Unit D-1: Driving Fundamentals

The Manitoba School Bus Knowledge Test includes a crucial section on “Driving Fundamentals.” This section assesses a driver’s understanding of basic driving principles essential for safe school bus operation.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit D-1: Driving Fundamentals

1 / 30

What does The Highway Traffic Act require regarding traffic and a school bus with flashing red warning lights?

Traffic may proceed slowly if no students are visible

Only traffic behind the bus must stop

All traffic must stop for school buses displaying flashing red warning lights

Only traffic in school zones must stop

2 / 30

How far in front of the bus should students be instructed to cross?

About 3 metres/10 feet in front, beyond the extended crossing arm

At the midpoint of the crossing arm

Directly in front of the bumper

Along the right side of the bus without crossing in front

3 / 30

What is a “don’t pass law” violation?

Passing a bus that has only amber lights flashing

Overtaking a bus in a school parking lot

Passing a stopped school bus that has red warning lights flashing and stop arm extended

Passing any vehicle on a curve

4 / 30

After deciding to pass, what is the correct sequence to enter the passing lane?

Honk horn, then move into the passing lane

Signal, move immediately, then check mirrors

Check mirrors, activate left signal, shoulder check, then pull smoothly into the passing lane

Shoulder check, move into lane, then signal

5 / 30

What is the school bus driver’s top priority?

Vehicle cleanliness

Passenger safety

On-time arrival

Fuel economy

6 / 30

What is the average height range of a school bus?

3.5 m to 4.0 m

2.8 m to 3.2 m

4.0 m to 4.5 m

1.5 m to 2.0 m

7 / 30

When starting a bus with an automatic transmission, what is the first step listed?

Depress the accelerator

Release the park brake

Move the selector to drive

Depress the service brake

8 / 30

What is the correct method for backing into a road, driveway, or access during a turnaround?

Back while looking only through the interior mirror

Back using the outside rear-view mirrors

Back with your eyes on the dashboard instruments

Back without mirrors, using only side windows

9 / 30

During unloading at a turnaround, when should you unload the students?

While the bus is turning back onto the roadway

While the bus is backing into the driveway

After executing the turnaround and safely re-entering the roadway, following unloading procedures

Before performing the turnaround so they can guide you

10 / 30

On a bus with an automatic transmission, what happens as the speed increases?

The engine automatically shuts down at high speed

The driver must shift manually through all gears

The transmission automatically shifts to higher gears

The transmission stays in the lowest gear

11 / 30

When passing, what is your responsibility regarding speed limits?

Match the speed of the fastest lane

Drive at whatever speed feels safe to you

Exceed the speed limit briefly to complete the pass

Never exceed the posted speed limit

12 / 30

When both weight and speed of a vehicle are doubled, the braking force must be:

Doubled

Increased eight times

Unchanged

Increased four times

13 / 30

What steering hand positions are recommended for a school bus driver?

One hand at 12 o’clock only

Left hand at 9 o’clock, right hand at 3 o’clock

Both hands at the top of the wheel

Left hand at 10 o’clock, right hand in lap

14 / 30

If an approaching vehicle does not appear to be stopping while students must cross the roadway, what should the driver do?

Wave at the vehicle to slow down

Have students cross more quickly

Turn off the warning lights to avoid confusion

Keep the students on the bus until it is safe to unload

15 / 30

If the speed of a vehicle is doubled, to stop in the same distance the braking force must be:

Increased four times

Doubled

Tripled

Unchanged

16 / 30

When executing a turnaround, what is required regarding student location?

Students should stand on the shoulder to watch the manoeuvre

Students may wait across the road during the turnaround

Students may walk around the bus while it is backing up

Students must always be on the bus while the turnaround is being executed

17 / 30

Before backing during a turnaround, what must you do regarding other traffic?

Honk continuously while backing

Check traffic front and rear and ensure a sufficient gap exists

Rely on other drivers to stop for you

Turn on hazard lights and back without checking

18 / 30

Which steering method is recommended for school bus drivers?

Hand-over-hand steering

Push-pull steering

Palming the wheel

One-hand steering

19 / 30

Before performing a turnaround where you will back into a road, driveway, or access, where should you first position the bus?

Two bus lengths past the driveway

Directly beside the driveway entrance

Half a bus length before the driveway

One bus length ahead of the road, driveway, or access

20 / 30

Stopping distance becomes greater as:

Speed increases

Road surface improves

Vehicle weight decreases

Speed decreases

21 / 30

The braking force required to stop a vehicle varies directly with its:

Fuel type and engine size

Number of passengers

Colour and size

Weight and speed

22 / 30

To drive a school bus safely and efficiently, this handbook should be used together with:

The vehicle owner’s manual only

Municipal bylaws only

The Manitoba Driver’s Handbook and the Professional Driver’s Manual

The air brake handbook only

23 / 30

Compared to an automobile, a school bus generally has:

Similar stopping distance but faster acceleration

Shorter stopping distance and similar acceleration

Shorter stopping distance and faster acceleration

Longer stopping distance and slower acceleration

24 / 30

Why must school bus drivers rely extensively on mirrors?

To check engine performance

To reduce fuel consumption

To view critical areas around the bus

To avoid using shoulder checks

25 / 30

After passing another vehicle, when is it appropriate to return to the right lane?

Immediately after passing, without signalling

Only when the other driver flashes headlights

After you are at least 1½-bus lengths ahead and have signalled right

As soon as your front bumper is ahead of the other vehicle

26 / 30

During the loading phase at a turnaround, what must you do after students have boarded and loading is complete?

Leave the door open for better visibility

Begin backing immediately with lights still activated

Close the service door to cancel red warning lights, stop arm, and crossing arm, and allow traffic to clear

Turn off all lights and proceed at once

27 / 30

On a two-lane roadway, what must you check before passing?

That your bus can exceed the speed limit briefly

That the shoulder is wide enough to use

That the vehicle ahead has slowed to a near stop

That there is no oncoming traffic and passing is allowed by signs and road markings

28 / 30

If the weight of a vehicle is doubled, to stop in the same distance the braking force must be:

Halved

Doubled

Unchanged

Tripled

29 / 30

For better fuel economy, drivers should:

Avoid quick acceleration and extended engine idling periods

Idle the engine to keep it warm at all times

Use lower gears at all times

Accelerate quickly to reach cruising speed

30 / 30

On which type of roadway are motorists NOT required to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights on the opposite side?

A divided highway separated by a physical barrier

Any road with a double solid line

A two-lane rural road

An urban street with a painted median

Your score is

Topics covered include proper use of mirrors, defensive driving techniques, maintaining safe following distances, and effective braking methods. Candidates must also demonstrate awareness of road signs, signals, and right-of-way rules. Mastery of these fundamentals ensures drivers can safely navigate various traffic conditions and protect their passengers. Passing this section is vital for anyone seeking to become a certified school bus driver in Manitoba, as it lays the foundation for advanced driving skills.