Unit F-1: Accident Prevention and Emergencies

The “Accident Prevention and Emergencies” section of the Manitoba School Bus Licence Test evaluates a driver’s ability to ensure student safety in critical situations.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit F-2: Accident Prevention and Emergencies

1 / 30

Which items should be carried on the bus for safe winter operation?

Only a snow brush and an extra tire

A securely stored shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, and warm clothing

A shovel and extra fuel only

Only an ice scraper and blanket

2 / 30

If any part of the school bus is on fire, the driver should:

Stop the bus and evacuate all passengers immediately

Ask students if they want to evacuate

Open all windows but keep everyone on board

Continue driving to the next stop

3 / 30

When taking evasive action, which braking technique should generally be avoided (except with ABS)?

Modulated braking

Gentle pressure on the pedal

Gradual braking well in advance

Locking the brakes, causing the wheels to skid

4 / 30

What is the first step when considering an emergency evacuation of a bus?

Wait for police to arrive before acting

Determine if an evacuation is necessary because students are usually safest on the bus

Call parents before making any decision

Evacuate immediately in all situations

5 / 30

What should you do first when a skid is caused by over-braking?

Turn off the engine immediately

Apply the park brake as hard as possible

Steer sharply in the opposite direction of travel

Release the brake pedal so the wheels start to turn

6 / 30

When you cannot stop in time to avoid an obstruction, what is the correct steering response?

Make a sharp jerk of the steering wheel at the last second

Steer firmly and as gradually as possible to drive around the obstruction

Close your eyes and brake harder

Always steer left into the opposing lane

7 / 30

What is the correct way to use the brakes in a vehicle equipped with ABS?

Avoid braking on wet or icy roads

Use only the parking brake for stopping

Pump the brakes as quickly as possible

Apply the brakes as normal and do not pump the pedal

8 / 30

When should students normally be kept in the bus after an accident?

Only if police order them to stay

Never; they should always be evacuated immediately

Unless circumstances like fire risk or dangerous position require evacuation

Only if parents arrive and approve

9 / 30

What should you do with the fuel tank when temperatures are below freezing?

Keep it as full as possible

Fill it only when the warning light comes on

Let it run low to reduce weight

Keep it at half full

10 / 30

Where is the portable fire extinguisher located on a school bus?

In the luggage compartment

In the rear emergency exit area

Under the driver’s seat

In the driver’s compartment

11 / 30

Which situation could require evacuation because conditions might change and increase danger?

The bus is near a body of water or a precipice where it could move and enter or tip over

The bus is stopped at a traffic light in a city

The bus is at a normal curbside in clear weather

The bus is in a wide, empty parking lot on level ground

12 / 30

In general, when an accident occurs, what must be given first consideration?

The traffic delays caused

Who is at fault for the collision

The safety of students

The condition of the bus

13 / 30

For winter driving, what is recommended for diesel-powered school buses?

Add any available fuel additive at your own discretion

Follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations on fuel additives

Avoid fuel additives completely

Only use fuel additives in warm weather

14 / 30

After an accident, what should the driver do with the bus controls?

Release the park brake to be ready to move

Leave the engine running and transmission in gear

Set the park brake, place the transmission in park or neutral, and turn off the ignition

Turn off the ignition but leave the transmission in drive

15 / 30

After evacuating due to fire or danger of fire, passengers should move to:

A point 30 metres/100 feet or more from the bus and remain there

The nearest building, regardless of instructions

Directly behind the bus, within 5 metres/15 feet

Anywhere they choose as long as they are off the road

16 / 30

What is the primary purpose of the fire axe or crow bar on a school bus?

To secure loose cargo

To test tire pressure

To pry or break open doors, windows, etwhen normal exits cannot be used

To adjust mirrors

17 / 30

What type of fire extinguisher is currently used on school buses?

Water-based extinguisher only

CO₂-only extinguisher

Foam-only extinguisher

3A:40B:C dry chemical fire extinguisher

18 / 30

When contacting the school division dispatch office after an accident, the driver should:

Wait until returning to the school to report

Only state their name and bus number

Provide a clear description of the situation and indicate if police and/or medical help are required

Ask a student to make the report without details

19 / 30

If blizzard conditions make it unsafe to continue driving, what should the driver do first regarding vehicle position and lights?

Stop in the middle of the road with only hazard lights on

Pull as far as practical to the right, leave headlights and marker lamps on, and activate hazard warning lamps and strobe light

Drive slowly in the centre of the road with low beams off

Turn off all lights to conserve battery power

20 / 30

In a skid, the rear of the vehicle may swing out (fishtail). What does “controlled steering” mean in this situation?

Releasing the steering wheel to self-correct

Turning the wheels sharply away from the skid

Turning the wheels in the direction of the skid

Holding the steering wheel rigidly straight

21 / 30

What is the correct first step to operate the fire extinguisher?

Shake it vigorously for one minute

Lay it on its side and roll it

Turn it upside down and tap the base

Remove it from the bracket and pull the safety pin

22 / 30

The driver must evacuate the school bus if its final stopping position:

Is anywhere in a parking lot

Is at a normal roadside bus stop

Is at a school loading zone

Is in the path of any train or on/too close to railway tracks

23 / 30

Under normal traffic conditions, the bus should be visible from what distance to avoid being considered in a dangerous position?

50 metres/165 feet or more

300 metres/1000 feet or more

150 metres/500 feet or more

75 metres/250 feet or more

24 / 30

You press the brake pedal and it slowly sinks to the floor. What is the first action you should take?

Sound the horn continuously

Turn off all electrical systems

Pump the brake pedal

Shift immediately into reverse

25 / 30

When a skid is caused by over-acceleration or over-steering, what is the correct initial response?

Remove pressure from the accelerator smoothly

Press the accelerator harder to straighten out

Shift into neutral and coast without steering

Apply maximum brake pressure

26 / 30

When the ABS activates and you feel a pulsating brake pedal, you should:

Take your foot off the brakes completely

Press the brake pedal to the floor repeatedly

Continue with constant brake pedal pressure

Immediately release and reapply (pump) the brakes

27 / 30

Which of the following can cause a rear wheel skid?

Driving with windows open

Keeping tires properly inflated

Using low-beam headlights at night

Excessive acceleration or speed on curves

28 / 30

If a collision is unavoidable, what should you attempt to do?

Turn into oncoming traffic for more room

Aim directly for the largest object

Maintain speed to clear the obstacle

Reduce speed as much as possible and avoid a head-on collision

29 / 30

How do you know a school bus fire extinguisher is properly charged?

The seal is unbroken

The handle is tight

The gauge needle is in the green area

It feels heavy when lifted

30 / 30

During a blizzard when stopped, where should the driver and students remain?

Inside the bus and keep dry

In a line beside the bus

Outside the bus in the snow

Walking along the road to seek help

Your score is

This section covers accident-prevention techniques such as defensive driving, hazard anticipation, and adjusting driving to weather and road conditions. It also tests knowledge of emergency procedures, including how to respond to accidents, vehicle breakdowns, fires, and other incidents. Drivers must understand proper evacuation methods, how to secure the scene, and ways to communicate with authorities and parents. Successfully mastering this section demonstrates a driver’s readiness to prevent accidents and effectively manage emergencies, keeping everyone safe.