Series 5-24: Ten Tips for Wheelchair Handling

The “Ten Tips for Wheelchair Handling” section in the Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test provides essential guidance for safely assisting students in wheelchairs.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-24: Ten Tips for Wheelchair Handling

1 / 10

What should you always do before making any movement with the wheelchair (like turning or going over a bump)?

Ask bystanders for permission

Test the brakes repeatedly

Inform the passenger what you are about to do

Tilt the chair back fully

2 / 10

When handling a wheelchair, what should you do before you start moving the passenger?

Check the tire pressure

Lock the brakes permanently

Remove the footrests

Ask the passenger if they have any questions

3 / 10

What equipment issues should you watch out for while handling a wheelchair?

Shiny paint on the frame

Color of the seat cushion

Loose handle grips or armrests not properly locked in place

Style of the passenger’s clothing

4 / 10

What should you use to judge distances when pushing a wheelchair?

The back of the wheelchair

The front of the foot pedals

The middle of the seat

The passenger’s head

5 / 10

If a bump or crack cannot be avoided, what is the correct way to handle it?

Pull the chair backward rapidly

Push harder so the chair jumps the obstacle

Lift the passenger out of the chair

Tip the chair over the obstacle and use the tip bar to lower the front wheels with control

6 / 10

At what speed should you push a wheelchair?

At a normal walking speed

Only at the same pace as other wheelchairs

As fast as possible to save time

Very slowly at all times

7 / 10

Where should you be looking while pushing a wheelchair?

Only at the floor right in front of your feet

Only at the wheels

Directly at the passenger’s face

At least three metres (10 feet) ahead and along the sides of the chair

8 / 10

How should you deal with small cracks or bumps in the path?

Speed up to get over them quickly

Slow down and go around them if possible

Ignore them and push straight through

Ask the passenger to lift their own chair

9 / 10

Which of the following best describes how you should handle a wheelchair overall?

By letting the passenger control everything without guidance

Carefully, without banging or rough handling, for the safety of the passenger and the chair

As roughly as needed to move quickly

With one hand while using your phone

10 / 10

Why is it important to judge distances by the front of the foot pedals?

Because the pedals are easier to see than the wheels

Because the pedals never move

Because the passenger’s feet will extend beyond the footrests

Because the pedals are the heaviest part of the chair

Your score is

Drivers are taught to always lock the wheelchair’s brakes before loading or unloading and to use ramps or lifts properly. Securing the wheelchair with approved tie-downs and ensuring the student’s seatbelt is fastened are critical steps. The section also covers communication with the student to ensure comfort and safety throughout the journey. Proper wheelchair handling minimizes risks and promotes the student’s dignity. Mastery of these tips helps drivers provide safe, respectful, and inclusive transportation for all.