New York State DMV 19A Certification Exam - School Bus Safety Review
New York State DMV 19A Certification Exam
School Bus Safety Review - Comprehensive Examination
50 Questions | Detailed Rationales | Bold Formatting
1. Under New York State 19A regulations, how often must a school bus driver undergo a biennial
physical examination?
A. Annually
B. Every two years [CORRECT]
C. Every three years
D. Every four years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because New York State 19A regulations specifically require school bus drivers to pass a
comprehensive physical examination every two years to maintain certification. This matches the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) medical card validity period.
2. A school bus driver arrives at a railroad crossing where the flashing red lights are activated and the
gate is descending. What is the correct procedure?
A. Proceed through the crossing if no train is visible
B. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait until the gate is fully raised and lights stop flashing
[CORRECT]
C. Stop on the tracks and wait for the train to pass before reversing
D. Back up to a safe distance and find an alternate route
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 19A regulations and New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law mandate that school
bus drivers must stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail at active railroad crossings. Priority is waiting
until all signals are deactivated before proceeding.
3. Which of the following correctly describes the pre-trip inspection requirement for a school bus driver
under 19A regulations?
A. The driver must inspect the bus at the beginning of each shift and document findings on the Daily
Vehicle Inspection Report [CORRECT]
B. The driver may skip the pre-trip inspection if the bus was driven less than 50 miles the previous day
C. A mechanic must perform the pre-trip inspection while the driver observes
D. The pre-trip inspection is only required during winter months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because 19A mandates that every school bus driver conduct and document a thorough
pre-trip inspection before placing the vehicle into service each day. This matches the federal requirement for
Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports under FMCSR 396.11.
4. A school bus driver has been involved in an accident resulting in a fatality. Under federal
post-accident testing requirements, the driver must be tested for alcohol and drugs within what
NYS DMV 19A Certification Exam Review Page 1
, timeframe?
A. Within 2 hours for alcohol and 8 hours for drugs
B. Within 8 hours for alcohol and 32 hours for drugs [CORRECT]
C. Within 4 hours for alcohol and 24 hours for drugs
D. Within 1 hour for alcohol and 12 hours for drugs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because federal regulations (49 CFR Part 392) require alcohol testing within 8 hours and
drug testing within 32 hours following a fatal accident. This matches the FMCSA post-accident testing protocol.
Priority is meeting these strict deadlines.
5. What is the minimum following distance a school bus driver should maintain when operating at 40
mph under normal road conditions?
A. 2 seconds
B. 3 seconds
C. 4 seconds [CORRECT]
D. 5 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the standard safe following distance under normal conditions is one second for every
10 mph of speed. At 40 mph, this equals 4 seconds. This matches the defensive driving guideline taught in 19A
training programs.
6. Under New York State law, when must a school bus driver activate the amber warning lights prior to a
stop?
A. Immediately upon entering the school zone
B. At least 100 feet but no more than 500 feet before the bus stop [CORRECT]
C. Only when students are visible at the stop location
D. At least 200 feet before reaching the railroad crossing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires school bus drivers to activate
amber warning lights at least 100 feet but no more than 500 feet before every scheduled stop. This matches the
NYS school bus signal timing requirements.
7. A school bus driver observes a student exhibiting signs of illness during the route. Which action is
most appropriate according to 19A protocols?
A. Dismiss the student at the next stop regardless of location
B. Contact the dispatcher immediately, pull over at a safe location, and follow district medical protocols
[CORRECT]
C. Continue the route and report the incident at the end of the shift
D. Administer over-the-counter medication from the first aid kit
Correct Answer: B
New York State DMV 19A Certification Exam
School Bus Safety Review - Comprehensive Examination
50 Questions | Detailed Rationales | Bold Formatting
1. Under New York State 19A regulations, how often must a school bus driver undergo a biennial
physical examination?
A. Annually
B. Every two years [CORRECT]
C. Every three years
D. Every four years
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because New York State 19A regulations specifically require school bus drivers to pass a
comprehensive physical examination every two years to maintain certification. This matches the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) medical card validity period.
2. A school bus driver arrives at a railroad crossing where the flashing red lights are activated and the
gate is descending. What is the correct procedure?
A. Proceed through the crossing if no train is visible
B. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail and wait until the gate is fully raised and lights stop flashing
[CORRECT]
C. Stop on the tracks and wait for the train to pass before reversing
D. Back up to a safe distance and find an alternate route
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because 19A regulations and New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law mandate that school
bus drivers must stop no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail at active railroad crossings. Priority is waiting
until all signals are deactivated before proceeding.
3. Which of the following correctly describes the pre-trip inspection requirement for a school bus driver
under 19A regulations?
A. The driver must inspect the bus at the beginning of each shift and document findings on the Daily
Vehicle Inspection Report [CORRECT]
B. The driver may skip the pre-trip inspection if the bus was driven less than 50 miles the previous day
C. A mechanic must perform the pre-trip inspection while the driver observes
D. The pre-trip inspection is only required during winter months
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct because 19A mandates that every school bus driver conduct and document a thorough
pre-trip inspection before placing the vehicle into service each day. This matches the federal requirement for
Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports under FMCSR 396.11.
4. A school bus driver has been involved in an accident resulting in a fatality. Under federal
post-accident testing requirements, the driver must be tested for alcohol and drugs within what
NYS DMV 19A Certification Exam Review Page 1
, timeframe?
A. Within 2 hours for alcohol and 8 hours for drugs
B. Within 8 hours for alcohol and 32 hours for drugs [CORRECT]
C. Within 4 hours for alcohol and 24 hours for drugs
D. Within 1 hour for alcohol and 12 hours for drugs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because federal regulations (49 CFR Part 392) require alcohol testing within 8 hours and
drug testing within 32 hours following a fatal accident. This matches the FMCSA post-accident testing protocol.
Priority is meeting these strict deadlines.
5. What is the minimum following distance a school bus driver should maintain when operating at 40
mph under normal road conditions?
A. 2 seconds
B. 3 seconds
C. 4 seconds [CORRECT]
D. 5 seconds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because the standard safe following distance under normal conditions is one second for every
10 mph of speed. At 40 mph, this equals 4 seconds. This matches the defensive driving guideline taught in 19A
training programs.
6. Under New York State law, when must a school bus driver activate the amber warning lights prior to a
stop?
A. Immediately upon entering the school zone
B. At least 100 feet but no more than 500 feet before the bus stop [CORRECT]
C. Only when students are visible at the stop location
D. At least 200 feet before reaching the railroad crossing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law requires school bus drivers to activate
amber warning lights at least 100 feet but no more than 500 feet before every scheduled stop. This matches the
NYS school bus signal timing requirements.
7. A school bus driver observes a student exhibiting signs of illness during the route. Which action is
most appropriate according to 19A protocols?
A. Dismiss the student at the next stop regardless of location
B. Contact the dispatcher immediately, pull over at a safe location, and follow district medical protocols
[CORRECT]
C. Continue the route and report the incident at the end of the shift
D. Administer over-the-counter medication from the first aid kit
Correct Answer: B
