Chapter 2-1: Driving a bus

The “Driving a Bus” chapter in the Ontario bus driver practice test is crucial for anyone preparing to obtain a bus driver’s license in the province.

Ontario Bus Driver - Chapter 2-1: Driving a bus

1 / 30

To manage blind spots effectively, a defensive bus driver should:

Keep adequate space around the vehicle

Change lanes frequently

Drive closer to other vehicles

Rely only on side mirrors and ignore front space

2 / 30

How should a defensive driver handle the right-of-way to avoid danger?

Always take the right-of-way to keep traffic moving

Give up the right-of-way if it helps avoid possible danger

Speed up to claim the right-of-way

Use the horn to demand the right-of-way

3 / 30

When turning right with a vehicle that has a lot of off-track, what is generally better?

Use more space from the road you are entering than from the road you are leaving

Use more space from the road you are leaving

Keep the vehicle as tight as possible to the curb

Avoid entering the intersection too far

4 / 30

A defensive driver’s eyes should:

Look mostly at the dashboard

Keep moving to check traffic far ahead and to the sides

Focus only on the road markings

Look straight ahead at a fixed point

5 / 30

When making a tight right turn on a narrow street, what should you do?

Proceed well into the intersection before turning the steering wheel

Hug the right curb throughout the turn

Stop in the intersection before turning

Turn the steering wheel as soon as you reach the intersection

6 / 30

A professional defensive driver should:

Ignore pedestrians if they are crossing illegally

Make allowances for the errors of other drivers and pedestrians

Assume others will always follow the rules

Insist on the right-of-way in every situation

7 / 30

When driving a long vehicle through a right curve, where should you keep the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from dropping off the pavement?

Close to the left side of your lane

Close to the right edge of your lane

Straddling the lane markings

Exactly in the centre of your lane

8 / 30

Why might motorcyclists or moped riders make sudden moves?

To speed up unexpectedly

To show off their skills

To avoid uneven road surfaces or poor weather conditions

To confuse other drivers

9 / 30

How often should a professional driver check mirrors?

Frequently, as part of continuous traffic scanning

Only when turning left

Only when changing lanes

Only when backing up

10 / 30

When you must use part of another lane to make a sharp turn, what is your primary responsibility?

Always use the horn to warn others

Ensure the move can be made safely without interfering with other road users

Make the turn as quickly as possible

Ignore traffic signals to clear the turn

11 / 30

A professional bus driver who drives defensively does which of the following?

Relies on other drivers to avoid collisions

Focuses only on the vehicle directly ahead

Looks ahead, thinks ahead, and acts early

Reacts only when a hazard is very close

12 / 30

What should you do when smaller, faster vehicles are trying to pass you in a large vehicle?

Speed up so they pass you faster

Slow down enough to allow them to fit in quickly and safely in front of you

Sound your horn to warn them off

Move to the left and block them

13 / 30

Which of the following is the most important concern for a bus driver?

Keeping the bus clean

The safety of the passengers

Minimizing fuel consumption

Arriving exactly on schedule

14 / 30

Before partially blocking another lane during a wide turn, what must you be especially sure of?

That your brakes are applied firmly

That smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles are not moving up on your right side

That your vehicle can accelerate quickly

That oncoming traffic is speeding

15 / 30

Why are motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and mopeds harder to see?

Because they have no lights

Because they travel only at night

Because they are always in blind spots

Because of their small size

16 / 30

Which of the following best shows professional driving courtesy?

Using headlights only at night

Showing courtesy to other road users

Only thinking about bus passengers

Ignoring other drivers to focus on speed

17 / 30

Defensive drivers make allowances for which changing conditions?

Road, weather, and traffic

Bus age and paint condition

Fuel prices and bus schedules

Radio volume and passenger conversations

18 / 30

On a left curve, where should you keep the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from crossing into the oncoming traffic lane?

In the middle of the lane at all times

As close as possible to the centre line

Slightly over the centre line

Closer to the right edge of the pavement

19 / 30

How does a longer wheelbase affect off-tracking?

It has no effect on off-track

It increases the amount of off-track

It only affects off-track at low speeds

It decreases the amount of off-track

20 / 30

How can a large vehicle intimidate drivers of smaller vehicles when following too closely?

It improves their confidence

The large vehicle looming closely behind can make them nervous

It makes them drive faster safely

It reduces their stopping distance

21 / 30

What is “off-track” in the context of large vehicles?

A lost GPS route

The tendency of the rear wheels to follow a path inside the front wheels on a turn

Driving on the shoulder of the road

A misaligned steering system

22 / 30

When sharing the road with smaller vehicles, why is it dangerous to follow too closely behind them?

It is only dangerous in bad weather

It is only dangerous at night

You may not have enough room to stop safely if something unexpected occurs

It saves fuel but reduces visibility

23 / 30

What lane rights do motorcycles and mopeds have?

They have the right to use the whole lane

They must ride on the shoulder

They must always keep to bicycle lanes

They must always share half a lane with cars

24 / 30

Why is signalling important when turning, slowing, or stopping in a large vehicle?

It is optional but polite

It lets you ignore right-of-way rules

It gives other drivers time to react appropriately

It only matters at night

25 / 30

Before completing a turn in a large vehicle, what should you always do?

Check that no vehicle has moved into your turning space

Sound your horn and proceed

Turn as quickly as possible to clear the intersection

Assume smaller vehicles will stop for you

26 / 30

If you must travel partially over the centre line when turning into a narrow street, what must you do first?

Yield to traffic, signal the turn, and ensure the manoeuvre is safe

Turn quickly without signalling

Rely on other drivers to yield

Use four-way flashers instead of turn signals

27 / 30

Why are motorcyclists and moped riders more likely to be injured in a collision?

They are not allowed to wear helmets

Their vehicles are too heavy

They are always speeding

They are less protected than other road users

28 / 30

Motorcycles and mopeds that cannot keep up with traffic should do what?

Drive as close as possible to the right edge of the road

Ride on the sidewalk

Stop until traffic is lighter

Drive in the middle of the lane at all times

29 / 30

A key part of defensive driving is recognizing possible danger:

After other drivers have reacted

Far enough in advance to take preventive action

Only when it is directly in front of the bus

Only when passengers warn you

30 / 30

Why must you avoid running rear wheels over curbs and sidewalks when turning?

It is only a problem for the front wheels

It is only dangerous to pedestrians, not the vehicle

It is allowed at low speeds

It is dangerous and can damage suspension, wheels and tires

Your score is

This section focuses on essential driving skills, safe operation, and the responsibilities unique to bus drivers. Key topics include handling large vehicles in traffic, making safe stops, managing passenger safety, and navigating intersections. Practicing these questions helps drivers understand Ontario’s traffic laws, proper signaling, and defensive driving techniques. Mastery of this chapter ensures aspiring bus drivers are equipped to handle the challenges of the road with confidence and professionalism. By studying and practicing thoroughly, candidates can improve their chances of passing the test and becoming safe, responsible bus drivers in Ontario.