CDL School Bus Test Guide

What every manual says

Danger zones and mirrors, loading and unloading students, emergency evacuation and driving a school bus in wind or reverse.

1. Danger Zones and Use of Mirrors

   The danger zone is the area around the bus where children are most in danger of being hit by another vehicle or their own bus: up to 30 feet from the front bumper (the first 10 feet the most dangerous), 10 feet from each side and 10 feet behind the rear bumper.

   TX · p. 10-1

2. Outside Left and Right Side Flat Mirrors

   The outside flat mirrors at the front corners monitor traffic and check clearances and students at the sides and rear.

   CA · p. 10-2

3. Outside Left and Right Side Crossover Mirrors

   Crossover mirrors on the front corners show the front bumper danger zone not visible directly, and the left and right sides including the service door and front wheels.

   CA · p. 10-3

4. Overhead Inside Rearview Mirror

   The overhead inside rearview mirror, above the windshield on the driver’s side, monitors passengers.

   CA · p. 10-3

5. Loading and Unloading

   More students are killed each year getting on or off a school bus than riding inside one, so knowing what to do before, during and after loading and unloading is critical; learn and obey your state’s loading and unloading laws.

   CA · p. 10-3

6. Approaching the Stop

   Each school district sets official routes and stops, which should be approved before use; never change a bus stop’s location without written approval from the right school district official.

   CA · p. 10-3

7. Loading Procedures

   Loading: students wait at a set spot facing the bus and board only when you signal.

   CA · p. 10-4

8. Emergency Exit and Evacuation

   In an emergency, first recognize the hazard and, if time permits, contact your dispatcher before deciding to evacuate.

   CA · p. 10-7

9. Emergency Exit and Evacuation

   You must evacuate the bus when it is on fire or there is a threat of fire, it is stalled on or next to a railroad crossing, its position may change and increase the danger, a collision is imminent, or a hazardous materials spill requires quick evacuation.

   CA · p. 10-7

10. Evacuation Procedures

    Plan ahead: assign two responsible older students to each emergency exit and another to lead students to a safe place, but explain the procedures to all students.

    CA · p. 10-7

11. Evacuation Procedures

    If the bus is in the path of a sighted tornado and evacuation is ordered, take students to a nearby ditch or culvert if no building shelter is close, have them lie face down with hands covering their heads, far enough away that the bus can’t topple on them, and avoid flash-flood areas.

    CA · p. 10-7

12. Evacuation Procedures

    Evacuation steps: decide if evacuation is safest and which type (front, rear or side doors, roof or window).

    CA · p. 10-8

13. Handling Serious Problems

    For serious problems: follow your school’s discipline procedures.

    CA · p. 10-11

14. Strobe Lights

    Some school buses have roof-mounted white strobe lights; use the overhead strobe when visibility is limited (you can’t easily see around the bus), following state or local rules.

    CA · p. 10-12

15. Driving in High Winds

    Strong winds can push a school bus sideways, off the road or even tip it over, since its side acts like a sail; keep a strong grip, anticipate gusts, slow down or pull off and wait, and contact your dispatcher.

    CA · p. 10-12

16. Backing

    Backing a school bus is strongly discouraged: back only when there is no other safe way, and never when students are outside.

    CA · p. 10-13

How the School Bus test differs by state

47 of 50 states give it with 20 questions and 16 to pass. These states differ:

• Illinois20 questions, 18 to pass
• Pennsylvania25 questions, 20 to pass
• Wisconsin25 questions, 20 to pass

Every state's manual: School Bus

Each links its school bus practice test. Federal CDL rules: endorsement S and the others.

• AlabamaSection 10 · p. 127–138
• AlaskaSection 10 · p. 129–139
• ArizonaSection 10 · p. 131–141
• ArkansasSection 10 · p. 126–136
• CaliforniaSection 10 · p. 169–181
• ColoradoSection 10 · p. 108–118
• ConnecticutSection 10 · p. 125–135
• DelawareSection 10 · p. 131–141
• FloridaSection 10 · p. 131–142
• GeorgiaSection 10 · p. 231–251
• HawaiiSection 10 · p. 132–142
• IdahoSection 10 · p. 125–135
• IllinoisSection 10 · p. 124–137
• IndianaSection 10 · p. 125–135
• IowaSection 10 · p. 131–142
• KansasSection 10 · p. 126–136
• KentuckySection 10 · p. 136–146
• LouisianaSection 10 · p. 147–158
• MaineSection 10 · p. 129–139
• MarylandSection 10 · p. 254–275
• MassachusettsSection 10 · p. 152–162
• MichiganSection 10 · p. 135–145
• MinnesotaSection 10 · p. 23–183
• MississippiSection 10 · p. 126–136
• MissouriSection 10 · p. 121–132
• MontanaSection 10 · p. 134–144
• NebraskaSection 10 · p. 136–146
• NevadaSection 10 · p. 132–142
• New HampshireSection 10 · p. 124–134
• New JerseySection 10 · p. 127–137
• New MexicoSection 10 · p. 129–139
• New YorkSection 10 · p. 155–168
• North CarolinaSection 10 · p. 129–139
• North DakotaSection 10 · p. 121–130
• OhioSection 10 · p. 117–128
• OklahomaSection 10 · p. 126–136
• OregonSection 10 · p. 125–135
• PennsylvaniaSections 1–9 · p. 7–192
• Rhode IslandSection 10 · p. 122–132
• South CarolinaSection 10 · p. 139–150
• South DakotaSection 10 · p. 149–159
• TennesseeSection 10 · p. 129–140
• TexasSection 10 · p. 135–146
• UtahSection 10 · p. 131–141
• VermontSection 10 · p. 137–148
• VirginiaSections 3–10 · p. 1–136
• WashingtonSection 10 · p. 130–140
• West VirginiaSection 10 · p. 162–172
• WisconsinSection 10 · p. 180–200
• WyomingSection 10 · p. 122–131