CCDL Permit Prep

School Bus · page 1 of 3

School Bus questions 1–20

Part of the 53-question School Bus pool. Each answer cites the FMCSA CDL Manual or the federal rule it comes from.

Practise these as a timed set

  1. How far does the danger zone extend from the sides and rear of a school bus?

    • A25 feet
    • B3 feet
    • C20 feet
    • D10 feetCorrect

    The danger zone extends 10 feet from each side and 10 feet behind the rear bumper. It may extend as much as 30 feet in front, with the first 10 feet the most dangerous; the left side is also dangerous because of passing traffic.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver's License Manual (July 2014) · 10.1.1 Danger Zones · verified 2026-09-25

  2. When should a school bus driver conduct the post-trip inspection?

    • AOnly before the annual state inspection
    • BOnly on the last route of the week
    • COnly when a parent reports a lost item
    • DWhen the route or school activity trip is finishedCorrect

    When the route or school activity trip is finished, walk through and around the bus. Look for articles left aboard, sleeping students, open windows or doors, operating problems, and damage.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.2.6 — Post-trip Inspection · verified 2026-09-07

  3. In which situation must a school bus be evacuated?

    • AThe bus is stalled on a railroad crossingCorrect
    • BA student is arguing loudly at the back
    • CThe heater stops working in mild weather
    • DA window latch is stiff but the bus is otherwise safe

    A bus stalled on or next to a railroad crossing is a mandatory evacuation. Get everyone out and off the tracks immediately, then move them far from the bus at an angle away from the tracks and toward any oncoming train.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.3.1: Mandatory Evacuations; 10.4.4: Bus Stalls or Trapped on Tracks · verified 2026-09-07

  4. During a school-bus evacuation, where should a student assistant lead the students?

    • ATo the nearest safe placeCorrect
    • BJust past the rear bumper
    • CTo the shoulder beside the bus
    • DOnly far enough to clear the door

    The Oregon CDL manual directs a student assistant to lead students to the nearest safe place. The safe location depends on the emergency, traffic, hazards, and evacuation direction; do not rely on one fixed distance.

    Oregon Commercial Driver Manual · 10.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation · verified 2026-09-07

  5. Under the school-bus crossing procedure in the cited manual, what stopping range is used when a stop is required?

    • ABetween 15 and 50 feet from the nearest railCorrect
    • BBetween 5 and 15 feet from the nearest rail
    • CBetween 50 and 100 feet from the nearest rail
    • DBetween 1 and 10 feet from the nearest rail

    The procedure uses 15–50 feet from the nearest rail. Follow the applicable state and local school-bus rules for when and how to stop; they can differ from the scope of the federal passenger-bus provision.

    Oregon DMV Commercial Driver Manual · 10.3 Emergency Exit and Evacuation; 10.4 Railroad-highway Crossings · verified 2026-09-07

  6. While crossing railroad tracks, a school bus driver must not:

    • AKeep both hands on the wheel
    • BChange gearsCorrect
    • CWatch for a second train
    • DListen with the window open

    Cross the tracks in a low gear and do not change gears while crossing. A gear change can leave the bus stopped in the crossing.

    49 CFR § 392.10 · Section 10.4.3: Recommended Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  7. Before crossing railroad tracks, a school bus driver should open the door and window in order to:

    • ASignal following drivers to wait
    • BLet fresh air into the bus
    • CListen for an approaching trainCorrect
    • DCheck the outside temperature

    At the crossing stop, turn off radios and noisy equipment, silence passengers, and open the service door and driver window. Look and listen in both directions before crossing, under the procedure required by state law.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.4.3: Recommended Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  8. Before a school bus route, what should the driver check about railroad crossings?

    • AWhether an empty bus is automatically exempt everywhere
    • BWhether quiet warning lights waive every duty
    • CWhether federal passenger-bus wording overrides all state rules
    • DThe applicable state, local, and school-system crossing requirementsCorrect

    States set specific railroad-crossing procedures for school buses. Know the applicable state, local, and school-system requirements for the route instead of treating a national general rule as the complete procedure.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.4.3: Recommended Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  9. Under the FMCSA model CDL manual, where may a driver put a student off a school bus?

    • AOnly at school or the student's designated school-bus stopCorrect
    • BAt any earlier stop on the same route
    • CAt the nearest safe parking lot
    • DAt a public place where the driver can see the student

    The FMCSA model manual says never to put a student off the bus except at school or at the student's designated school-bus stop. State and local procedures can add requirements.

    FMCSA Model Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.5.2: Handling Serious Problems · verified 2026-09-07

  10. What can strong crosswinds do to a school bus?

    • AIts tall flat sides are pushed sidewaysCorrect
    • BIt grips better because of the added weight
    • CIt stops noticeably faster than when empty
    • DIts steering becomes lighter and quicker

    The side of a school bus acts like a sail. Strong winds can push the bus sideways, off the road, or even tip it over. Slow down to reduce the wind's effect, or pull off and wait.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.7.2: Driving in High Winds · verified 2026-09-07

  11. Under the FMCSA school-bus procedure, when should the driver activate the red lights and extend the stop arm?

    • AAs soon as the amber lights start
    • BAfter the bus makes a full stop and before the door opensCorrect
    • COnly after all students have boarded
    • DOnly when the bus is on a highway

    After a full stop, the manual says to activate the alternating red lights when traffic is a safe distance away and extend the stop arm. Check that traffic has stopped before completely opening the door; state and local procedures may differ.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.1: Approaching the Stop · verified 2026-09-08

  12. After leaving a school bus, how should students begin crossing the road?

    • ALet them cross whenever traffic clears
    • BSend them behind the rear bumper
    • CWait for the driver's signal and cross in viewCorrect
    • DAsk them to wait for the next bus

    Students should stop at the road edge, check that it is safe and the red lights are still flashing, and wait for the driver's signal. They then cross far enough in front of the bus to remain in the driver's view.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.3: Unloading Procedures on the Route · verified 2026-09-07

  13. When should a school bus driver back the bus?

    • AWhenever a route stop is missed
    • BOnly when there is no other safe way to move itCorrect
    • CWhenever a lookout is unavailable
    • DWhile students are outside and watching

    Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged because it raises collision risk. Back only when there is no other safe way to move the bus, and never back while students are outside it.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.7.3: Backing · verified 2026-09-07

  14. Which students must have the school bus emergency evacuation procedures explained to them?

    • AAll studentsCorrect
    • BOnly the assigned student assistants
    • COnly students seated near an emergency exit
    • DOnly students on activity trips

    Explain emergency evacuation procedures to all students because responsible older assistants may not be aboard during an emergency. The explanation includes how to use emergency exits and why students must follow the driver's instructions.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.3.2 — Evacuation Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  15. Under the FMCSA school-bus procedure, what should the driver do if a student cannot be accounted for outside the bus?

    • AAsk other students to search outside
    • BContinue and report it later
    • CSecure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath itCorrect
    • DReverse slowly to look behind

    If a student cannot be accounted for outside the bus, secure the bus, take the key, and check around and underneath it before moving. State and local school-bus procedures may add requirements.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.2–10.2.3: Loading and Unloading Procedures · verified 2026-09-08

  16. What should a driver do with noise during a school bus railroad-crossing stop?

    • ATurn off noisy equipment and silence passengersCorrect
    • BLet them move to look out
    • CAllow talking to reduce anxiety
    • DOpen the rear door for air

    The driver must look and listen for trains. Turn off radios and other noisy equipment and silence passengers before checking the tracks.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.4.3: Recommended Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  17. Why is a student walking close beside a school bus in danger?

    • AThey may scratch the paintwork
    • BThey may be in a danger zone the driver cannot reliably see in the mirrorsCorrect
    • CThey will delay the route schedule
    • DThey could trigger the stop arm

    A student close beside the bus can enter a danger zone that the driver cannot reliably see in the mirrors. Drivers must use all mirrors and follow applicable state and local school-bus procedures.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.1.1: Danger Zones · verified 2026-09-08

  18. Under the FMCSA school-bus procedure, what should a driver do if a student behavior problem needs intervention?

    • AIgnore it until the next stop
    • BReach back while continuing to drive
    • CSpeed up to finish the route sooner
    • DPull over safely, secure the bus, and address it before continuingCorrect

    Do not handle an on-bus behavior problem while driving. Pull over in a safe location, secure the bus, and address the problem according to school procedures before continuing; state and local rules may add requirements.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.5.1–10.5.2: Student Management · verified 2026-09-08

  19. Why must a school bus driver check the interior mirror regularly?

    • ATo watch student behavior while drivingCorrect
    • BTo confirm the destination sign
    • CTo check the rear tire pressure
    • DTo read the fuel gauge

    The overhead inside mirror is used to monitor passenger activity. Position it so the driver can see all students, including the heads of students seated directly behind the driver.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.1.6 — Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror · verified 2026-09-07

  20. Which exit choices should a driver consider when selecting the best type of school bus evacuation?

    • AOnly the front service door
    • BOnly the rear emergency door
    • CFront, rear, or side doors in a safe combination, or a roof or window exitCorrect
    • DWhichever exit each student chooses

    Select the exits that lead away from the hazard. The manual lists front, rear, or side door evacuation, a combination of doors, and roof or window evacuation.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.3.2 — Evacuation Procedures · verified 2026-09-07