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:
A. Use the bus horn to signal students
B. Ensure the bus is completely stopped, activate hazard lights, and
use the stop arm
C. Keep the bus running at idle in case of emergencies
D. 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.
2. When approaching a railroad crossing with a school bus, the driver
must:
A. Drive at normal speed if no train is visible
, B. Stop, open the door, look and listen for trains before crossing
C. Speed up to cross quickly
D. 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:
A. One second per 10 feet of vehicle length
B. At least one second per 10 feet of bus length, plus one second in
bad weather
C. Two seconds regardless of vehicle size
D. Tailgating is acceptable if driving slowly
Rationale: Longer vehicles need more stopping distance; adding
extra time in bad weather improves safety.
4. When a school bus is stopped to load or unload children, other drivers
must:
A. Pass slowly
B. Stop in both directions unless separated by a median
C. Honk to warn the bus
D. Speed up to pass quickly
Rationale: Most states require drivers to stop in both directions to
protect children crossing the road.
5. Which of the following is true about the use of mirrors on a school
bus?
, A. Mirrors should only be checked when driving straight
B. Mirrors are optional on school buses
C. Drivers should check mirrors frequently to monitor students and
traffic
D. 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:
A. Drive slowly at all times
B. Have students seated properly with seat belts if available
C. Honk the horn frequently
D. 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:
A. Drive faster to reduce time on the road
B. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use caution
C. Only use hazard lights
D. Keep normal speed if traffic is light
Rationale: Reduced speed and increased following distance are
crucial for safe driving in adverse weather.
8. Which is a pre-trip inspection item specific to school buses?
A. Checking tire tread
, B. Checking oil levels
C. Checking the stop arm and crossing gate operation
D. Testing the horn
Rationale: Stop arms and crossing gates are unique safety features
on school buses.
9. How far should a driver stop from a railroad crossing?
A. 5–10 feet
B. 10–20 feet
C. 15–50 feet
D. 50–75 feet
Rationale: Federal regulations require stopping 15–50 feet from
railroad tracks.
10. When students are entering or leaving the bus, the driver
should:
A. Leave the engine running and watch in the mirrors
B. Stop completely, use the stop arm, and ensure traffic has stopped
C. Flash the headlights only
D. 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:
A. Speed up to maintain momentum
B. Slow down before entering the curve and maintain control
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:
A. Use the bus horn to signal students
B. Ensure the bus is completely stopped, activate hazard lights, and
use the stop arm
C. Keep the bus running at idle in case of emergencies
D. 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.
2. When approaching a railroad crossing with a school bus, the driver
must:
A. Drive at normal speed if no train is visible
, B. Stop, open the door, look and listen for trains before crossing
C. Speed up to cross quickly
D. 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:
A. One second per 10 feet of vehicle length
B. At least one second per 10 feet of bus length, plus one second in
bad weather
C. Two seconds regardless of vehicle size
D. Tailgating is acceptable if driving slowly
Rationale: Longer vehicles need more stopping distance; adding
extra time in bad weather improves safety.
4. When a school bus is stopped to load or unload children, other drivers
must:
A. Pass slowly
B. Stop in both directions unless separated by a median
C. Honk to warn the bus
D. Speed up to pass quickly
Rationale: Most states require drivers to stop in both directions to
protect children crossing the road.
5. Which of the following is true about the use of mirrors on a school
bus?
, A. Mirrors should only be checked when driving straight
B. Mirrors are optional on school buses
C. Drivers should check mirrors frequently to monitor students and
traffic
D. 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:
A. Drive slowly at all times
B. Have students seated properly with seat belts if available
C. Honk the horn frequently
D. 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:
A. Drive faster to reduce time on the road
B. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use caution
C. Only use hazard lights
D. Keep normal speed if traffic is light
Rationale: Reduced speed and increased following distance are
crucial for safe driving in adverse weather.
8. Which is a pre-trip inspection item specific to school buses?
A. Checking tire tread
, B. Checking oil levels
C. Checking the stop arm and crossing gate operation
D. Testing the horn
Rationale: Stop arms and crossing gates are unique safety features
on school buses.
9. How far should a driver stop from a railroad crossing?
A. 5–10 feet
B. 10–20 feet
C. 15–50 feet
D. 50–75 feet
Rationale: Federal regulations require stopping 15–50 feet from
railroad tracks.
10. When students are entering or leaving the bus, the driver
should:
A. Leave the engine running and watch in the mirrors
B. Stop completely, use the stop arm, and ensure traffic has stopped
C. Flash the headlights only
D. 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:
A. Speed up to maintain momentum
B. Slow down before entering the curve and maintain control
