Examination Practice Questions And

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

• What is the primary purpose of a school bus crossing arm?
• To increase the bus turning radius
• To prevent the bus from hitting objects while backing up
• To keep children away from the front of the bus
• To signal other drivers to stop

Rationale: The crossing arm extends from the front bumper to ensure

children walk at a safe distance in front of the bus, making them visible to the driver.

2. When loading or unloading children, you should:

• Allow children to run across the street quickly 1 / 4

• Ensure children are at least 10 feet in front of the bus before

crossing

• Let children cross from the back of the bus
• Honk the horn repeatedly while they cross

Rationale: Keeping children at least 10 feet in front of the bus

ensures they are visible to the driver and provides a safe stopping distance.

3. Before starting a school bus, the driver should:

• Start driving immediately
• Perform a pre-trip inspection
• Check the radio only
• Adjust mirrors after leaving the parking lot

Rationale: A pre-trip inspection identifies mechanical issues and

ensures the bus is safe to operate.

4. When driving a school bus in snowy or icy conditions, you should:

• Drive at normal speed if roads look clear
• Use only the parking brake
• Reduce speed and increase following distance
• Follow other vehicles closely to maintain traction

Rationale: Reduced speed and increased following distance help

prevent skidding and accidents in slippery conditions.

5. If a child gets off the bus and drops a book in the roadway, you should:

• Wait for the child to get it 2 / 4

• Honk to warn the child
• Tell the child to get it from the curb, never enter the roadway
• Drive over the book

Rationale: Drivers must never allow children to retrieve items from

the roadway; it is safer to instruct them to stay on the curb.

• When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights, a school bus

driver must:

• Speed up to cross before the train
• Stop at least 15 feet from the tracks
• Drive around the crossing
• Roll slowly across without stopping

Rationale: School buses must always stop at railroad crossings with

flashing lights to prevent collisions.

• Which of these is required for all school bus drivers in Illinois?
• Only a regular CDL
• Only a passenger endorsement
• A CDL with a school bus endorsement
• No special endorsements

Rationale: Illinois law requires a CDL with a school bus endorsement

to operate a school bus safely.

8. When passing a stopped school bus on a two-lane road, drivers must:

• Pass slowly without stopping
• Only stop if children are present 3 / 4

• Stop regardless of the direction you are coming from
• Honk to signal children to move

Rationale: Vehicles in both directions must stop for a school bus with

flashing red lights on a two-lane roadway.

• How often should a school bus driver check mirrors while driving?
• Only at stops
• Regularly, at least every 5–8 seconds
• Only when turning
• Only when changing lanes

Rationale: Frequent mirror checks allow the driver to monitor traffic

and ensure student safety around the bus.

10. The best way to prevent aggressive driving behaviors is to:

• Speed up to merge with traffic
• Ignore traffic laws
• Drive defensively and remain calm
• Honk at aggressive drivers

Rationale: Defensive driving reduces the risk of collisions and sets a

safe example for students.

• When should a school bus driver use hazard warning lights?
• Only when parked in a school lot
• When stopping to pick up or drop off students
• Only during mechanical failure
• Only at night
• / 4