7D Vehicle Operation and Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What technique should a school bus driver use when making a left turn at an intersection?
- Cut the corner early to shorten the turn radius
- Enter the intersection as far right as possible, use the full intersection, and complete the turn into the proper lane (Correct answer)
- Use the oncoming lane during the turn to compensate for the bus's wide swing
- Position the bus in the center of the intersection before turning to maximize visibility
Correct answer: Enter the intersection as far right as possible, use the full intersection, and complete the turn into the proper lane
The driver should use the full intersection during a left turn, entering from the right portion and completing the turn into the correct lane on the far side.
A school bus left turn requires careful technique due to the vehicle's length and turning radius. The driver should: approach in the correct lane (leftmost through lane or left-turn lane), wait for a clear gap in oncoming traffic, use the full width of the intersection to execute the turn without cutting corners, and complete the turn into the proper lane on the far street. Cutting corners causes the rear of the bus to ride over the curb. Drifting into oncoming lanes during the turn creates head-on collision risk.
Question 2: What is 'off-tracking' and how does it affect school bus operation in tight turns?
- The bus drifting off a straight-line course due to crosswinds
- The rear wheels following a shorter path than the front wheels during a turn, causing the rear to cut inside the turn (Correct answer)
- The bus losing traction on wet roads and sliding off the intended path
- Wheel misalignment causing the bus to pull to one side during braking
Correct answer: The rear wheels following a shorter path than the front wheels during a turn, causing the rear to cut inside the turn
Off-tracking is when rear wheels cut inside the arc of the front wheels during a turn — the rear of a long vehicle follows a tighter radius than the front, requiring wider turns.
Off-tracking occurs because on a long vehicle like a school bus, the rear axle(s) follow a smaller radius arc than the front axle during a turn. This means if the driver turns the front of the bus to clear a curb, the rear of the bus may ride over or hit the curb anyway. Drivers must learn to account for off-tracking by starting turns slightly wider than seems necessary for the front of the bus, ensuring there is enough clearance for the rear to also clear obstacles. Off-tracking increases with vehicle length and is most pronounced in tight turns.
Question 3: When should a school bus driver use engine braking (jake brake) to descend steep grades?
- Only in emergencies — engine braking causes transmission damage
- On long, steep descents to reduce reliance on service brakes and prevent brake fade (Correct answer)
- Only in icy conditions where brake fade is a concern
- Engine braking is disabled on school buses by regulation
Correct answer: On long, steep descents to reduce reliance on service brakes and prevent brake fade
Engine braking (or compression release braking) is used on long descents to control speed while preventing heat buildup and brake fade in the service brakes.
On extended steep descents, continuous use of service brakes generates significant heat that can cause brake fade — a dangerous reduction in braking effectiveness. Engine braking (using the engine's compression resistance to slow the vehicle) should be used on long grades to control speed while allowing service brakes to cool. The driver should select an appropriate low gear before beginning the descent and maintain a controlled speed throughout using engine braking, applying service brakes only as needed for additional speed control. This is a fundamental skill for mountain routes.
Question 4: What is the safe parking technique for a school bus on a downhill grade (headed downhill)?
- Turn the wheels straight and apply the parking brake only
- Turn the front wheels toward the curb and apply the parking brake (Correct answer)
- Turn the front wheels away from the curb and apply the parking brake
- Any direction is fine — the parking brake is sufficient alone
Correct answer: Turn the front wheels toward the curb and apply the parking brake
When headed downhill, turning the front wheels toward the curb means if the bus rolls, the curb stops it from rolling into traffic.
Proper parking technique on grades prevents runaway bus accidents. When parked heading downhill: turn the front wheels toward the curb or roadside barrier. If the parking brake fails and the bus begins to roll forward, the wheels will contact the curb and the bus will stop rather than roll into traffic. When headed uphill: turn the front wheels away from the curb (toward traffic), so if brakes fail, the bus rolls backward into the curb rather than into traffic. Always apply the parking brake regardless of grade.
Question 5: What must a school bus driver do before backing the bus?
- Honk twice and check mirrors only
- Get out and physically inspect the area behind the bus, use a spotter if available, and then back slowly while continuously checking mirrors (Correct answer)
- Back quickly to minimize the time spent in a blind spot
- Only back when a spotter is present — never back without one
Correct answer: Get out and physically inspect the area behind the bus, use a spotter if available, and then back slowly while continuously checking mirrors
Before backing, the driver must physically inspect the area behind the bus on foot to check for obstructions and people, then back slowly with continuous mirror checks.
Backing a school bus is one of the highest-risk maneuvers because of the extensive rear blind zone. Before backing, the driver must: exit the bus and physically walk behind the vehicle to verify no children, objects, or obstructions are in the path; use a qualified spotter if one is available; return to the driver's seat and begin backing slowly while continuously checking both mirrors; and stop immediately if contact with the spotter or view of the area behind the bus is lost. School bus drivers should minimize backing situations whenever possible by planning routes and parking locations to avoid the need.
Question 6: A school bus driver notices the steering wheel requires significantly more effort than usual to turn while on route. What could this indicate?
- Normal variation in steering feel — nothing concerning
- A problem with the power steering system that requires the bus to be removed from service (Correct answer)
- The tires need air — proper inflation reduces steering effort
- The driver is fatigued — take a break and resume
Correct answer: A problem with the power steering system that requires the bus to be removed from service
Significantly increased steering effort likely indicates a power steering failure, which makes the bus difficult to control and requires immediate removal from service.
Modern school buses rely on power steering to make safe maneuvering possible — the unassisted steering effort for a large bus would be physically impossible for most drivers. If the driver notices steering has become noticeably harder or the vehicle is pulling to one side, this may indicate: power steering fluid loss, pump failure, belt failure, or a front-end alignment/steering component issue. Any of these require the bus to be safely pulled over, students managed appropriately, and the vehicle removed from service for inspection. Operating a school bus with compromised steering is extremely dangerous.
7D Vehicle Operation and Control 2
What technique should a school bus driver use when making a left turn at an intersection?