CDL School Bus Practice Test

25 practice questions

Choose an answer, then check it under Show answer.

1. Question 1 of 25Hard

   Why must a school bus driver monitor the mirrors before and during turning maneuvers?

   1. AA. To ensure that an outside lookout remains in clear view through the turn
   2. BB. To check for up to three feet of rear tail swing that can strike objects
   3. CC. To prevent the bus from exceeding the safe speed limit during the turn
   4. DD. To verify that crosswinds are not causing the front tires to slip sideways
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: B. To check for up to three feet of rear tail swing that can strike objects

   The CDL manual states that a school bus can have up to a three-foot tail swing and that drivers need to check mirrors before and during turns to monitor this tail swing. Lookouts are used for backing rather than turning maneuvers, and wind slippage is not monitored via mirrors.

2. Question 2 of 25Easy

   Where must the front of a school bus remain when stopped at a railroad crossing that has a painted white stop line?

   1. AA. Behind the stop line
   2. BB. Past the stop line near the rail
   3. CC. One bus length behind the stop line
   4. DD. Directly over the stop line
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: A. Behind the stop line

   If a white stop line is painted on the pavement before the tracks, the front of the school bus must remain behind this line while stopped. Stopping over or past the line violates recommended crossing procedures.

3. Question 3 of 25Medium

   Why must the driver bring the school bus to a stop with the front bumper at least 10 feet away from waiting students?

   1. AA. To allow enough room for the stop arm to fully deploy without obstruction
   2. BB. To prevent students from touching the mirrors while the bus is pulling up
   3. CC. To ensure following traffic has room to stop safely behind the bus
   4. DD. To force students to walk to the bus so you can better view their movements
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: D. To force students to walk to the bus so you can better view their movements

   Stopping at least 10 feet away forces students to walk toward the bus, giving the driver a better view of their movements. Believing this distance is meant to give following traffic room to stop is incorrect because the bumper distance rule specifically addresses student visibility.

4. Question 4 of 25Medium

   A driver uses the overhead inside rearview mirror to monitor student behavior during transit. Which area inside the bus is defined as a blind spot when using this mirror?

   1. AA. Directly behind the driver's seat
   2. BB. Beside the front entrance service stepwell
   3. CC. Along the center aisle between passenger seats
   4. DD. Directly in front of the rear emergency door
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: A. Directly behind the driver's seat

   The CDL manual states that there is a blind spot area directly behind the driver's seat when using the overhead inside rearview mirror. The center aisle and rear door area are generally visible unless obstructed, but the space immediately behind the driver's seat cannot be viewed in this mirror.

5. Question 5 of 25Hard

   If time allows during an evacuation, what should the driver report to the dispatch office?

   1. AA. The names of students who sat near the exits
   2. BB. The location, conditions, and assistance needed
   3. CC. The estimated cost of repairing the school bus
   4. DD. The route the bus would have taken next
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: B. The location, conditions, and assistance needed

   The manual says that if time allows, the driver should notify the dispatch office of the evacuation location, conditions, and type of assistance needed. Details about repair costs or the next route do not help responders.

6. Question 6 of 25Easy

   Why does the yellow ABS malfunction lamp turn on briefly when an ABS-equipped vehicle is started?

   1. AA. To calibrate the wheel speed sensors before moving.
   2. BB. To warm the electrical circuits of the brake modulator.
   3. CC. To show the system has engaged the emergency brake.
   4. DD. To serve as a bulb check confirming the warning light works.
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: D. To serve as a bulb check confirming the warning light works.

   On newer vehicles, the ABS malfunction lamp comes on at start-up as a bulb check and then goes out quickly. The light does not indicate emergency brake engagement, sensor calibration, or circuit heating.

7. Question 7 of 25Medium

   When you have stopped the bus to speak with a student about a serious behavior problem, how should you speak?

   1. AA. Speak angrily to show that you are in charge
   2. BB. Stand up and speak respectfully but firmly
   3. CC. Remain seated and shout so all students can hear
   4. DD. Avoid speaking and report the student later
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: B. Stand up and speak respectfully but firmly

   When handling a serious problem, you should stand up and speak respectfully to the offender in a courteous manner with a firm voice. Remind the offender of the expected behavior, and do not show anger. Shouting or speaking angrily is wrong because it does not show the calm, firm authority the situation requires.

8. Question 8 of 25Medium

   What is a driver required to check for during the interior walk-through of a post-trip inspection?

   1. AA. Tire tread depth and wheel lug nut tightness
   2. BB. Sleeping students and articles left on the bus
   3. CC. Student route attendance logs and dispatcher trip tickets
   4. DD. Engine oil levels and transmission fluid temperature
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: B. Sleeping students and articles left on the bus

   During the post-trip walk-through, the driver must inspect the inside and outside of the bus for articles left behind, sleeping students, open windows and doors, damage, and mechanical problems. Fluid levels and tire components are examined during vehicle pre-trip inspections rather than the walk-through check.

9. Question 9 of 25Easy

   What does the round, black-on-yellow sign placed ahead of a public railroad-highway crossing tell you?

   1. AA. The crossing ahead is protected by gates and lights
   2. BB. The speed limit through the crossing is reduced
   3. CC. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop
   4. DD. More than one set of tracks lies ahead
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: C. Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop

   The round, black-on-yellow advance warning sign means slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks. It does not mean the crossing is protected by gates or that the speed limit changes.

10. Question 10 of 25Easy

    At what speed should a school bus driver approach a school bus stop?

    1. AA. At a steady highway cruising speed
    2. BB. As fast as surrounding traffic allows
    3. CC. Cautiously at a slow rate of speed
    4. DD. At the posted speed limit for the road
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: C. Cautiously at a slow rate of speed

    The manual directs drivers to approach cautiously at a slow rate of speed. Driving at the posted speed limit is not correct for a bus stop approach, where caution and a slow speed are required.

11. Question 11 of 25Medium

    If a bus is in the path of a sighted tornado and students are evacuated to a ditch, how should they position themselves?

    1. AA. Sit upright with their backs firmly against the ditch embankment
    2. BB. Crouch on their knees while holding hands for stability
    3. CC. Stand closely together under the shelter of the bus body
    4. DD. Lie face down on the ground with hands covering their heads
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: D. Lie face down on the ground with hands covering their heads

    When taking shelter in a ditch or culvert during a tornado, students should lie face down with their hands covering their heads to minimize injury from flying debris. Standing near or under the bus is dangerous because the tornado could topple the vehicle onto them.

12. Question 12 of 25Medium

    A student has just stepped off the bus and is still standing near the side. You need to back up a short distance. What should you do?

    1. AA. Sound the horn and back as soon as the student stops
    2. BB. Back slowly while watching the student in the mirrors
    3. CC. Wait until no students are outside before backing
    4. DD. Ask the student to stand behind the bus as a lookout
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: C. Wait until no students are outside before backing

    The manual says you should never back a school bus when students are outside of the bus. Backing slowly or sounding the horn does not remove that danger. A student should not be used as a lookout behind the bus.

13. Question 13 of 25Medium

    Why should you not deal with an on-bus behavior problem while you are loading or unloading students?

    1. AA. Because school policy requires a witness present
    2. BB. Because loading and unloading requires all your concentration
    3. CC. Because it will make the route run late
    4. DD. Because students may be embarrassed in front of parents
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: B. Because loading and unloading requires all your concentration

    The manual explains that loading and unloading requires all your concentration, and you should not take your eyes off what is happening outside the bus. Embarrassment or route delays are not the stated reason. If a behavior problem arises, wait until unloading students are safely off and have moved away, and pull over if necessary.

14. Question 14 of 25Medium

    A school bus with ABS is traveling on a dry road and the driver presses the brake pedal normally. When will the ABS begin to operate?

    1. AA. Every time the brake pedal is pressed
    2. BB. Only if a wheel would lock up from overbraking
    3. CC. Only when the parking brake is applied
    4. DD. Whenever the bus is moving above five mph
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: B. Only if a wheel would lock up from overbraking

    The manual says ABS is an add-on that only comes into play when a wheel would normally have locked because of overbraking. Normal braking does not activate it, and it is not tied to the parking brake or a set road speed.

15. Question 15 of 25Easy

    Where do the greatest number of student fatalities occur each year in connection with school buses?

    1. AA. Crossing intersections after the bus departs
    2. BB. Riding as passengers inside a school bus
    3. CC. Walking through school parking lots
    4. DD. Getting on or off a school bus
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: D. Getting on or off a school bus

    The CDL manual states that more students are killed while getting on or off a school bus each year than are killed as passengers inside of a school bus. A common misconception is that collisions while riding inside the bus cause more deaths, but loading and unloading is the most hazardous part of the route.

16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    At a railroad crossing with flashing red lights and gates, when should you begin to stop?

    1. AA. When a flagger signals that the track is clear
    2. BB. Only after the gate has fully lowered across the lane
    3. CC. After the train has completely passed the crossing
    4. DD. When the lights begin to flash, before the gate lowers
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: D. When the lights begin to flash, before the gate lowers

    When the red lights begin to flash, a train is approaching, so stop before the gate lowers across your lane. Waiting until the gate is fully down is wrong because you must stop as soon as the lights begin to flash.

17. Question 17 of 25Hard

    A driver adjusts the outside crossover mirrors. What should the view in front of the bus show when these mirrors are properly set?

    1. AA. The area from the front bumper at ground level to where direct vision begins
    2. BB. The area from the service door to the rear tires
    3. CC. The front tires and the entire side up to the mirror mounts
    4. DD. The area from the rear bumper to about 30 feet behind the bus
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: A. The area from the front bumper at ground level to where direct vision begins

    Crossover mirrors are used to see the front bumper danger zone that direct vision does not cover, and adjustment should show the area from the front bumper at ground level to the point where direct vision is possible, with the two views overlapping. The front tires and side of the bus are checked with the convex mirrors.

18. Question 18 of 25Medium

    In school bus operations, what condition defines "limited visibility" that calls for the use of an overhead strobe light?

    1. AA. Driving in light rain that requires the lowest wiper speed
    2. BB. Traveling along rural roads that lack artificial streetlights
    3. CC. Operating during twilight hours when the sun is setting
    4. DD. Being unable to easily see in front, behind, or beside the bus
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: D. Being unable to easily see in front, behind, or beside the bus

    Limited visibility means the driver cannot easily see around the vehicle, in front, behind, or beside the school bus, whether visibility is only slightly restricted or completely blocked. Twilight or unlit roads do not automatically define limited visibility unless the driver's ability to see around the bus is actually impaired.

19. Question 19 of 25Medium

    What should you do with the ignition key if you leave your seat to handle a serious problem on the bus?

    1. AA. Take the key with you
    2. BB. Leave the key in the door lock
    3. CC. Give the key to a student monitor
    4. DD. Leave the key in the ignition
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: A. Take the key with you

    The manual says to secure the bus and take the ignition key with you if you leave your seat. Leaving the key in the ignition or giving it to a student does not secure the bus. Taking the key prevents unauthorized movement while you are away from the driver's seat.

20. Question 20 of 25Easy

    A driver brakes too hard on a slippery road in a school bus without ABS, causing the rear wheels to lock up. What is a direct consequence of this mistake?

    1. AA. The front wheels will completely lose steering control.
    2. BB. The yellow malfunction lamp on the dashboard will turn on.
    3. CC. The bus may skid or spin out of control.
    4. DD. The brake pedal will pulse and push back against the driver's foot.
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: C. The bus may skid or spin out of control.

    When wheels other than the steering wheels lock up on a slippery surface, the vehicle may skid or even spin. Complete loss of steering control is the specific consequence of the front steering wheels locking up, not the rear wheels.

21. Question 21 of 25Easy

    After the driver has evacuated the students and joined them at the safe place, what should the driver do?

    1. AA. Account for all students and check their safety
    2. BB. Wait in the bus until responders arrive
    3. CC. Send students home in small groups
    4. DD. Return to the bus for personal belongings
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: A. Account for all students and check their safety

    The manual directs the driver to join the waiting students, account for all of them, and check for their safety. Returning to the bus for belongings or sending students away does not account for everyone and delays emergency response.

22. Question 22 of 25Hard

    Which sequence correctly describes how a driver should use containment area information at a crossing?

    1. AA. Check the crossing signal, then measure the area only if a train is visible
    2. BB. Be certain the area clears the tracks, then measure the bus length and area
    3. CC. Know the bus length and containment area size, then be certain the area clears the tracks
    4. DD. Estimate the area from the crossing signal, then cross if the signal is green
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: C. Know the bus length and containment area size, then be certain the area clears the tracks

    The CDL manual says to know the length of your bus and the size of the containment area, then be certain the bus has enough containment or storage area to completely clear the tracks on the other side if there is a need to stop. Measuring the bus and area after deciding the area is adequate reverses the proper order and skips the information needed for that decision.

23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    After all students are accounted for, which of these is the correct order of steps for preparing to leave?

    1. AA. Fasten your belt, release the parking brake, start the engine, close the door, engage the transmission.
    2. BB. Release the parking brake, close the door, start the engine, engage the transmission, fasten your belt.
    3. CC. Close the door, fasten your belt, start the engine, engage the transmission, release the parking brake.
    4. DD. Start the engine, engage the transmission, release the parking brake, close the door, fasten your belt.
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: C. Close the door, fasten your belt, start the engine, engage the transmission, release the parking brake.

    The manual lists the steps in this order: close the door, fasten the safety belt, start the engine, engage the transmission, and release the parking brake. Releasing the parking brake before the door is closed and the driver is belted in is the kind of out-of-order shortcut the procedure is designed to prevent.

24. Question 24 of 25Hard

    During a pre-trip inspection, how should the driver adjust the interior rearview mirror?

    1. AA. Position it to see the top of the rear window in the top of the mirror
    2. BB. Position it to see the front entrance stepwell and the service door
    3. CC. Position it to see only the emergency exit roof hatches
    4. DD. Position it to see the rear bumper and both rear dual tires
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: A. Position it to see the top of the rear window in the top of the mirror

    The interior mirror should be positioned to see the top of the rear window in the top of the mirror, as well as all students inside. Viewing the stepwell or entrance door is accomplished with other specialized mirrors or direct sight, not the primary interior rearview mirror. The rear bumper and rear dual tires cannot be viewed through the interior rearview mirror.

25. Question 25 of 25Hard

    When a lookout is posted to assist a school bus driver with backing, what should the lookout NOT do?

    1. AA. Watch for other vehicles entering the area
    2. BB. Give directions on how to back the bus
    3. CC. Warn the driver about obstacles behind the bus
    4. DD. Alert the driver to approaching persons
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: B. Give directions on how to back the bus

    The CDL manual specifically states that the lookout should not give directions on how to back the bus; the lookout's sole role is to warn the driver about obstacles, approaching persons, and other vehicles. Relying on a lookout for steering or driving commands can cause miscommunication and collisions.

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The full CDL bank has 189 School Bus questions. See plans