Series 3-3: Steering and Turning

The “Steering and Turning” section of the Alberta School Bus practice test focuses on a driver’s ability to control the bus safely and accurately during various maneuvers.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-3: Steering and Turning

1 / 15

Why does operating a school bus require more room than driving a standard automobile?

Because traffic laws are different for buses

Because the bus stops more quickly

Because the bus is larger and less maneuverable

Because the bus has more mirrors

2 / 15

Why should your front wheels be kept straight while waiting to turn left?

To reduce tire wear

To avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind

To make the turn faster

To use less steering effort

3 / 15

What must you do with your speed and gears before executing a turn?

Increase speed and stay in the same gear

Reduce speed and downshift to the proper gear needed for the turn

Maintain speed and shift during the turn

Reduce speed and shift after the turn

4 / 15

Which steering method is recommended during a turn?

Gripping the wheel and not moving your hands at all

Hand-over-hand method

Spinning the wheel freely

One-hand steering at the bottom of the wheel

5 / 15

When turning left (with no special arrows or markings), which lane should you take?

Any lane you prefer

The center lane only

The right-most lane available

The left-most lane available

6 / 15

When turning right, which lane should you take?

Any lane that is open

The center lane

The left-most lane available

The right-most lane available

7 / 15

What should you do with your front wheels when stopped waiting to turn left?

Turn them toward the left

It does not matter which way they point

Keep them pointed straight ahead

Turn them toward the right

8 / 15

What is the correct action when recovering from a turn?

Shift gears while the wheel returns

Release the wheel and let it return on its own

Maintain control of the steering wheel; do not let it spin freely

Accelerate hard so the wheel straightens itself

9 / 15

In rural areas, when should you signal before making a turn?

Only when there is oncoming traffic

Approximately 100 metres before the turn

Only if turning left

Approximately 10 metres before the turn

10 / 15

What is the key requirement for any steering method you use?

It must use only one hand

It must be the same as car steering

It must be the newest method

The bus must be under control at all times

11 / 15

What is the correct procedure regarding gear shifting during a turn?

Never shift gears during a turn

Only downshift during the turn

Shift gears as quickly as possible in the turn

Shift gears midway through the turn

12 / 15

On a dual-lane left turn, which left-turning lane is preferable?

The center of both lanes

Either lane at random

The outer (right-most) left turning lane

The inner (left-most) left turning lane

13 / 15

After completing a left turn on a multi-lane road, what should you do?

Resume speed, signal right, and move into the right lane as soon as practical

Change lanes without signaling

Stop and check mirrors before changing lanes

Stay in the left lane as long as possible

14 / 15

In urban areas, when should you signal before making a turn?

Approximately 30 metres before the turn

At the exact point of turning

Approximately 5 metres before the turn

Only if traffic is heavy

15 / 15

Before making a turn, what must you do to check surrounding traffic?

Rely on other drivers to avoid you

Use mirror/shoulder/signal/shoulder check

Look only in the rear-view mirror

Signal first, then check mirrors only

Your score is

This section evaluates essential skills, including hand-over-hand steering, wide turns, and proper signaling before turning. Drivers must understand how to adjust their steering for the bus’s size and weight, especially when navigating intersections and tight corners. Mastery of steering and turning techniques ensures smoother rides and greater safety for students. Successfully completing this section demonstrates a driver’s readiness to handle real-world driving situations with confidence and professionalism.