South Carolina CDL: School Bus Practice Test

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 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 doesn't have any type of traffic control device.

A passive railroad crossing doesn't have any type of traffic control device (such as lights, bells, or gates) to warn you that a train is approaching. You must stop at the crossing, look for approaching trains yourself, and then cross when it is safe to do so.

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 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.

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 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 You

Don't try to deal with student behavior problems while you're driving, loading students, or unloading students. While you're doing those tasks, you must be focused on them. To deal with a behavior problem, first pull over and secure the bus.

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 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 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 evacuate the students upwind of the bus.

If the bus is on fire, don't waste time trying to put the fire out. Quickly evacuate everyone from the bus, ideally within two minutes. Lead the students at least 100 feet upwind of the bus to avoid exposing them to smoke or toxic gases. If the bus caught fire from an accident in which hazardous materials were spilled, lead the students at least 300 feet upwind of the bus.

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 Call your dispatcher and follow local procedures.

If you have missed a student’s unloading stop, do not back up. Follow your district's local procedures for missed stops. Call your dispatcher for instructions. Never change the location of a bus stop without approval of the dispatcher.

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

Never leave students outside or inside their home unless a parent or other responsible person is there. Since policies differ from area to area, local school district officials must establish specific procedures to follow when no responsible person is present where the student is to be unloaded.

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 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 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 Drive normally, but get the system serviced as soon as possible.

Losing the ABS function does not change the rest of your bus's braking system, so you will still have the same brakes that you have always had. Simply use them and get the ABS repaired as soon as possible. There is no need to panic unless your system shows other and more serious warnings.