South Carolina School Bus Driver's Training Workbook

If during the pre-trip, during-trip, or post-trip inspection you discover a problem that makes the bus unsafe to drive, what should you do?

Notify the maintenance shop and your supervisor immediately. Do not drive the bus.

True or False: If your mirrors are properly adjusted, you will be able to see directly in front of the front bumper.

True

True or False: If your mirrors are properly adjusted, you will be able to see objects 200 feet behind the bus.

True

True or False: Young children who wear neutral colors present a special danger to bus drivers

True

True or False: At multiple-track crossings, the cross-buck sign will display the number of tracks

True.

True or False: If your bus is on the track when the warning lights come on and the gates begin to lower, you should continue even if you must drive through the gates and harm the bus.

True.

True or False: Loading and unloading present the most dangerous safety hazards to students.

True.

True or False: Students must remain 12 feet from the side, front, and back of the bus at all times.

True. Students must remain 12 feet from the front and sides of the bus. Students must never go behind the bus.

True or False: You must evacuate all students if the bus stalls on the track even if you do not see or hear a train.

True. Then the driver may attempt to restart the bus after all students are safely off.

When you are approaching a bus stop to load or unload, you must turn on your amber warning lights A. 100 feet in advance. B. 500 feet in advance. C. 100 to 300 feet in advance, depending on conditions. D. from 15 to 50 feet in advance.

C

The reflective triangles should be used only A. at night or during foggy, snowy, or rainy weather. B. if the bus must stop on a hill or curve. C. when the bus must stop on the roadway. D. whenever your stopped bus is likely to cause another accident due to limited visibility.

D. Emergency triangles should be used any time passing motorists need to be warned of potential danger from your stopped bus.

How far should you look ahead when driving on the open road? A. 12 to 15 seconds B. about a quarter of a mile C. 6 to 9 seconds D. both A and B

D. both A and B

True or False: Studies have shown that most mirrors are adjusted by the factory to meet the federal standard and should not be changed.

False. Factories make no attempt to properly adjust the mirrors because the mirrors must be adjusted to fit each particular driver.

Beginning with "1" for the first thing you should do, number these statements to show the order in which you should perform the actions in the event of a mechanical breakdown on the way home from school: _____ Place reflective triangles to warn other motorists. _____ Secure the bus. _____ Finish your route as soon as the bus is replaced or repaired. _____ Call or radio the appropriate transportation official to report the breakdown and your location.

3 Place reflective triangles to warn the motorists. 1 Secure the bus. 4 Finish your route as soon as the bus is replaced or repaired. 2 Call maintenance and tell them your location.

You run into the back of another vehicle on your way to school. You are afraid some of your students are injured; perhaps passengers in the car you hit are injured also. Beginning with "1" for the first thing you should do, number these statements to show the order in which you should perform the actions: _____ Call the appropriate transportation official. _____ Secure the bus. _____ Protect the area. _____ Check on the condition of your passengers and the passengers in the car you hit.

4 Call the appropriate transportation official. 2 Secure the Bus. 1 Protect the area. 3 Check on the condition of your passengers and the passengers in the car you hit.

Number these steps 1 through 5 for the order of the actions you should take in securing the bus to leave it unattended: ____ Take the key with you. ____ Set the parking brake. ____ Turn the ignition off. ____ Put the bus in neutral. ____ Drain the air tank.

4 Take the key with you. 1 Set the parking brake. 3 Turn the ignition off. 2 Put the bus in neutral. 5 Drain the air tank.

Once you have stopped at a bus stop to load or unload students, you should FIRST A. apply the parking brake. B. shift the gear selector to neutral. C. open the door. D. give students the signal to cross the road.

A

If your route requires you to back at a bus stop, you must [pick two] A. load before backing. B. load after backing. C. back before unloading. D. back after unloading.

A and C

The low air pressure warning system (red light and buzzer) will activate when the psi drops below A. 60 psi. B. 100 psi. C. 40 psi. D. 20 psi.

A. 60 psi.

Which is the slickest road surface? A. a surface with wet ice or wet snow B. a paved surface with heavy rainfall C. a surface with dry, packed snow D. a surface with dry ice

A. A road surface with wet ice or wet snow is the slickest.

Which of these groups is responsible for reporting overgrowth of trees along the bus route during the school year? A. bus drivers B. highway patrol officers C. local transportation officials D. parents

A. After the school year begins, the bus driver must report problems on the route. Before the start of a new school year, the local transportation office is responsible for inspecting the route and making sure it is safe.

After securing the bus and turning on your hazard lights, your next step should be to A. see if anyone is injured. B. call transportation officials. C. call the local law enforcement agency. D. place emergency triangles appropriately.

A. After turning on your hazard lights to warn others, your next step should be to see if anyone is injured.

In the most common type of school bus emergency evacuations, students exit by the A. front (service) door. B. rear emergency door. C. front and rear doors. D. side and front doors.

A. Front door exits are most common in emergency evacuations.

The primary mistake made by school bus drivers in South Carolina that results in a collision is A. misjudging distance. B. the failure to inspect vehicle. C. the driver becomes distracted. D. improper turning.

A. Improper turning and the driver's being distracted are problems reportedly contributing to crashes; however, the single most frequently reported error resulting in a collision was misjudging distance.

Which of these groups is responsible for funding most of the costs of transporting students? A. General Assembly B. Department of Public Safety C. local school districts D. transportation departments

A. The S.C. Legislature—or the General Assembly, as the combined House and Senate is called in South Carolina—must approve the funding. The State Department of Education and the State Board of Education recommend the funding level, but the General Assembly actually determines how much money will be spent and allocates the money. Local school districts also contribute some of the costs of transporting students, including supplementing bus drivers' salaries, in most districts.

If you have an accident, you should first A. take steps to prevent another accident from happening. B. call 911. C. evacuate students. D. give aid to the injured.

A. The first consideration after an accident is to try to keep another accident from happening.

Emergency brakes on a bus with air brakes are activated by the A. loss of air pressure. B. driver's pushing a knob. C. servicebrakepedal. D. hydraulic pressure.

A. They are automatically activated by the loss of air pressure.

You are driving at night with your headlights on low beam. You can see about 200 feet ahead. You should drive no faster than A. the speed that will allow you to stop within 200 feet. B. the speed limit. C. ten miles under the speed limit. D. the speed that will allow you to stop within 100 feet.

A. You should drive no faster than the speed that will allow you to stop within 200 feet.

All vehicles with air brakes have these three systems: A. emergency brakes, parking brakes, and service brakes. B. S-cam brakes, spring brakes, and emergency brakes. C. parking brakes, brake pedal, and service brakes. D. brake pedal, dual emergency brakes, and alcohol evaporators.

A. emergency brakes, parking brakes, and service brakes.

Joan is driving her bus on a city street when the air pressure warning system activates. She is only a few minutes from the school, so she continues driving. As the air pressure continues to drop, Joan knows that A. the bus will stop immediately and suddenly, even if she does not want it to stop. B. she must call maintenance before starting a new run, to have them pump in more air pressure. C. she will have to use her parking brakes to stop if the service brakes stop working. D. she will have enough pressure to make it to the school, but she must have the brakes repaired then.

A. the bus will stop immediately and suddenly, even if she does not want it to stop.

Joan is going 45 mph when she sees a car stop in front of her. It takes her several seconds to stop her bus. Most likely the delay in stopping is caused by A. the time it takes Joan to see, react, and apply the brakes. B. Joan's lack of training to stop quickly. C. Joan's speeding in a school zone. D. brakes that need to be adjusted.

A. the time it takes Joan to see, react, and apply the brakes.

When making a right turn you must avoid A. turning wide as you go into the turn. B. using the right side mirror. C. pulling into the right-most lane. D. turning wide as you complete the turn.

A. turning wide as you go into the turn.

The brakes should be lightly tapped to A. warn other drivers that you are planning to slow down or stop. B. test the brakes to see if the air pressure is at the appropriate level. C. warn other drivers that students are boarding the bus. D. all of the above.

A. warn other drivers that you are planning to slow down or stop.

You have been informed that you are to drive a group of students on a trip that will last an entire weekend. List three things you can do in preparation prior to the day of the trip.

All of the following and other reasonable answers are correct: -get and review maps of the route -practice driving the bus you will use for the trip if it is not your usual one -get a credit card -give a copy of your bus rules to the teachers and ask them to teach the rules to students -review and update your emergency information packet -ask teachers to choose three or four students to help in case of an emergency -make sure you know exactly where you are to park

You have been informed that you are to drive a group of students on a trip that will last an entire weekend. List three things you can do in preparation prior to the day of the trip.

All of the following and other reasonable answers are correct: -review procedures with your student helpers -review procedures with the adults -store equipment properly -check to make sure all the riders are authorized to ride the bus -review rules with all riders -point out emergency exits to all riders

List at least four things that will increase the chance of an accident on this trip.

All of the following, as well as other things, can increase the chance of an accident: -The area is congested, the streets are extremely narrow, and many of them are quite rough. -Many streets in the area are one-way. -Parking in the area is extremely scarce. -Students are likely to be excited during the trip and to be either elated or disappointed on the way home, making behavior a problem. -Because of the number of hours students will spend on the bus, the chance of a student's becoming ill increases. -You may be transporting equipment. -Your passengers may be teachers and students who are not accustomed to riding the bus.

What should you listen, look, feel, and smell for while driving the bus? List two items for each: A. Listen for: B. Look for: C. Feel for: D. Smell for:

All of these are correct answers: A. Listen for: engine knocking, clicking, or tapping; squeals or squeaks; loud exhaust; engine backfiring, missing, or popping B. Look for: gauges, excessive smoke from exhaust, smoke from hood, smoke from dash, smoke or fire from tires C. Feel for: excessive vibrations, shimmy, hard steering or steering wander, change in pedal tension D. Smell for: fuel, burning rubber, burning oil, exhaust fumes

List three reasons why you must inspect the bus before, during, and after operation:

All of these are correct answers: -to comply with state regulations -to keep the bus in a safe operating condition -to prevent breakdowns -to maintain the bus in an efficient operating condition -to lower maintenance costs to preserve bus components -to prolong the life of the bus -to eliminate delays, inconveniences, frustrations for the driver

List three reasons why it is important to keep the bus clean and neat:

All of these are correct answers: -to protect students' health -to reduce the possibility of accidents inside the bus -to make it easier for students to follow the cleanliness rule -to help students have a positive attitude about keeping the bus clean -to project a favorable image of the school system to the community -to prolong the life of the bus -to make the bus and its warning lights and reflectors easier for others to see -to make it easier for you to see through the mirrors and window

List four situations in which you would evacuate all students on board:

Any four of these can be listed as reasons to evacuate: -The threat of fire exists. -The bus has broken down on a railroad track. -The bus has broken on a blind curve or over the crest of a hill. -A danger from toxic fumes or gas exists. -The bus might roll over or run down a steep incline or be submerged.

Name three characteristics of a professional school bus driver: _________________________________, ________________________________, and _________________________________.

Any of these are correct answers: -has the knowledge and skill to drive the bus safely -is dependable -cares about children -practices good judgment -has a positive attitude -stays calm -is firm, fair, and consistent -communicates clearly -is free from the effects of alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs -is clean, neat, and dressed appropriately

Brake fade is A. the time between when you decide to stop and the actual stop. B. when you have to apply more and more pressure to the pedal to get the same braking power. C. lack of braking power due to loss of brake compressor. D. brakes losing their ability to stop because the brake drum needs tightening.

B. Brake fade is when you have to apply more and more pressure to the pedal to get the same braking power

Which of the following is NOT a requirement to drive a school bus in this state? A. be at least eighteen years old B. meet height and weight requirements C. pass tests to show you know the laws and can drive a bus D. have a CDL (commercial driver's license)

B. Currently, South Carolina has no specific height and weight requirements. Districts may have specific requirements, however.

Your bus collides with another vehicle. The other driver tells you that you were going too fast and caused the crash. You believe the driver may be right. Your best response is to A. tell the other driver calmly that he or she is mistaken. B. tell the other driver that you will let the law officer determine the cause of the crash. C. admit that you may have been speeding and provide insurance information. D. tell the other driver that you do not know how fast you were going or what caused the accident.

B. It is best to avoid discussing the cause of the collision, even if you believe you may have contributed to the cause of the collision. Do not discuss the causes of the crash until you have talked with the trained professionals who have much more experience at determining causes of crashes.

If you double your speed, how will it affect your stopping distance? A. It will double the stopping distance. B. It will increase the stopping distance by four times. C. It will increase it by the stopping distance about 300 feet. D. If the bus is loaded, it will have no effect when you are driving on dry roads.

B. It will increase the stopping distance by four times.

To prepare yourself for responding correctly should a collision occur, you should do all of the following EXCEPT A. prepare and record emergency information. B. know how to stop all fires with the fire extinguisher. C. know how to use all the emergency supplies and equipment on board. D. be able to quickly open all emergency exits, even in the dark.

B. The fire extinguisher is seldom used by drivers who, correctly, are more concerned with seeing that students are safely evacuated. The extinguisher is certainly not sufficient to stop all bus fires.

Which of these groups is most responsible for ensuring a safe loading and unloading area for students at school? A. transportation directors B. principals C. bus drivers D. Department of Public Safety

B. The principal is responsible for his or her school grounds and for ensuring a safe loading and unloading area.

When driving down a long, steep road you should always A. reduce your speed by half. B. use the braking effect of the engine. C. shift to a low gear if you are going too fast. D. use steady pressure on the brake pedal.

B. You should use the braking effect of your engine by placing the bus in low gear before starting down the hill or mountain.

During normal driving conditions the parking brakes are held away from the drum by A. the S-cam. B. air pressure. C. your brake pedal. D. the emergency braking system.

B. air pressure.

Controlled braking means that the driver A. uses low gears to control the speed of the bus going down steep hills. B. applies the brakes all the way without locking the wheels, if the wheels lock, then reapplies the brakes as soon as possible. C. controls both the speed and direction of the bus by using strong pressure on the pedal. D. applies the brakes all the way and releases them when the wheels lock up.

B. applies the brakes all the way without locking the wheels, if the wheels lock, then reapplies the brakes as soon as possible.

When making a left turn with two lanes for vehicles turning left, you should turn from the A. left-most turning lane. B. right-most turning lane.

B. right-most turning lane.

What is the purpose of alcohol evaporators? A. to allow the alcohol in your compressor to evaporate quickly B. to help keep ice from forming in air brake valves C. to keep the driver from having to drain the air tanks D. to get better fuel mileage

B. to help keep ice from forming in air brake valves

When the air pressure warning light comes on, the driver should A. deploy the emergency brake system and find a safe place to stop. B. use the service brakes to stop immediately in a safe area. C. use the parking brake and brake pedal to stop the bus in a safe place. D. use a low gear, pump the brakes to increase pressure, and turn on the four-way flashers.

B. use the service brakes to stop immediately in a safe area.

Bus stops must be A. one and a half miles apart. B. 600 feet apart. C. two-tenths of a mile or more apart. D. 100 feet apart.

C

If the warning lights are on, no train is approaching, and traffic is backed up behind you, you should A. proceed carefully across track. B. back up, if possible, and get out of the way of other vehicles. C. not move the bus and call your supervisor to report the problem. D. evacuate your students.

C.

Which of the following statements is true about drinking alcohol? A. Younger men and women are less affected by alcohol than people in their 50s and 60s. B. A cup of coffee after late-night drinking will help sober up a person for driving. C. A couple of beers have about the same effect as a couple of shots of whiskey. D. all of the above

C. A couple of beers have about the same effect as a couple of shots of whiskey.

On the afternoon route, your bus collides with another vehicle. A parent stops at the scene and tells you that she will take her daughter home. Your best response is to A. thank the parent and make a note that the child has left. B. ask the parent to take to their homes a few of the other children who live near her. C. ask the parent to wait until law enforcement officers have investigated the accident. D. call the child's school to get permission from school officials to release the child to her mother.

C. Ask the parent to wait until the accident is investigated. If the parent insists on taking her child home, be sure to record this information.

When driving at night you should A. drive with your headlights on low beam to reduce the glare. B. keep your eyes focused on the right edge of the road. C. drive with high beam headlights anytime it is legal and safe. D. keep your dashboard lights as bright as you can.

C. Drive with your lights on dim when you need to reduce the glare for drivers in other vehicles.

It is OK to pass another school bus A. when the other driver signals that it is OK to pass. B. when the center line is broken and the way is clear. C. if the driver of the stopped school bus signals that it is OK to pass. D. never

C. If the driver of the stopped school bus signals that it is OK to pass.

You should move the bus from the scene of the accident only if A. told to do so by a state maintenance employee. B. no other vehicle is involved in the accident. C. the bus is likely to cause another accident because of its location

C. In all other cases, you should wait until the investigating officers arrive before moving the bus.

What is the best way to handle tailgaters? A. Tap lightly on your brake pedal to warn them. B. Speed up slightly so you can put distance between you and the other vehicle. C. Slow down so you can increase your following distance. D. Pull off the road and let faster vehicles pass you.

C. Slow down so that you can increase your following distance. Option A might work, or it might simply confuse other vehicles. Option D is the last resort.

To prepare your riders, you should do all the following EXCEPT A. train some students to help evacuate all students. B. train some students to secure the bus and take the key in case you are injured in a crash. C. train some students to use the fire extinguisher and place the triangles appropriately if you are disabled. D. practice emergency evacuation procedures with students.

C. Students are never to place emergency triangles nor use the fire extinguish

The School Bus Accident/Incident Report must be submitted to the county supervisor of transportation A. by the end of the day in which the accident occurred. B. no later than thirty days after the accident occurred. C. no later than the end of the next school day following the accident.

C. The School Bus Accident/Incident Report must be submitted to the county supervisor of transportation no later than the end of the next school day following the accident.

Which of these groups is responsible for mapping bus routes and hiring and training bus drivers? A. Department of Public Safety B. school principals C. district transportation personnel D. General Assembly

C. The school districts, through their transportation offices, must plan bus routes and hire and train bus drivers. The State Department of Education must approve the bus routes and assist in the training of bus drivers

If you smell smoke or see or smell leaking fuel, you should first: A. Call 911. B. Use your fire extinguisher to prevent a fire. C. Get all students and yourself off and away from the bus. D. Call transportation officials and ask for advice.

C. When the threat of fire exists, always evacuate students first before taking any other action

You are crossing an overpass, hit ice, and the rear end of your bus starts skidding toward the left lane. What should you do? A. Lightly apply brakes and hold the steering wheel tightly. B. Take your foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel clockwise. C. Turn the steering wheel left, counter steer, and keep your foot off the accelerator and brake. D. Turn your steering wheel left and speed up slightly.

C. You should turn the steering wheel left, counter steer, and keep your foot off the accelerator and brake.

The best procedure for avoiding a backing accident is to A. practice in a safe area with a helper. B. always have a helper when you are backing. C. avoid backing. D. back only very short distances.

C. avoid backing

At what amounts of air pressure does the air compressor go on and off if the governor is working correctly? A. between 60 and 100 psi B. between 20 and 40 psi C. between 100 and 125 psi D. between 150 and 160 psi

C. between 100 and 125 psi

The service brakes are activated by the A. emergency braking system. B. driver's pushing a knob on the dashboard. C. driver's pressing on the brake pedal with his or her foot. D. parking brake lever.

C. driver's pressing on the brake pedal with his or her foot.

Ralph's school bus has air brakes. According to state policy, how often will Ralph need to drain the air tanks? A. whenever the alcohol level gets too low B. only when the temperature might drop to freezing or below C. whenever his bus is parked and left unattended D. Under normal driving conditions in moderate weather, the maintenance department will drain the tanks.

C. whenever his bus is parked and left unattended

An EMS vehicle is approaching your bus just as you are stopping to unload students. You should A. unload students quickly and tell them to stay on the side of the road. B. keep the students on the bus and keep your warning lights activated. C. keep students on the bus, keep the warning lights activated, and wave the EMS vehicle to pass. D. keep the students on the bus, deactivate the warning light system, and activate the hazard lights.

D

Cars traveling in the opposite direction may pass a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers A. on any highway with six or more lanes. B. on a four-lane highway with a grassy median. C. on a four-lane highway where the opposing highway is separated by painted lines at least four feet apart. D. all of the above

D

During front door evacuations, the best position for the driver to stand is A. inside the bus near the front door and facing the riders. B. in the aisle near the center of the bus and facing the back of the bus. C. in the aisle in back of the bus and facing the front door. D. in the aisle behind the row of students being evacuated and facing the front.

D.

Which of the following statements is true about driving and weather? A. On a wet road, you should reduce your speed by one-third. B. On a snow-filled road, you should reduce your speed by half. C. When the road is icy, you will likely have difficulty taking off, steering, and stopping. D. all of the above

D. All of the statements are true.

Which of the following might cause your bus to hydroplane? A. driving too fast for conditions B. underinflated tires C. tires that have very little tread D. all of the above E. none of the above

D. All three (A, B, and C) might cause a bus to hydroplane.

If the low air pressure warning should come on, you A. can proceed with your run because the second system will operate until the brakes are serviced. B. should use your parking brake to stop immediately. C. should allow the emergency braking system to stop the bus for you. D. none of the above E. only B and C

D. None of the above. When the air pressure warning light comes on, you should immediately find a safe place and stop the bus by using your service brake.

Which of the following statements is NOT true about laws dealing with school bus speed? A. In heavy traffic, it is generally safest to adjust your speed to that of other vehicles. B. In driving in urban, rural, or suburban areas, your speed should not exceed 45 mph. C. You should always adjust your speed to conditions. D. To travel faster than 55 mph, you must have written authorization from the State Department of Education

D. You can never legally drive a school bus faster than 55 mph.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement to keep your school bus driving privileges? A. keep a CDL (commercial driver's license) B. report any conviction of traffic violation to the Department of Public Safety and your school bus supervisor C. pass random tests for drug and alcohol use D. pass an annual physical examination

D. You do not have to pass a physical each year.

In an emergency, stab braking is used when the driver A. must swerve to avoid an accident. B. applies the brakes firmly, then releases, then reapplies so that the wheels will not lock. C. applies firm, steady pressure on the service brakes. D. applies the brakes all the way until the wheels lock, releases the brake, lets the wheels start rolling, then repeats as needed.

D. applies the brakes all the way until the wheels lock, releases the brake, lets the wheels start rolling, then repeats as needed.

When following another vehicle on the open road, your following distance should be A. at least 100 feet behind a bus and 300 feet behind a car. B. so that you can see where the rear tires of the other vehicle meet the road. C. 100 feet. D. at least 300 feet behind a bus and at least 4 seconds between your bus and a car.

D. at least 300 feet behind a bus and at least 4 seconds between your bus and a car.

The driver should be able to estimate a length of 100 feet because A. the bus needs 100 feet to stop if it is going 55 mph. B. the four-way hazard lights should be applied at least 100 to 300 feet before stopping for a railroad crossing or before stopping to back. C. turn signals should be applied at least 100 to 300 feet before the turn. D. both B and C

D. both B and C

Your bus is stopped at a red light when you hear an EMS siren. The light turns green. You may proceed through the intersection A. immediately, as long as you do not see the EMS vehicle. B. if a police officer signals you to do so. C. once the EMS vehicle has passed through the intersection and you see that the way is clear. D. both B and C

D. both B and C B. if a police officer signals you to do so. C. once the EMS vehicle has passed through the intersection and you see that the way is clear.

What is the one action the driver must always repeat at least twice before putting the bus in motion? A. check emergency brakes B. check hazard lights C. check student-loading signals D. check mirrors

D. check mirrors

The emergency braking system will stop the bus when the air pressure A. drops below 60 psi. B. builds past 125 psi. C. warning light comes on. D. drops between 20 and 45 psi.

D. drops between 20 and 45 psi.

For proper brake adjustment, the driver must A. consult the air pressure supply gauge(s) often. B. drain the air brakes at least every week. C. be sure to use controlled or stab braking on hills. D. see that the play in the slack adjuster is within limits.

D. see that the play in the slack adjuster is within limits.

Proper brake adjustment is necessary for A. the low pressure warning light system to activate. B. the service brakes to work properly. C. the parking and emergency brake systems to work properly. D. all of the above E. only B and C

E. The brakes must be in adjustment for the service, parking, and emergency brakes to work properly

Poor depth perception A. gets worse with age. B. can cause you to misjudge the speed of another vehicle. C. causes problems at intersections and railroad crossings. D. requires drivers to use reference points. E. all of the above

E. all of the above

Which of these groups is responsible for the safe transportation of students? A. lawmakers B. school districts C. Department of Education D. Department of Public Safety E. all of the above

E. all of the above

True or False: If you are aware that there is some construction going on that will slow down the ride to school, you should reroute the bus for a few days to avoid the construction.

False. A driver may make a change to a route only in the case of an emergency.

True or False: It is important to stop within 15 feet of the track

False. It is important to stop more than 15 feet from the track.

True or False: To signal students to cross the road, stick your left arm out the window, make eye contact with the students, point to them, and wave them across.

False. Never stick your arm out the window or wave to students. Use your right arm. Make eye contact with the students, point to them with an open hand, and direct them across the across the road with a slow sweeping motion of your right arm across the windshield

True or False: The crossover convex mirrors should be adjusted so that the driver can see that the eight-light warning system is working properly.

False. The crossover convex mirrors should never point upward but should be adjusted so that the drive can see part of the front bumper and the road in front of the bus.

True or False: You should activate the eight-light warning system at least 100 to 300 feet before a railroad crossing.

False. The driver should activate the amber hazard lights 100 to 300 feet before the stop.

True or False: At multiple-track crossings, the driver should stop before each track.

False. The drivers should stop only once before multiple tracks.

True or False: You should apply the parking brake at every stop for railroad crossing

False. The service brakes should be applied if a train is not approaching. If a train is approaching, the driver should apply the parking brakes.

True or False: If a mother tells you that she wants her daughter dropped off at her cousin's stop today, it is OK for you to do that.

False. You may let a student off at another stop only if your supervisor or a school official informs you of the change. Parents must make such requests to school officials in writing.

True or False: When pulling over to the right side of the road to load students, you should try to get as close to waiting students as possible.

False. You should stop 12 to 15 feet before reaching the waiting students.

True or False: If a student who usually rides the bus is not at the bus stop, you should wait up to two minutes to see if the student arrives.

False. You should take a good look around; if the student is not in sight, continue on your route.

If you discover a minor problem while conducting your inspections, what should you do?

If the problem does not require a service call, you should fill out the proper form and submit it to your supervisor and/or maintenance shop (according to district policy). Once the problem has been fixed, maintenance personnel will sign the form and return a copy to your bus center. You should check for this copy to be sure that the problem has been addressed.

Where can personal items and equipment be stored?

Luggage and equipment must be secured and cannot interfere with any exit or block the aisle or your view from the rearview mirror. Normally these items will be stored in the rear seats.