Exam Questions And Correct Answers

CDL School Bus (S) Endorsement Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

1. When loading or unloading students, the driver should always:

• Use the bus horn to signal students
• Ensure the bus is completely stopped, activate hazard lights, and

use the stop arm

• Keep the bus running at idle in case of emergencies
• Only watch the students from the mirrors

Rationale: Ensuring the bus is stopped, using hazard lights, and the

stop arm protects students from traffic while entering or exiting the bus.

• When approaching a railroad crossing with a school bus, the driver

must:

• Drive at normal speed if no train is visible 1 / 4

• Stop, open the door, look and listen for trains before crossing
• Speed up to cross quickly
• Only stop if signals are active

Rationale: Federal law requires all school buses to stop at railroad

crossings and check for trains.

3. The proper following distance for a school bus is:

• One second per 10 feet of vehicle length
• At least one second per 10 feet of bus length, plus one second in

bad weather

• Two seconds regardless of vehicle size
• Tailgating is acceptable if driving slowly

Rationale: Longer vehicles need more stopping distance; adding

extra time in bad weather improves safety.

• When a school bus is stopped to load or unload children, other drivers

must:

• Pass slowly
• Stop in both directions unless separated by a median
• Honk to warn the bus
• Speed up to pass quickly

Rationale: Most states require drivers to stop in both directions to

protect children crossing the road.

• Which of the following is true about the use of mirrors on a school

bus? 2 / 4

• Mirrors should only be checked when driving straight
• Mirrors are optional on school buses
• Drivers should check mirrors frequently to monitor students and

traffic

• Mirrors should be adjusted once a month

Rationale: Frequent mirror checks help prevent accidents and

monitor student safety.

6. The most effective way to prevent student injuries during a crash is:

• Drive slowly at all times
• Have students seated properly with seat belts if available
• Honk the horn frequently
• Allow students to stand near the front

Rationale: Proper seating and seat belts minimize injury risk during

collisions.

7. When driving in bad weather, the school bus driver should:

• Drive faster to reduce time on the road
• Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use caution
• Only use hazard lights
• Keep normal speed if traffic is light

Rationale: Reduced speed and increased following distance are

crucial for safe driving in adverse weather.

• Which is a pre-trip inspection item specific to school buses?
• Checking tire tread 3 / 4

• Checking oil levels
• Checking the stop arm and crossing gate operation
• Testing the horn

Rationale: Stop arms and crossing gates are unique safety features

on school buses.

• How far should a driver stop from a railroad crossing?
• 5–10 feet
• 10–20 feet
• 15–50 feet
• 50–75 feet

Rationale: Federal regulations require stopping 15–50 feet from

railroad tracks.

• When students are entering or leaving the bus, the driver

should:

• Leave the engine running and watch in the mirrors
• Stop completely, use the stop arm, and ensure traffic has stopped
• Flash the headlights only
• Only watch students through the side window

Rationale: Complete stop and use of stop arm ensures maximum

student safety.

11. When a bus is approaching a curve, the driver should:

• Speed up to maintain momentum
• Slow down before entering the curve and maintain control
• / 4