own rules. Some jurisdictions allow only one of these three options; other jurisdictions allow more than one option. Check with your state department of education or state department of health and human services, and check with your school district as well.

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 Because so many students are killed each year while getting on or off school buses

More students are killed while getting on or off a school bus than are killed as passengers on a school bus. You must thoroughly understand how to keep students safe before, during, and after loading or unloading.

Not quite. The answer is Firmly tell the students what behavior you expect from them.

If a serious behavior issue occurs on your bus that can't wait, follow your school's procedures for handling such situations. Here are a few general guidelines: Pull over and secure the bus. Take your ignition key with you. Stand up and speak respectfully but firmly to the offending student about the behavior you expect on the bus. If a change of seating is needed, request that the student move to a seat near you. However, never put a student off the bus except at school or his or her designated bus stop. If you absolutely have to remove the student at another location, call a school administrator or the police to do it.

Not quite. The answer is you will still have normal brake function and will just need to get the ABS repaired soon.

If the ABS malfunction lamp is lit, it means there may be a problem with the ABS. However, there is no need to panic. Your bus's brakes should otherwise be unaffected in normal driving. Continue to use them until you can have the ABS serviced.