Ohio CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is do both of the above.

As you approach a school bus stop, turn on your alternating flashing amber lights well before the stop. According to the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual, you should turn on the flashing amber lights at least 200 feet or 5–10 seconds ahead of the school bus stop "or in accordance with state law." Check your mirrors constantly to make sure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles, or other objects in any of your bus's danger zones.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

Adjust your right and left flat side mirrors so that you can see your rear tires touching the ground and you can see about 200 feet (about four bus lengths) behind your bus.

Not quite. The answer is both of the above.

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 in either of the above situations.

In situations in which the students would be in more danger inside the bus than outside, you must evacuate them from the bus. As examples, if the bus is on fire, stalled on railroad tracks, in or near a spill of hazardous materials, or in imminent danger of collision, you must evacuate the students. You must also evacuate them if the position of the bus may change in a way that increases the danger to the students.

Not quite. The answer is Make a final check to confirm all traffic has stopped.

Just before you signal the students to approach the bus, check that all traffic has indeed stopped for you. Unfortunately, not every driver stops for the flashing red lights of a school bus.

Not quite. The answer is all the students in the bus.

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

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 Evacuate the bus and move the students away at an angle to the tracks.

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. Have everyone walk at about a 45-degree angle to the tracks in the direction from which you expect a train to approach. That way, if your vehicle is hit, none of you will be struck by flying debris. Once you've reached a safe location, call 911 or the telephone number on the railroad crossing sign.

Not quite. The answer is 10 feet

As you approach a school bus stop, bring the school bus to a full stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet away from students at the designated stop. The distance is 12 feet in Idaho. This forces the students to walk to the bus so you have a better view of their movements.

Not quite. The answer is walk 10–15 feet from the side of the school bus.

As the students exit the bus, count how many are getting off at the stop. Instruct them to wait 10–15 feet away from the side of the bus so that you can count them again. The exact distance that students must move from the bus varies from one state to another. According to the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual, you must instruct students to walk at least 10 feet from the side of the bus.

Not quite. The answer is 30 feet

While the first 10 feet in front of a school bus are the most dangerous, the front danger zone can extend up to 30 feet in front, depending on the size and shape of the bus.

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

Instruct students who are exiting the bus at their stop to walk away from the side of the bus so you can see them and account for all of them before you drive on. According to the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual, you must instruct students to walk at least 10 feet from the side of the bus.

Not quite. The answer is Ask the student to move to a seat near you.

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 All of the above

Hydroplaning is a unique situation where your bus loses traction on a slippery surface. If your bus is traveling straight, it may begin to feel slightly loose. If there was a high level of road feel in normal conditions, it may suddenly diminish. If the drive wheels hydroplane, there may be a sudden audible rise in engine RPM and indicated speed as they begin to spin. In a broad highway turn, if the front wheels lose traction, the bus will suddenly begin to drift toward the outside of the bend. If the rear wheels lose traction, the back of the bus will begin to slide out sideways into a skid. If all four wheels hydroplane at once, the bus will slide in a straight line, again toward the outside of the bend if in a turn. When any or all of the wheels regain traction, there may be a sudden jerk in whatever direction that wheel is pointed.

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 200 feet

According to the Ohio Commercial Driver License Manual, when approaching a railroad crossing, you should activate your hazard lights (four-way flashers) about 200 feet before the crossing.

Not quite. The answer is activate the alternating flashing red lights and ensure that the stop arm is extended.

After stopping but before loading or unloading, set your transmission in Park (or Neutral if there is no Park shift point), turn on the alternating red lights, and extend the stop arm.

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

ABS activates only to keep your wheels from locking up during hard braking on slippery surfaces, so you won't have to pump the brakes. The rest of the time, drive and brake the same way that you always have. Do not drive or brake any differently just because of ABS. Use only the braking that is necessary to stop safely and stay in control.

Not quite. The answer is Local policy overrides state policy.

Local policy is the guideline for your role and responsibility as a driver of students with disabilities. When providing first aid, remember that local policy overrides state policy.

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.