Chapter 2-2: Driving a bus

Preparing for the Ontario bus driver’s license exam is easier with a free practice test focused on the “Driving a Bus” chapter. This section tests your knowledge of safe bus operation, including managing stops, using mirrors effectively, and ensuring passenger safety.

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

1 / 30

Cyclists may use any part of the lane if necessary to:

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Race other vehicles

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Block traffic

2 / 30

Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

To make sure the bus is easily seen

Only to see better at night

To warn drivers they are going fast

To reduce fuel use

3 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

A hat

Driving gloves

A seatbelt

Sunglasses

4 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

High beam headlights

Left turn signal only

Right turn signal only

5 / 30

Whenever possible, what should you do when passing a cyclist?

Stay in your lane and pass very close

Honk and force the cyclist to move

Speed up and pass without signalling

Change lanes to pass

6 / 30

Which of the following is considered risky driving behavior?

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

Yielding to other drivers when in doubt

Signaling well before changing lanes

Cutting people off, sudden lane changes, and running yellow lights

7 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Not drinking and driving

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Driving after drinking small amounts only

Driving while on any medication

8 / 30

When are cyclists not required to ride close to the right edge of the road?

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

When the road is straight and dry

Only at night

When they are tired

9 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

They do not have brake lights to warn when slowing or stopping

It is illegal regardless of distance

They always turn without signalling

They might speed up suddenly

10 / 30

How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

Talk continuously on a two-way radio and assume intersections are clear

Avoid electronic distractions and check traffic in all directions before entering an intersection

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

11 / 30

Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only for new drivers

Only on highways

For drivers and passengers, except when you are a passenger on a bus without seat belts

Only in bad weather

12 / 30

How should you complete a left turn with a large vehicle to avoid hitting islands or posts?

Stay near the centre line throughout the turn

Turn as tightly as possible to save space

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

Turn in a wide arc, then bring the vehicle back just right of the centre line

13 / 30

Regarding speed, safe drivers should:

Drive at the flow of traffic even if it’s above the limit

Obey speed limits and slow down in poor road and weather conditions

Only slow down when police are nearby

Ignore speed limits at night

14 / 30

At lower speeds than other traffic, where are bicycles and mopeds expected to ride?

About one metre from the curb or parked cars, or as close as practical to the right edge

On the sidewalk

Directly on the centre line

In oncoming traffic

15 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Headlights and wipers

Phone and radio

Interior lights only

Turn signals and brake lights

16 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

The traffic is light

Passengers are quiet

The weather is sunny

Tired, upset, or sick

17 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

18 / 30

A defensive driver adjusts speed by:

Slowing down when road conditions can affect stopping distance or vehicle control

Speeding up in bad weather to get home faster

Maintaining the same speed in all conditions

Ignoring road conditions if under the speed limit

19 / 30

After completing a left turn and being just right of the centre line, when should you move to the right lane?

Immediately, regardless of traffic

Only if signalled by other drivers

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only after stopping completely

20 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

Rely on passengers to guide you

Back up slowly without checking

Stay in the driver’s seat and rely on mirrors only

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

21 / 30

Which of the following is one reason cyclists may move into the middle of the lane?

To signal a flat tire

To discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be shared safely

To park temporarily

To show they have right-of-way

22 / 30

What are the possible penalties for not maintaining the required distance when passing a cyclist?

A fine and two demerit points

Jail time only

Vehicle impoundment only

Verbal warning only

23 / 30

When possible, how should you exit into traffic if it helps you avoid backing into traffic?

Always back out quickly

Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic

Pull forward regardless of visibility

Back into traffic using hazard lights

24 / 30

What hazards must you look for when inspecting the area before backing?

Only road markings

Overhead obstacles/wires, side clearances, pedestrians, and objects in your path

Only vehicles behind you

Only low curbs

25 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By using your horn more frequently

By always parking in reverse

By planning your route in advance

By backing faster

26 / 30

When a cyclist is turning left, what are they permitted to do?

Walk their bike through the intersection

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

Make a left turn from a left-turn lane where one is available

Turn only from the right side of the road

27 / 30

Why must you be cautious about a motorcycle with a turn signal on when you plan to turn left in front of it?

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Motorcycles must always yield

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

28 / 30

Why do larger school buses have more rear swing?

Their front axles are at the extreme front

Their rear axles are well ahead of the end of the bus

They use different tire sizes

They are lighter than other buses

29 / 30

When making a left turn with a large vehicle, how should you monitor the path of the rear wheels?

Use only the right outside mirror

Use your left outside mirror

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Look only through the windshield

30 / 30

What minimum distance must drivers maintain when passing a cyclist, where practical?

Half a metre

No minimum distance is specified

Two metres

One metre

Your score is

The practice test features real-world scenarios and multiple-choice questions that reflect the actual exam, helping you become comfortable with the format. By using a free Ontario bus driver practice test, you can identify your strengths and areas that need improvement before taking the official test. Regular practice builds your confidence and understanding of key concepts, such as defensive driving and legal requirements. Ultimately, these free resources support your goal of becoming a safe and responsible Ontario bus driver.