CDL School Bus Endorsement S Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The air pressure governor cut-out is typically within what psi range?

50-90 psi.
120-140 psi. (Correct answer)
180-200 psi.
100-120 psi.

Correct answer: 120-140 psi.

In an air brake system, the air compressor governor is responsible for maintaining air pressure within a safe operating range. The governor typically cuts out, stopping the compressor, when the air pressure reaches between 120-140 psi. This ensures the system has sufficient pressure for braking while preventing over-pressurization, which could damage components.

Question 2: As you check that the steering box is mounted securely and not leaking, you should look for any missing ________.

Nuts.
Cotter keys.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Bolts.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

When inspecting the steering box, it's vital to ensure it is securely mounted and not leaking, as this is critical for vehicle control. Drivers must specifically look for any missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys, as these fasteners are essential for maintaining the integrity and secure attachment of the steering components. Missing any of these could lead to steering failure, posing a severe safety risk.

Question 3: The caps of your vehicle's fuel tank need to be ________.

Secured tightly. (Correct answer)
New and secured loosely.
Old.
Secured loosely.
New.

Correct answer: Secured tightly.

Fuel tank caps must be secured tightly to prevent fuel spills, evaporation, and contamination. A loose cap can create a dangerous fire hazard, allow fuel to slosh out during maneuvers, and compromise the integrity of the fuel system. Ensuring a tight seal is crucial for both safety and environmental protection.

Question 4: It's important for a school bus driver to ensure the emergency exits are _________.

Operate smoothly.
Undamaged.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Able to close securely from the inside.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

For passenger safety, it is essential that all emergency exits on a school bus are fully functional. This means they must operate smoothly for quick evacuation, be undamaged to ensure reliability, and close securely to prevent accidental opening during transit. All these aspects are critical for a safe and effective emergency egress system, making 'All of the listed answers' the correct choice.

Question 5: Do not change gears while crossing the tracks, if ________.

Your bus has an automatic transmission.
If you have only been driving a bus for a short time.
If you're in a good mood.
Your bus has a manual transmission. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Your bus has a manual transmission.

Changing gears on a manual transmission while crossing railroad tracks is extremely dangerous because it can cause the bus to stall directly on the tracks. If the bus stalls, it could be hit by an oncoming train, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, drivers of manual transmission buses must select a gear that allows them to cross without shifting, ensuring continuous momentum.

Question 6: You need to make sure the electrical lines of your tractor/coupling are not ______.

Tangled.
Pinched.
Dragging against tractor parts.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

The electrical lines connecting a tractor and coupling are vital for functions like lights and brakes. If these lines are tangled, pinched, or dragging against tractor parts, they can become damaged, leading to electrical failures, short circuits, or a complete loss of essential safety features. Ensuring they are clear and properly routed prevents these hazards and maintains safe vehicle operation.

Question 7: If you work for an interstate carrier, you need to complete a written inspection report ________.

Only once a month, preferably near the end of the month.
For each bus driven. (Correct answer)
None of the listed answers.
Whenever you feel like it.

Correct answer: For each bus driven.

Federal regulations require interstate carriers to complete a written inspection report for each bus driven. This practice ensures that any defects or safety concerns are documented and addressed promptly, maintaining the vehicle's roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards. This systematic approach is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring passenger safety across state lines.

Question 8: Which of the following is a reason why it is so important for the bus driver to inspect the bus' interior at the end of his shift?

It's not important.
To collect and catalogue all items left behind on his bus.
To find loose change that will help him pay for gas.
To make sure he can report necessary repairs to a mechanic before he drives the bus again. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To make sure he can report necessary repairs to a mechanic before he drives the bus again.

Inspecting the bus's interior at the end of a shift is primarily important for identifying any necessary repairs or maintenance issues. Reporting these promptly to a mechanic ensures they can be addressed before the bus is driven again, preventing potential breakdowns or safety hazards. While finding lost items is a secondary benefit, the main goal is to maintain the bus in safe operating condition.

Question 9: While driving your bus, you should scan ________ for trouble or hazardous conditions.

The back of your bus.
The bus' interior.
The road ahead.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

A bus driver must constantly scan all areas around the bus for potential trouble or hazardous conditions to ensure comprehensive safety. This includes monitoring the road ahead for traffic and obstacles, checking the bus's interior for passenger behavior or issues, and using mirrors to observe the back of the bus for following traffic and blind spots. Comprehensive scanning allows the driver to anticipate and react effectively to any dangerous situation.

Question 10: Bus drivers can carry small amounts of certain hazardous materials. However, the total amount of hazardous materials should not exceed what amount?

500 lbs. (Correct answer)
50 lbs.
100 lbs.
25 lbs.
250 lbs.

Correct answer: 500 lbs.

Federal regulations impose a strict limit of 500 lbs. on the total amount of certain hazardous materials that a bus can carry. This restriction is a critical safety measure designed to minimize the risk associated with transporting dangerous goods in a passenger vehicle. Exceeding this limit significantly increases the potential for severe consequences in the event of an accident or spill, endangering passengers and the public.

Question 11: Bus drivers should not carry more than _____ lbs. total of allowed hazardous materials.

500 lbs. (Correct answer)
25 lbs.
100 lbs.
250 lbs.
50 lbs.

Correct answer: 500 lbs.

Bus drivers are prohibited from carrying more than 500 lbs. total of allowed hazardous materials. This specific weight limit is a federal safety regulation aimed at reducing the overall risk when transporting passengers alongside potentially dangerous substances. Adhering to this restriction is crucial for preventing catastrophic outcomes in emergencies and ensuring the safety of everyone on board and on the road.

Question 12: Bus drivers cannot carry more than _______ lbs. of solid Class 6 poisons.

25
75
50
100 (Correct answer)
15

Correct answer: 100

Bus drivers are specifically restricted to carrying no more than 100 lbs. of solid Class 6 poisons. This is a stringent safety regulation due to the highly toxic nature of these materials. Limiting the quantity minimizes the potential for harm to passengers and the public in the event of a leak, spill, or accident, underscoring the extreme danger associated with these substances.

Question 13: The recommended safe distance to stop before a drawbridge is _______.

200 ft.
100 ft.
50 ft. (Correct answer)
150 ft.

Correct answer: 50 ft.

When approaching a drawbridge, it is recommended to stop at least 50 feet before the bridge. This distance provides a safe buffer in case the bridge opens unexpectedly or there are other hazards. It allows the driver sufficient space to react, stop safely, and avoid driving onto a potentially opening or unsafe bridge, ensuring the safety of the bus and its passengers.

Question 14: While driving a bus, how many feet before a railroad crossing should you stop?

150 to 175 ft.
15 to 50 ft. (Correct answer)
75 to 100 ft.
125 to 150 ft.

Correct answer: 15 to 50 ft.

Federal regulations require bus drivers to stop between 15 and 50 feet before a railroad crossing. This range ensures the driver has a clear view of the tracks in both directions without being too close, which could be dangerous if a train approaches. It provides a safe stopping distance and allows for proper observation before proceeding, minimizing the risk of a collision.

Question 15: As a bus driver, you need to remember ______.

All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
The clearance your bus needs.
The size of the gap your bus needs to accelerate and merge with traffic.
Watch for poles and tree limbs at stops.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

As a bus driver, it is crucial to remember all these factors for safe operation. Knowing the bus's clearance prevents collisions with overhead obstacles, understanding the necessary gap for merging ensures safe entry into traffic, and watching for poles and tree limbs at stops prevents damage and ensures passenger safety during loading/unloading. All these considerations contribute to overall road safety and responsible driving.

Question 16: During an emergency evacuation of the school bus, a safe place will be at least ______ ft. off the road.

75 ft.
50 ft.
25 ft.
100 ft. (Correct answer)
60 ft.

Correct answer: 100 ft.

During an emergency evacuation of a school bus, students should be led at least 100 feet off the road. This distance ensures they are clear of traffic, potential hazards from the bus itself (such as fire or fumes), and provides a safe assembly point. Being 100 feet away offers a significant safety margin, protecting students from immediate dangers and allowing emergency responders clear access.

Question 17: At a passive railroad-highway crossing, you need to ____.

Recognize the crossing.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Search for any train using the tracks.
Decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

At a passive railroad-highway crossing, which lacks active warning devices like gates or flashing lights, the driver must take full responsibility for safety. This involves recognizing the crossing, actively searching for any trains using the tracks, and deciding if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely without stopping on the tracks. All these steps are critical to prevent collisions at unguarded crossings.

Question 18: Students should board the bus only __________.

When the bus driver signals they should. (Correct answer)
Before school is out.
Whenever they feel like it.
As the bus is slowing down.

Correct answer: When the bus driver signals they should.

Students should only board the bus when the bus driver signals they should. This procedure ensures the driver has full control over the boarding process, can monitor students, and confirm it is safe to approach the bus. It prevents students from rushing or attempting to board before the bus is fully stopped and secured, minimizing the risk of accidents and maintaining order.

Question 19: On the school route, you may encounter what kinds of emergencies?

An electrical fire in the engine compartment of a school bus.
A crash.
A stalled school bus on a railroad-highway crossing.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
A student's medical emergency.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

School bus drivers must be prepared for a wide range of emergencies on their route to ensure student safety. This includes mechanical failures like an electrical fire, traffic incidents such as a crash, critical situations like a stalled bus on railroad tracks, and medical emergencies involving students. Being aware of all these potential scenarios allows drivers to react appropriately and protect their passengers effectively.

Question 20: Passive crossings typically have?

Blue triangular warning signs.
Flashing red lights.
Yellow circular advance warning signs. (Correct answer)
Green directional signs.

Correct answer: Yellow circular advance warning signs.

Passive railroad-highway crossings are typically identified by yellow circular advance warning signs. These signs alert drivers to the presence of a railroad crossing ahead, even though there may not be active warning devices like flashing lights or gates. The yellow circular sign serves as a crucial visual cue for drivers to exercise caution, slow down, and prepare to stop and look for trains.

Question 21: Where should you lead students if the bus is on fire?

To the left of the bus.
Downwind of the bus.
Upwind of the bus. (Correct answer)
To the right of the bus.

Correct answer: Upwind of the bus.

If a bus is on fire, students should be led upwind of the bus. This means moving them to a location where the wind will carry smoke and flames away from them. Staying upwind helps protect students from inhaling toxic fumes and being exposed to the heat of the fire, ensuring their safety during an evacuation and preventing further harm.

Question 22: Which of the following is a set that you should perform when you are backing up bus without a look out?

Walk to the rear of the bus to determine whether the way is clear.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
Set the parking brake.
Turn off the motor, taking the keys with you.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

When backing a bus without a lookout, it is essential to take extreme precautions to ensure safety. This includes walking to the rear of the bus to determine if the way is clear, setting the parking brake for stability, and turning off the motor while taking the keys to prevent accidental movement. These steps collectively minimize the risk of a backing accident when a spotter is unavailable.

Question 23: How should the outside left and right side flat mirrors be adjusted?

So you can see the rear tires touching the ground.
So you can see 200 ft. or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
All of the listed answers. (Correct answer)
So you can see along the sides of the bus.

Correct answer: All of the listed answers.

Proper adjustment of all outside mirrors is vital for a bus driver's visibility and safety. This includes adjusting them to see along the sides of the bus, to see the rear tires touching the ground for judging clearance, and to see 200 ft. or 4 bus lengths behind the bus to monitor following vehicles and blind spots. Comprehensive mirror adjustment provides the driver with maximum situational awareness, covering all critical areas around the vehicle.

Question 24: What is an active railroad-highway crossing?

None of the listed answers.
A railroad-highway crossing that has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic. (Correct answer)
A railroad-highway crossing does not have any type of traffic control device.
A railroad-highway crossing that has police officers to monitor traffic instead of mechanical devices.

Correct answer: A railroad-highway crossing that has a traffic control device installed at the crossing to regulate traffic.

An active railroad-highway crossing is defined by the presence of a traffic control device, such as flashing lights, gates, or bells, that regulates traffic. These devices provide clear, active warnings to drivers when a train is approaching, making them distinct from passive crossings which rely solely on signs. Active controls significantly enhance safety by directly indicating when it is unsafe to cross.

Question 25: You should activate the bus' alternating flashing amber warning lights in accordance with state law or at least _____ before the school bus stop?

200 ft. (Correct answer)
100 ft.
50 ft.
25 ft.

Correct answer: 200 ft.

Bus drivers should activate the bus's alternating flashing amber warning lights at least 200 feet before a school bus stop, or in accordance with state law. This provides ample warning to other motorists that the bus is preparing to stop and load/unload students. Giving sufficient notice helps prevent rear-end collisions and ensures the safety of students approaching or leaving the bus, allowing other drivers time to react.

CDL School Bus Endorsement S Practice Test 1

The air pressure governor cut-out is typically within what psi range?