North Dakota CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is call your dispatcher and ask for instructions.

A malfunctioning railroad crossing signal makes it too dangerous to proceed. Call your dispatcher, let them know about it, and ask for instructions.

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 Vehicles and drivers

It is much safer for a student to ride to and from school in a school bus than in a car. Every school bus is designed with numerous safety features, including bright colors, flashing red lights and stop sign arms, multiple mirrors, energy-absorbing seatbacks, and high crush resistance. School bus drivers undergo background checks and are trained with safety in mind.

Source: "School Bus Safety," National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-buses

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 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 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 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 North Dakota Commercial Drivers License 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. Also check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.

Not quite. The answer is Special, Treat Equally, Attention, Restraints, Different Techniques

You will likely carry at least one student with a disability on your bus during your driving career. Because a bus operator may not even know he/she is transporting a student with a disability, all operators should be aware of the special concerns relating to these passengers. An easy way to remember these special concerns is with the word “START.” S = Special. You should get to know each one and learn their individual traits. Talk with the student, their parents, aides, and teachers to find out important information. The more you know about their needs, the better you can accommodate them. T = Treat Equally. Students with disabilities want to be treated the same as all other students. Although there are many differences, whenever possible, all students should be required to follow the same rules. A = Attention. You must pay specific attention to students with disabilities. Some students will behave poorly in order to get your attention. By paying attention to them when their behavior is appropriate, you may improve their behavior. R = Restraints. Students with physical disabilities often require special seats or restraining devices. If you are driving a bus equipped with these devices, learn to properly secure these students in their seats. Wheelchairs used by students need to be properly tied down. T = Different Techniques. If you are having trouble maintaining control of a student, change your method and try something new. Be sure to ask other drivers or your supervisor for helpful suggestions in working with particular students or situations. Even better, consult a behavioral specialist or school psychologist with expertise in this area.

Not quite. The answer is a railroad crossing that has a traffic control device.

Unlike a passive railroad crossing, an active railroad crossing is controlled by a traffic control device such as some combination of bells, gates, or flashing red lights.

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 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 containment area should be at least equal to the length of your bus plus 15 feet.

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 When the driver signals that it is safe to proceed, the students should cross the street while remaining in the driver's view.

Students needing to cross the street in front of the bus should do so while remaining in your view. The specific procedures to be followed may vary from one state to another. According to the North Dakota Commercial Drivers License Manual, you must instruct students to walk about 10 feet from the side of the bus to a position where you can see them. Then they should walk at least 10 feet in front of the right corner of the school bus. They should not start to cross the roadway until you signal them that it's safe for them to proceed.

Not quite. The answer is 45 degrees

To secure a wheelchair inside a school bus, first lock the wheelchair brakes and turn off the wheelchair power (if so equipped). Then attach each of the four tie-downs to a different securement ring on the wheelchair, if the wheelchair is so equipped. If not, attach each tie-down to a different point on the metal frame of the wheelchair. (Never attach a tie-down to a movable part of the wheelchair, such as a wheel or a footrest.) Adjust each tie-down so that it makes an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the floor.

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 in a lightning storm

Even if lightning hits a school bus, the lightning will pass around it to ground rather than inside it. The metal frame of the bus will act as an electrical conductor. If your bus catches fire, is stalled on a railroad track, or is in the path of a tornado, you must evacuate the bus for the students' safety.

Not quite. The answer is Pull over, secure the bus, and speak to the unruly students respectfully but firmly.

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 to the offending students. Speak in a courteous manner with a firm voice. Remind the offending students of the behavior that is expected of them. 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 document and report all incidents and allegations.

The following strategies can help combat bullying and harassment: seat who are susceptible to bullying or being victimized children close to the driver; separate children who are fighting or having difficulty and assign seats; be “aware of everything” and watch for the moods and signs of troubled kids; talk with bullies about being respectful on the bus; intervene before anything happens and discuss with students; maintain a good relationship with each child; try to engage potential bullies in positive conversations; and above all, talk to students with respect. In cases of bullying or harassment, you as the school bus operator must document and report all incidents and allegations. Take all your concerns to your supervisor, principal or other designated school personnel.

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 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.