Unit E-1: Defensive Driving

The “Defensive Driving” section of the Manitoba School Bus Knowledge Test is crucial for ensuring the safety of students and road users.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit E-1: Defensive Driving

1 / 30

In wildlife crossing areas, the defensive action the driver should usually take is to:

Speed up to clear the area quickly

Turn off headlights to avoid startling animals

Swerve sharply to avoid all animals

Slow down rather than swerving or hitting the animal if possible

2 / 30

Your bus may not be readily seen by another driver when:

The sun is in the other driver’s eyes

It is a clear day with the sun behind them

You are using headlights in daylight

The bus is stopped at a marked bus stop

3 / 30

A driver not adjusting to specific conditions may:

Fail to respond properly to obstructions or slippery surfaces

Increase following distance in poor conditions

Reduce speed on ice or snow

Slow down for narrow bridges and curves

4 / 30

Which of the following is listed as a condition to which defensive driving must be applied?

School scheduling

Fuel prices

Passenger hobbies

Driver condition

5 / 30

Which three-step formula summarizes defensive driving?

Recognize hazards, decide on the defence, act in time

Speed up, pass, change lanes

Signal, turn, stop

Start, steer, stop

6 / 30

Many accidents attributed to mechanical defects are actually due to drivers who:

Fail to report defects or ensure repairs are made

Use the horn too frequently

Refuel too often

Wash the vehicle regularly

7 / 30

Why is it imperative that all school bus mechanical components are inspected thoroughly?

Because it is recommended for fuel efficiency

Because the driver is responsible for safe student transportation and the safety of other motorists

To avoid getting traffic tickets for minor defects

To improve the appearance of the bus

8 / 30

What should a driver do if they are suspicious about a potential mechanical problem?

Wait to see if the problem gets worse

Ask another driver if it is safe and keep driving

Ignore it if the bus seems to run normally

Have it checked before operating the bus

9 / 30

Adverse weather conditions in the context of defensive driving are:

The responsibility of passengers

One of the conditions to which the defensive driving formula must be applied

Only important on highways

Not relevant if the bus is new

10 / 30

A lack of communication by another driver may be indicated by:

Proper use of turn signals and brake lights

A vehicle slowing in the roadway without signalling

A clearly signalled lane change

Hazard lights used when stopping

11 / 30

What do accident investigators now say is the main cause of traffic accidents?

Poor weather

Mechanical failure

Human error

Road design

12 / 30

An example of your bus affecting other drivers is:

Keeping a safe following distance

Using proper gradual braking

Signalling well in advance of turns

Stopping too quickly for a following vehicle to stop in time

13 / 30

Which of the following is another condition covered by defensive driving in this unit?

Vehicle condition

Brand of tires

Number of mirrors

Colour of the bus

14 / 30

A clue that another driver may be losing control of their vehicle is:

Turning too fast or sharply

Maintaining a large following distance

Using turn signals well in advance

Driving at a constant speed in a straight line

15 / 30

According to recent studies, approximately what percentage of traffic accidents are due to human error?

95–99 percent

50–60 percent

25–30 percent

5–10 percent

16 / 30

Many crashes blamed on road conditions are actually caused by drivers who:

Avoid using the brakes on slippery roads

Drive only during daylight

Fail to adjust their driving to road or hazardous conditions

Use their headlights too often

17 / 30

What is the best way to ensure all items of the school bus are inspected before a run?

Only check the lights and tires

Use a Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Ask students to watch for problems

Rely on memory and experience

18 / 30

Another driver may have failed to observe your bus when:

They approach an intersection from the side without slowing

They slow, signal, and stop at a sign

They stay well behind the stop line

They make eye contact with you and yield

19 / 30

In dense fog, heavy rain, or snow, how should headlights be used?

Flash headlights continuously

Turn headlights off and use parking lights only

Keep headlights on low beam

Use high beams for maximum visibility

20 / 30

According to Manitoba Regulation 465/88R, what must a school bus driver do regarding the bus’s condition each day?

Inspect the bus weekly unless otherwise instructed

Only check the bus if a problem is suspected

Rely on maintenance staff to find defects during scheduled service

Determine the safe condition of the school bus by daily inspection and report any defect

21 / 30

What should be done with the roof strobe light in conditions of reduced visibility?

Turn it off to avoid distracting other drivers

Use it only when stopped

Ensure it is flashing

Use it only during daylight hours

22 / 30

When rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility, what should a driver do first?

Use high beam headlights at all times

Turn off all lights to reduce glare

Maintain normal speed to keep traffic flowing

Adjust driving to conditions and take extra precautions

23 / 30

Man-made conditions in this unit refers to:

Only construction zones

Only mechanical failures

Situations created by people that require defensive driving

Only traffic lights and signs

24 / 30

When visibility is severely reduced by rain, snow squalls, or thick fog, what is an appropriate action?

Increase speed to pass the bad area quickly

Follow closely behind another vehicle to use its lights

Stop immediately in your lane with hazard lights on

Leave the roadway at a safe spot to “sit out” the conditions

25 / 30

A clue that another driver may soon pull out from the curb is:

A vehicle covered in snow and clearly unused

A parked car with a driver inside, engine running, or wheels turned

A car parked in a designated no-parking zone

A parked car with no one in it and no exhaust

26 / 30

Which of the following best describes the purpose of defensive driving?

To reduce wear and tear on the vehicle

To help the driver avoid hazardous situations

To impress other drivers with skill

To allow the driver to travel faster

27 / 30

When should major mechanical deficiencies be corrected?

Only after a breakdown occurs

At the end of the school year

Before your run

When it is convenient for the maintenance staff

28 / 30

Slow-moving or frequently stopping vehicles that require extra attention include:

Only cars with trailers

Emergency vehicles using sirens

Sports cars and motorcycles

Farm vehicles, underpowered vehicles, trucks on hills, buses, and delivery vehicles

29 / 30

When sharing the road, a key aspect of defensive driving is to:

Observe the driving behaviour of other motorists

Focus only on your own vehicle position

Assume other drivers will always obey rules

Ignore vehicles not directly in front of you

30 / 30

What should a driver do if snow or ice builds up on the bus’s front or rear windows?

Open a window and look out the side

Stop the bus and remove it

Wait until the next scheduled stop to clear it

Turn the heater to maximum and keep driving

Your score is

This section evaluates a driver’s ability to anticipate hazards, maintain a safe following distance, and react appropriately to unpredictable situations. Defensive driving principles include staying alert, managing distractions, and frequently using mirrors. Drivers are expected to yield the right-of-way, adhere to speed limits, and adjust to weather or road conditions. Knowledge of defensive driving helps prevent accidents and contributes to a safer school environment. Mastery of these skills is essential for anyone seeking to operate a school bus in Manitoba.