Series 5-29: Stairs

The Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test addresses the critical skill of safely navigating stairs with a wheelchair.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-29: Stairs

1 / 25

When going down stairs, where should the “big wheels” rest between steps?

Hanging over the edge

On the front casters only

In the “V” of the step

On a movable ramp

2 / 25

In the one-person method going down stairs, in which direction should the wheelchair face?

Facing upstairs

Facing downstairs

Sideways to the stairs

At a diagonal to the stairs

3 / 25

If a handle grip on a wheelchair is loose, what should you do?

Tape it temporarily

Only use it when going up, not down

Remove it

Ignore it and proceed carefully

4 / 25

When moving a person in a wheelchair on stairs, what is the preferred number of attendants?

Two people

Any number, it doesn’t matter

One very strong person

Only the passenger in the wheelchair

5 / 25

What key posture should the attendant maintain when going up stairs?

Knees together, back arched

Bent knees and straight back

Straight knees and bent back

Knees locked, leaning forward

6 / 25

In the one-person method going up stairs, how should you approach the first step?

Move the wheelchair sideways to the step

Lift the passenger out and carry the chair separately

Back the wheelchair toward the first step and tip to the balance point

Push the wheelchair forward facing upstairs

7 / 25

After reaching the top of the stairs when going up, what is the next step?

Leave the chair at the edge for a moment

Move the chair well away from the edge

Turn the chair to face back down

Immediately let go of the handles

8 / 25

In the two-person method going down stairs, what general procedures are followed?

Only the upper attendant follows procedures

Completely different from the one-person method

The same as the one-person method, with the chair facing down and tilted to balance

Using only the front wheels on all steps

9 / 25

What should you do with the lap belt when moving a wheelchair on stairs?

Loosen it so the passenger can shift

Make sure it is secured at all times

Unbuckle it before moving

Only fasten it when going up, not down

10 / 25

Where should the lower attendant hold the wheelchair when assisting on stairs?

Only the footrests

Only the armrests

The rear wheels only

The lower part of the frame, not moveable/removable parts

11 / 25

In the two-person method going up stairs, who should be in the back (upper) position?

The tallest person

The lightest person

The strongest person

The person most familiar with the passenger

12 / 25

What kind of body position should an attendant assume when lifting a wheelchair on stairs?

A solid stance to stabilize weight

Leaning forward from the waist

Feet together, knees locked

One foot in the air for balance

13 / 25

Which wheelchair parts should you never grasp when moving on stairs?

The wheel rims

The push handles

Removable parts such as armrests or footrests

The main frame

14 / 25

In the two-person method going up stairs, how should the attendants coordinate each step?

Each attendant moves independently at their own pace

They move without speaking to avoid distracting the passenger

On a verbal command from the upper attendant, both lift-roll the wheelchair one step at a time

The lower attendant pulls while the upper pushes

15 / 25

When going down stairs, how should the attendant control the descent of the wheelchair?

Push quickly to clear each step

Let the chair roll freely then stop it at the bottom

Use body weight to hold the chair back

Pull only with arm strength

16 / 25

Before rolling the wheelchair over the step edge when going down, how should the wheels be aligned?

Pointing away from the step

At a slight angle to the edge

Turned inward toward each other

Square with the edge of the step

17 / 25

What should the lower attendant avoid doing when going down stairs?

Standing on the lower step

Listening to verbal commands

Lifting the front of the wheelchair

Holding the frame

18 / 25

Before using the wheelchair handles on stairs, what must you check?

That the handle grips are secure

That the handles are folded down

That the handles are shiny

That the handles are covered with a towel

19 / 25

Why is it risky to move a wheelchair user on stairs by yourself?

It only risks damaging the wheelchair

It only affects the passenger’s comfort

It only tires out the attendant

It is difficult and dangerous for both you and the passenger

20 / 25

Before moving, how should the passenger be positioned in the wheelchair?

Sitting sideways to the direction of travel

Leaning forward with feet on the ground

Standing slightly in the chair for leverage

Properly seated, feet on footrests, hands/arms away from wheels

21 / 25

For going up stairs, where should the dominant leg be placed?

In line with the non-dominant leg

On the lower step

Off the stairs on the floor

On the higher step

22 / 25

When using the one-person method going down, what should you do before the first step?

Stop well before reaching the first step

Turn the wheelchair around

Rush to the edge and stop suddenly

Start with the front casters on the first step

23 / 25

What is one main role of the upper attendant when going down stairs?

Lower the chair step by step and give verbal commands

Hold only the front of the chair

Guide from the side without touching the chair

Push up from below the chair

24 / 25

What personal limitation must an attendant never exceed when moving a wheelchair on stairs?

Their physical limitations

Their preferred speed

Their working hours

Their comfort with the passenger

25 / 25

What is meant by “tilt the chair to the balance point” when going down stairs?

Tilt it just enough so weight is balanced over the large rear wheels

Tilt it until only the front casters touch

Tilt it until the passenger is almost lying flat

Tilt it so the chair rests only on one wheel

Your score is

Operators must never attempt to carry a student in a wheelchair up or down stairs alone, as this poses significant safety risks. If stair navigation is unavoidable, always seek additional assistance and use proper lifting techniques to ensure the wheelchair remains level and secure. Communication with the passenger and team members is essential throughout the process. Operators should be familiar with alternative accessible routes whenever possible. Understanding these guidelines promotes student safety, reduces the risk of injury, and demonstrates responsible school bus operation.