Virginia CDL: School Bus Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is count the number of students at the bus stop and make sure that all of them board the bus.

Once you've pulled up to a stop, count the number of students preparing to board the bus. Then have them board single file as you count them again. Make sure that all are accounted for and seated before you drive off.

Not quite. The answer is 3 feet.

Ever notice how far the rear bumper of a school bus is from the rear wheels? In a sharp turn, the rear end of the school bus will swing out as much as three feet in the opposite direction. Before and during a turn, check your mirrors to monitor the tail swing to prevent a collision.

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 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.

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 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 Virginia 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." (However, according to the Virginia Department of Education, you should activate the flashing amber lights 100 feet ahead if the speed limit is under 35 mph or 200 feet ahead if the speed limit is 35 mph or higher.) Check your mirrors constantly to make sure that there are no pedestrians, vehicles, or other objects in any of your bus's danger zones.

Source: Virginia School Bus Driver Training Curriculum Guide, Virginia Department of Education, December 30, 2016

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 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 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 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 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 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 A yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel will light when you start the engine.

Antilock brakes have been required on all buses with air brakes built since March 1, 1998 and all buses with hydraulic brakes built since March 1, 1999. (Many buses built even earlier also have ABS.) Every school bus with ABS must also have a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel.

Not quite. The answer is for mechanical or operational problems.

During your post-trip inspection, after checking for stray students, you should check all the mechanical and operational systems of the school bus for any problems. Immediately report any problems to your supervisor or school authorities.

Not quite. The answer is Comply with the hijacker's demands.

Don't do anything that might escalate the situation to actual gun violence. Of these four choices, the least worst thing you can do is comply with the hijacker's demands. If the hijacker sees you trying to call your dispatcher or the police, he or she may freak out and do something violent. As you drive to the hijacker's destination, you can try to converse gently with the hijacker to calm the person and establish some rapport, but don't provoke the hijacker by arguing with the person. Don't try to be a hero and disarm the hijacker; the gun might go off and get someone killed.

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

A malfunctioning railroad crossing signal makes it too dangerous to proceed. If a police officer is at the crossing, follow the officer's directions. Otherwise, call your dispatcher, let them know about it, and ask for instructions.

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 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 a first-aid kit and a body fluid cleanup kit.

In addition to the usual safety gear for a commercial motor vehicle, a school bus must also be equipped with a first-aid kit and a body fluid cleanup kit.

Not quite. The answer is check for traffic once more.

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.