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

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

2 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By always parking in reverse

By planning your route in advance

By backing faster

By using your horn more frequently

3 / 30

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

Only at night

When they are tired

When the road is straight and dry

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

4 / 30

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

Directly on the centre line

On the sidewalk

In oncoming traffic

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

5 / 30

How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

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

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

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

6 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

The weather is sunny

The traffic is light

Passengers are quiet

Tired, upset, or sick

7 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

Left turn signal only

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

High beam headlights

Right turn signal only

8 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

9 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Headlights and wipers

Phone and radio

Turn signals and brake lights

Interior lights only

10 / 30

Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

Only to see better at night

To make sure the bus is easily seen

To reduce fuel use

To warn drivers they are going fast

11 / 30

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

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

Motorcycles must always yield

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

12 / 30

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

Only vehicles behind you

Only low curbs

Only road markings

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

13 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

They might speed up suddenly

It is illegal regardless of distance

They always turn without signalling

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

14 / 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

Ignore speed limits at night

Only slow down when police are nearby

15 / 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

16 / 30

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

Vehicle impoundment only

A fine and two demerit points

Verbal warning only

Jail time only

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

Turn as tightly as possible to save space

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

18 / 30

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

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Race other vehicles

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Block traffic

19 / 30

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

Look only through the windshield

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Use your left outside mirror

Use only the right outside mirror

20 / 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

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only after stopping completely

Only if signalled by other drivers

21 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

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

Back up slowly without checking

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

Rely on passengers to guide you

22 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

A seatbelt

Driving gloves

A hat

Sunglasses

23 / 30

Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only in bad weather

Only on highways

Only for new drivers

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

24 / 30

A defensive driver adjusts speed by:

Ignoring road conditions if under the speed limit

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

25 / 30

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

To show they have right-of-way

To park temporarily

To signal a flat tire

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

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 do larger school buses have more rear swing?

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

Their front axles are at the extreme front

They use different tire sizes

They are lighter than other buses

28 / 30

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

Two metres

One metre

No minimum distance is specified

Half a metre

29 / 30

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

Back into traffic using hazard lights

Always back out quickly

Pull forward regardless of visibility

Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic

30 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Not drinking and driving

Driving after drinking small amounts only

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Driving while on any medication

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.