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

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

Keep them pointed straight ahead

Turn them toward the right

Turn them toward the left

It does not matter which way they point

2 / 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 shift after the turn

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

Maintain speed and shift during the turn

3 / 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

4 / 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 has more mirrors

Because the bus stops more quickly

Because the bus is larger and less maneuverable

5 / 15

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

Approximately 5 metres before the turn

Approximately 30 metres before the turn

At the exact point of turning

Only if traffic is heavy

6 / 15

Which steering method is recommended during a turn?

Gripping the wheel and not moving your hands at all

One-hand steering at the bottom of the wheel

Hand-over-hand method

Spinning the wheel freely

7 / 15

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

The right-most lane available

Any lane you prefer

The left-most lane available

The center lane only

8 / 15

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

To use less steering effort

To reduce tire wear

To make the turn faster

To avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind

9 / 15

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

The bus must be under control at all times

It must be the same as car steering

It must be the newest method

It must use only one hand

10 / 15

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

Either lane at random

The outer (right-most) left turning lane

The center of both lanes

The inner (left-most) left turning lane

11 / 15

What is the correct action when recovering from a turn?

Release the wheel and let it return on its own

Shift gears while the wheel returns

Accelerate hard so the wheel straightens itself

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

12 / 15

When turning right, which lane should you take?

The left-most lane available

The center lane

Any lane that is open

The right-most lane available

13 / 15

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

Look only in the rear-view mirror

Use mirror/shoulder/signal/shoulder check

Rely on other drivers to avoid you

Signal first, then check mirrors only

14 / 15

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

Change lanes without signaling

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

Stay in the left lane as long as possible

Stop and check mirrors before changing lanes

15 / 15

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

Approximately 10 metres before the turn

Only when there is oncoming traffic

Approximately 100 metres before the turn

Only if turning left

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.