Oklahoma CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is Passenger safety

As a bus driver, always remember that when you drive a passenger vehicle, your first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the passengers you're transporting. Passenger comfort and prompt arrival at the destination are important but secondary concerns.

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 200 feet

According to the Oklahoma Commercial Driver License Manual, when approaching a railroad crossing, you should activate your hazard lights (four-way flashers) about 200 feet before the crossing. However, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, you should activate the hazard lights 100 – 300 feet before the crossing.

Source: 2019 Oklahoma School Bus Driver Manual, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Not quite. The answer is When students are being loaded or unloaded

More students are killed while getting on or off a school bus each year than are killed as passengers inside a school bus. Most bus-related injuries and deaths occur during the loading and unloading processes. You must thoroughly understand how to keep students safe before, during, and after loading or unloading.

Not quite. The answer is operates smoothly and closes securely from the inside.

During your vehicle inspection test, check that the entry door is free of damage, opens smoothly, and closes securely from the inside. Also check that the entry handrails are secure and the step light (if any) is working properly.

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 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 Oklahoma Commercial Driver License Manual, you must make sure that every emergency exit is undamaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside. Also check that the emergency exit warning devices are working. Note: According to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the emergency exit door, hatches, and windows should open and close freely. The latches should open easily and shut firmly. Finally, the buzzer should sound when the emergency exit opens with the key on.

Source: 2019 Oklahoma School Bus Driver Manual, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Not quite. The answer is dirt or shoeprints on the floor.

As part of your post-trip inspection of your bus, look for sleeping students that are still on the bus (yes, really), personal belongings that students may have left on the bus, mechanical or operational problems, and signs of damage or vandalism. Your district may give you more specific instructions.

Not quite. The answer is 30 feet

According to the Oklahoma Commercial Driver License Manual, 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. However, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the danger zones extend 15 feet in all four directions from the bus.

Source: 2019 Oklahoma School Bus Driver Manual, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Not quite. The answer is Type D

The Type D school bus is often called transit style, because it resembles a transit bus. The body is constructed upon a stripped chassis. The engine can be forward, next to the driver's seat; or it can be placed in the rear. Note that the passenger entrance door and the driver's position are forward of the front wheels. This can affect how you steer the bus.

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 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 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 only with the written approval of the school district.

Each school district establishes official routes and official school bus stops. Never change the location of a bus stop without written approval from the appropriate school district official.

Not quite. The answer is anticipate some emotional instability and impulsiveness.

Students with learning disabilities may seem to be deliberately disobedient or stubborn, but in reality, they can’t control their behavior. Your main goal in disciplining these students should be to help them control their emotions. While this is what you might expect of all students, it is harder for a learning-disabled student to achieve this goal.

Not quite. The answer is Secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath the bus for the student.

When approaching a stop, count the students, and count them again as they load onto the bus. If you're unable to account for a student, secure the bus to keep it from moving, take the ignition key with you, and check around and underneath 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.