New York Passenger and School Bus Practice Questions

Passenger and School Bus questions

1. 1. What must a bus driver check before transporting passengers?

   1. A. That exits and handrails are secure
   2. B. That the radio and the heater work
   3. C. That every seat has a headrest

   Answer: A — That exits and handrails are secure

   Passenger safety equipment must be verified before every trip.

2. 2. May hazardous materials be carried in the passenger compartment of a bus?

   1. A. Yes, provided they are securely packaged
   2. B. Yes, when the trip is under 50 miles
   3. C. No, most hazardous materials are prohibited

   Answer: C — No, most hazardous materials are prohibited

   Buses are prohibited from carrying most hazardous materials with passengers aboard.

3. 3. Where must a bus stop at a railway crossing?

   1. A. At least 100 feet back from the rail
   2. B. Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail
   3. C. Between 5 and 15 feet from the nearest rail

   Answer: B — Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail

   Buses must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail before crossing.

4. 4. What is the danger zone around a school bus?

   1. A. The area where the driver cannot see
   2. B. The interior aisle
   3. C. The area 100 feet behind the bus

   Answer: A — The area where the driver cannot see

   The danger zone extends about ten feet around the bus and is where most fatalities occur.

5. 5. What should a school bus driver do before pulling away from a stop?

   1. A. Rely on the mirrors alone
   2. B. Sound the horn once
   3. C. Account for every student

   Answer: C — Account for every student

   Counting students and a full mirror sweep are what prevent a child being struck near the bus.

6. 6. What should a student who drops something near the bus be told to do?

   1. A. Wait until the bus has moved
   2. B. Leave it and tell the driver
   3. C. Retrieve it quickly

   Answer: B — Leave it and tell the driver

   Bending to pick something up puts a student inside the driver's blind area.

7. 7. Where may standing passengers not stand on a bus?

   1. A. Forward of the standee line behind the driver
   2. B. Anywhere in the aisle between the seats
   3. C. Beside the rear emergency exit doorway

   Answer: A — Forward of the standee line behind the driver

   The standee line keeps passengers clear of the driver's controls and sight lines.

8. 8. What should a bus driver do about passengers before starting?

   1. A. Count them only
   2. B. Nothing, as it is the passengers' responsibility
   3. C. Keep the aisle and exits clear

   Answer: C — Keep the aisle and exits clear

   A blocked aisle prevents evacuation in an emergency.

9. 9. What is required of a bus at a drawbridge without a signal or attendant?

   1. A. Slow to 15 mph only
   2. B. Stop and check it is closed
   3. C. No stop is required

   Answer: B — Stop and check it is closed

   Without a signal or attendant confirming the bridge is safe, a stop and visual check is required.

10. 10. How should a bus driver handle a disruptive passenger?

    1. A. Never discharge them somewhere unsafe
    2. B. Stop immediately wherever the vehicle is
    3. C. Continue and ignore the situation

    Answer: A — Never discharge them somewhere unsafe

    A passenger put out at an unsafe location becomes a hazard and a liability.

11. 11. How should a school bus driver use the crossing mirrors?

    1. A. Only when reversing
    2. B. Only at the first stop of the day
    3. C. To check the danger zone before moving

    Answer: C — To check the danger zone before moving

    The crossover mirrors exist specifically to cover the area where a child is invisible from the seat.

12. 12. What should a school bus driver do if a student is missing at a stop?

    1. A. Sound the horn and wait
    2. B. Secure the bus and check around it
    3. C. Continue and report it later

    Answer: B — Secure the bus and check around it

    A missing student may be in the danger zone where the driver cannot see them.

13. 13. When should students be instructed to cross in front of the bus?

    1. A. Far enough ahead to remain visible
    2. B. Directly in front of the bumper
    3. C. Behind the bus

    Answer: A — Far enough ahead to remain visible

    Crossing well ahead keeps the student inside the driver's field of view throughout.

14. 14. How should a school bus driver approach a stop?

    1. A. Brake sharply at the stop
    2. B. Activate the red lights on approach
    3. C. Activate the amber lights well in advance

    Answer: C — Activate the amber lights well in advance

    Early amber warning gives following traffic time to stop rather than forcing a late reaction.