Series 2-11: What Professional Operators Can Do

The “What Professional Operators Can Do” chapter in the Alberta School Bus practice test highlights the key responsibilities of professional school bus drivers.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 2-11: What Professional Operators Can Do

1 / 25

During a conference, what question should the operator ask to reaffirm the passenger’s knowledge of safety?

“Do you know how many rules you’ve broken?”

“Why don’t you ever listen?”

“What could happen to you if you are not seated and the bus has to suddenly stop or swerve?”

“Isn’t this embarrassing for you?”

2 / 25

What physical contact with passengers is generally permitted as positive recognition?

A hug for every student each day

A pat on the head

A tap on the shoulder to get attention

A congratulatory high five

3 / 25

Which of the following is NOT one of the acceptable consequences listed? [[34–35]]

Assigned seat

Immediate expulsion from school

Warning

Conference with the principal

4 / 25

Where and how should a conference with a passenger ideally take place?

While driving so time is not wasted

Alone with the door locked

At school, outside the bus, with another adult present if possible

In front of all other passengers for example’s sake

5 / 25

Which of the following is a listed responsibility related to windows?

Yell out of open windows only at stops

Throw away garbage through open windows

Open all windows whenever possible

Ensure nothing is extended or tossed outside through open windows

6 / 25

What must be true about the application of consequences?

They should be harsher with younger students

They should be random to discourage bad behaviour

They should vary depending on how much the operator likes the passenger

They must be applied consistently and equally to every passenger

7 / 25

Who is ultimately in control of the situation on the bus?

The bus operator

The school principal

The oldest passenger

The student council representative

8 / 25

Why is it helpful to have the passenger suggest their own solution to the problem?

It guarantees they will never misbehave again

It allows other students to vote on the solution

There is a better chance it will work because it is their solution

It removes all responsibility from the operator

9 / 25

What must passengers do while the bus is in motion?

Move freely if they are quiet

Remain seated until the operator says they can get up and exit

Stand if they are near their stop

Sit only if they feel unsafe

10 / 25

What atmosphere should operators try to create among passengers?

Friendly cooperation

Strict silence at all times

Competitive behaviour among students

Fear of punishment

11 / 25

What phrase should operators avoid using when explaining guidelines and limits?

“For your own safety”

“This is school policy”

“Because I said so!”

“Please listen carefully”

12 / 25

When discussing behaviour with a passenger, what should the operator avoid doing?

Nagging and over-explaining

Referring to safety at all

Listening to the passenger

Asking any questions

13 / 25

How do you describe consequences?

As optional suggestions

As punishments that come without reason

As a direct result of the passenger’s chosen action

As unrelated to the passenger’s behaviour

14 / 25

When should the operator outline responsibilities and expectations to passengers?

Only after the first major incident

At the end of the first month of school

In the afternoon on the first or second day of school

Only at the beginning of winter

15 / 25

What is a key way for the operator to demonstrate leadership to passengers?

Enforce rules without giving any reasons

Show by their behaviour that they care about the passengers

Never speak to passengers unless correcting them

Frequently remind passengers that the operator is in charge

16 / 25

What should the bus operator try their best to avoid when dealing with passengers?

Asking passengers questions

Speaking to parents

Losing their temper

Giving any warnings

17 / 25

What is specifically listed as a passenger responsibility regarding the bus operator?

Always obey the directions of the bus operator

Help the operator drive the bus

Set their own rules for the bus

Decide when the bus should stop

18 / 25

What does “progressively negative choice” involve?

Offering only one possible action

Asking the principal to decide every consequence

Giving the passenger a choice where one option is more unpleasant

Allowing passengers to choose no consequence

19 / 25

Which behaviour must passengers stop, according to the responsibilities?

Fighting, teasing, and bullying

Smiling at others

Talking politely to friends

Quietly reading books

20 / 25

After three warnings, what is normally the next consequence?

Assigned seat, usually front passenger side

Calling the police

Moving the passenger to the back of the bus

Immediate suspension from the bus

21 / 25

How often should the operator review passenger responsibilities during the year?

Only at the start of the school year

Every single day

At each season change and after major holidays

Only after a student is suspended

22 / 25

In the example of “progressively negative choice,” what are the two options given?

Call parents or write an apology

Change buses or walk home

Remain seated or move to the front seat

Sit in the back or stand in the aisle

23 / 25

How should operators view the value and responsibilities of people on the bus?

Every person, including the operator, has equal value and deserves equal respect

Only well-behaved passengers deserve respect

The operator has more value than the passengers

Older students have more value than younger ones

24 / 25

How can the operator positively reinforce a passenger with a short attention span who has remained seated?

Ignore the behaviour until they misbehave

Wait to praise them until the end of the school year

Thank them shortly before their usual limit, e.g., “Thank you for remaining seated”

Only speak to them if they stand up

25 / 25

For serious incidents such as fighting, which consequence level should be used immediately?

Just a verbal warning

No action until parents complain

Only an assigned seat change

Communication/conference with the principal (level four)

Your score is

It emphasizes maintaining a safe and respectful environment for students, adhering strictly to traffic laws, and practicing defensive driving. Operators are encouraged to communicate effectively with passengers, parents, and school officials, and to remain calm in challenging situations. Regular vehicle inspections and emergency preparedness are also covered. By mastering these skills, professional operators ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board, reflecting the high standards expected of Alberta’s school bus drivers.