7D Vehicle Operation and Control 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure for starting a school bus?
- Turn the ignition key and immediately engage the transmission.
- Turn the ignition key, check mirrors, and then engage the transmission. (Correct answer)
- Engage the transmission before turning the ignition key.
- Check the mirrors only after starting the bus.
Correct answer: Turn the ignition key, check mirrors, and then engage the transmission.
The correct procedure for starting a school bus prioritizes safety and awareness. After turning the ignition key, the driver must first check all mirrors to ensure the immediate surroundings are clear of children or obstructions. This sequence prevents accidental movement and ensures the safety of everyone around the bus before engaging the transmission.
Question 2: What should a driver do before backing up the school bus?
- Immediately check the rearview mirror.
- Only check the side mirrors.
- Ensure that the bus is in neutral, honk the horn, and visually check the surroundings.
- Check the surroundings, ensure the bus is in reverse gear, and visually look for any obstructions. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Check the surroundings, ensure the bus is in reverse gear, and visually look for any obstructions.
Backing up a school bus is a high-risk maneuver, so comprehensive safety checks are paramount. Before moving, the driver must thoroughly check the entire area around the bus for children or obstacles. Engaging reverse gear and visually confirming the path ensures the bus moves safely and prevents potential accidents, prioritizing the safety of students and others.
Question 3: Which of the following is the correct method for making a wide turn while driving a school bus?
- Stay in the middle of the road to avoid cutting the turn.
- Make the turn as sharply as possible to minimize time spent in the intersection.
- Begin the turn from the farthest lane, signal early, and gradually steer into the turn. (Correct answer)
- Avoid signaling and make the turn quickly to keep the flow of traffic.
Correct answer: Begin the turn from the farthest lane, signal early, and gradually steer into the turn.
School buses are large vehicles that require more space to maneuver safely, especially during turns. Beginning a wide turn from the farthest lane allows the bus sufficient room to complete the turn without encroaching on other lanes or curbs. Signaling early alerts other drivers, and gradually steering ensures control and prevents sharp, unsafe movements, enhancing overall road safety.
Question 4: When should you use the school bus' emergency brake?
- Only when the bus is parked on a slope. (Correct answer)
- Every time the bus comes to a complete stop.
- When idling at a stoplight to prevent the bus from moving.
- Only in an emergency situation.
Correct answer: Only when the bus is parked on a slope.
The emergency brake (or parking brake) is designed to secure the bus when it is parked, especially on inclines or declines, to prevent it from rolling. Using it only when the bus is parked on a slope is the correct application, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary and safe. Using it unnecessarily can cause wear, while neglecting it on slopes is dangerous.
Question 5: Which of the following is a correct step for checking the bus before starting the engine?
- Ensure the bus doors are closed and locked before starting the engine. (Correct answer)
- Check the fuel level first, then proceed to the engine start.
- Ensure the air conditioning system is operational.
- It’s not necessary to check the bus as long as the engine is working.
Correct answer: Ensure the bus doors are closed and locked before starting the engine.
Before starting the engine of a school bus, a critical safety check is to ensure all bus doors are closed and locked. This prevents accidental opening during operation and ensures the security of the vehicle and its occupants. This fundamental step helps maintain a safe environment for students and prevents potential hazards while the bus is in motion.
7D Vehicle Operation and Control 1
What is the correct procedure for starting a school bus?