CCDL Permit Prep

School Bus · page 2 of 3

School Bus questions 21–40

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. What does a convex school-bus mirror do compared with a flat mirror?

    • AIt shows a wider area but makes objects seem smaller and farther awayCorrect
    • BIt shows only the rear tires
    • CIt works only at night
    • DIt shows a narrower area without changing apparent distance

    FMCSA Section 10.1.4 says convex mirrors provide a wide-angle view, but people and objects do not appear at their accurate size or distance.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Sections 10.1.3-10.1.4: Outside Flat and Convex Mirrors · verified 2026-09-08

  2. What should a driver do if the bus catches fire?

    • AOpen the fuel cap to vent
    • BKeep students seated inside
    • CDrive on to the nearest station
    • DEvacuate students well away from itCorrect

    A fire or threat of fire requires evacuation. Choose exits away from the fire, lead students upwind, and use a safe place at least 100 feet off the road in the direction of oncoming traffic.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.3.1–10.3.2 — Emergency Exit and Evacuation · verified 2026-09-07

  3. Who must approve a change to an official school bus stop?

    • AAny student who uses the stop
    • BThe appropriate school district official, in writingCorrect
    • CThe first parent waiting at the stop
    • DAny driver on the same route

    School districts establish official routes and stops. A driver should never change a bus stop location without written approval from the appropriate school district official.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.1: Approaching the Stop · verified 2026-09-07

  4. What should a driver do before moving after students unload?

    • ACheck all mirrors, account for all students, and ensure none are returningCorrect
    • BMove once the first student is clear
    • CSound the horn and watch only the interior mirror
    • DLeave as soon as the door closes

    FMCSA Section 10.2.3 requires counting students, checking all mirrors again, and making sure no students are around or returning before moving.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.3: Unloading Procedures on the Route · verified 2026-09-08

  5. Why must the driver secure the bus before leaving the seat?

    • AIt saves wear on the ignition
    • BAn unsecured bus can roll with students aboardCorrect
    • CIt keeps the interior lights on
    • DIt resets the route timer

    When unloading at school, turn off the ignition and remove the key before leaving the driver's compartment. These steps help prevent unintended movement or unauthorized operation while the driver is away from the controls.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.4: Unloading Procedures at School · verified 2026-09-07

  6. What should a driver do if the bus stalls on railroad tracks?

    • AKeep students seated until help comes
    • BRestart it and wait for a tow
    • CEvacuate everyone away from the tracksCorrect
    • DPush the bus with another vehicle

    Get everyone out and off the tracks immediately. Move them far from the bus at an angle away from the tracks and toward any oncoming train.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.4.4: Bus Stalls or Trapped on Tracks · verified 2026-09-07

  7. What should outside left and right side flat mirrors be adjusted to show?

    • A100 feet or two bus lengths behind, and the front tires touching the ground
    • BThe area directly in front of the bus, from the bumper to the front wheels
    • C200 feet or four bus lengths behind, along the sides, and the rear tires touching the groundCorrect
    • DThe passenger aisle and the rear emergency door as seen from the driver's seat

    FMCSA Section 10.1.3 says outside flat mirrors should show 200 feet or four bus lengths behind, along the sides, and the rear tires touching the ground.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.1.3: Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors · verified 2026-09-29

  8. What should a driver do about a student who misses their stop?

    • AFollow district procedure and stay calmCorrect
    • BLet them off at the next corner
    • CTake them home personally
    • DAsk another student to walk with them

    FMCSA Section 10.2.3 says that if a driver misses a student's unloading stop, the driver must not back up and must follow local procedures.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.3: Unloading Procedures on the Route · verified 2026-09-08

  9. If equipped with a handicap lift, what should a school-bus inspection include?

    • ALook for leaks, damage, or missing parts; explain the operation check; and verify the lift is retracted and latchedCorrect
    • BLower the lift to the ground and leave it unlatched so it is ready at the first stop
    • CCycle the lift once to see that it moves, and skip the leak and damage check
    • DCheck the weight-rating decal and leave the lift's operation check to the shop mechanic at the next scheduled service visit

    FMCSA Section 11.3 says to look for leaking, damaged, or missing lift parts, explain how to check correct operation, and verify the lift is fully retracted and latched securely.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 11.3: School Bus Only (Passenger Entry/Lift) · verified 2026-09-29

  10. When should a driver explain passenger comfort and safety rules for a trip?

    • AAssume they know the procedures
    • BExplain the rules at the start of the tripCorrect
    • CSkip the evacuation briefing
    • DLet chaperones manage everything

    FMCSA Section 4.3.1 says to mention passenger comfort and safety rules at the start of the trip; explaining them at the start helps avoid trouble later.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 4.3.1: Passenger Supervision · verified 2026-09-08

  11. Before pulling away after students board, what should the driver verify?

    • AOnly that the service door is closed
    • BOnly that traffic has begun moving
    • CThat mirrors are checked, no one is running to catch the bus, and all students are accounted forCorrect
    • DThat late students can board at the next intersection

    After loading, check all mirrors, make certain no one is running to catch the bus, and account for every student before preparing to enter traffic.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.2.2 — Loading Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  12. What should responsible older student assistants assigned to emergency exits be taught?

    • AHow to assist other students off the busCorrect
    • BHow to restart the bus after a fire
    • CHow to direct traffic around the bus
    • DHow to decide whether the driver should evacuate

    When possible, assign two responsible older students to each emergency exit and teach them how to help other students off the bus. The driver remains responsible for the evacuation decision and instructions.

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

  13. How should students be seated on a school bus?

    • AKneeling to see out the window
    • BSideways to talk to friends
    • CFacing forward, fully in the seatCorrect
    • DStanding near the rear door

    During loading, wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus. This keeps students stable while the bus enters traffic.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · 10.2.2 — Loading Procedures · verified 2026-09-07

  14. What should a school-bus driver do with a stop-signal-arm problem found in a post-trip inspection?

    • ALoad only from the left side
    • BContinue as if nothing changed
    • CAsk students to signal traffic
    • DReport the problem immediately to the supervisor or school authoritiesCorrect

    FMCSA Section 10.2.6 says to give special attention to stop signal arms during the post-trip inspection and report any problems or special situations immediately to a supervisor or school authorities.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.6: Post-trip Inspection · verified 2026-09-08

  15. What should a driver check about the entrance steps in winter?

    • APainted a bright color
    • BClear of ice and snow build-upCorrect
    • CRemoved during cold months
    • DWarmed by the engine

    FMCSA Section 2.13.1 says to remove all ice and snow from hand holds, steps, and deck plates before driving to reduce the danger of slipping.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2.13.1: Vehicle Checks in Winter · verified 2026-09-08

  16. What should a driver do if visibility through the windshield is not adequate?

    • AStop safely and fix the problem before continuingCorrect
    • BKeep driving and rely on the mirrors
    • COpen the door while moving to vent the bus
    • DWipe the windshield by hand while driving

    FMCSA Section 2.13.1 says that if you cannot see well enough while driving, you should stop safely and fix the problem.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 2.13.1: Vehicle Checks in Winter · verified 2026-09-08

  17. During a school-bus emergency, how should the driver secure the bus before evacuation?

    • APlace it in Park or Neutral, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, remove the key, and activate hazard lightsCorrect
    • BLeave the engine running and send students to find help
    • CPush the bus to a safe spot before setting the parking brake
    • DKeep the bus in gear and leave the key in the ignition

    FMCSA Section 10.3.2 lists the secure-bus steps for an emergency: Park or Neutral, parking brake, engine off, key removed, and hazard-warning lights activated.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.3.2: Emergency Evacuation Procedures · verified 2026-09-08

  18. When unloading at school, what should a driver do before leaving the driver's compartment?

    • ATurn off the ignition and remove the keyCorrect
    • BLeave the engine running and open the door
    • CShift to neutral without setting the brake
    • DGive the key to the first student in line

    The school unloading procedure says to turn off the ignition and remove the key before leaving the driver's compartment. The driver should then supervise unloading and walk through the bus to check for students or belongings.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.2.4: Unloading Procedures at School · verified 2026-09-07

  19. What should the driver confirm before crossing railroad tracks?

    • AThe heater is switched off
    • BThe radio volume is low
    • CThere is room on the far sideCorrect
    • DThe rear door is locked

    Before entering the crossing, be certain the bus has enough containment or storage area to completely clear the tracks. If it will not fit, do not commit.

    FMCSA Commercial Driver License Manual · Section 10.4.4: Containment or Storage Areas · verified 2026-09-07

  20. Before moving a school bus after loading, what should the driver do?

    • AWait until students are seated and facing forwardCorrect
    • BMove as soon as the last student steps aboard
    • CAsk students to stand until the next stop
    • DLeave the door open while entering traffic

    FMCSA Section 10.2.2 says to wait until students are seated and facing forward before moving the bus.

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