Series 5-26: Bumps and Rough Ground

The Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test covers the essential topic of handling “Bumps and Rough Ground” when transporting students in wheelchairs.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-26: Bumps and Rough Ground

1 / 12

What stance and body technique should you use when pulling the wheelchair backwards over rough ground?

Step backwards an arm’s length away and pull using your leg muscles

Stand very close and pull only with your arms

Lean far forward and pull with your back

Walk sideways and twist your body as you pull

2 / 12

After tipping the chair to clear a bump, how should you move it past the obstacle?

Rock the chair back and forth over the bump

Lift the chair completely off the ground

Keep your foot on the tip bar and push the chair past the bump

Pull the chair backward quickly

3 / 12

What should you do first when approaching a bump such as a crack, door jamb, or stone?

Ask the passenger to stand up and walk over the bump

Push harder to force the casters over the bump

Turn the wheelchair sharply to one side

Tip the wheelchair slightly using the tipping bar until the casters are clear of the bump

4 / 12

In some cases on rough terrain, why might moving backwards be easier?

The small front wheels can dig in when going forward, making it harder and rougher

The rear wheels are weaker when moving forward

The brakes only work in reverse

Passengers prefer traveling backwards

5 / 12

If the wheelchair does not have pull handles or tip bars, what should you do?

Refuse to move the wheelchair

Push directly through obstacles without tilting

Ask the passenger what to do

Attempt to tilt it using only the front frame

6 / 12

After you have cleared the rough area while moving backwards, what is the final step?

Ask the passenger to stand up briefly

Spin the wheelchair to check balance

Push the wheelchair forward quickly to test stability

Stop and gently return all four wheels to the ground

7 / 12

How should you set the wheelchair down after passing a bump?

Quickly, to save time

By dropping the front wheels so they hit the ground firmly

By asking the passenger to lift their weight

Gently, returning the front wheels to the ground smoothly

8 / 12

Why is it important to use special techniques when leaving a smooth surface for grass, mud, snow, or gravel?

To reduce wear on the rear tires

To keep the brakes cool

To avoid getting the operator’s shoes dirty

To prevent the front wheels from digging in and causing a fall

9 / 12

When a small front wheel hits a crack or stone and stops suddenly, what is the main risk to the person in the wheelchair?

The brakes may disengage

The rear wheels may lock

The footrests may detach

They may fall out of the wheelchair

10 / 12

When moving forward on fairly level rough ground, what is the correct technique?

Tip the chair to the balance point and push forward until you clear the rough ground

Keep all four wheels on the ground and push as hard as possible

Only move using short, jerky pushes

Ask the passenger to lean forward over their knees

11 / 12

Why is the “balance point” used on rough ground?

It prevents the rear wheels from turning

The big rear wheels are easier to maneuver or turn on rough ground than the small front wheels

It makes the wheelchair lighter

It locks the brakes automatically

12 / 12

What should you do before pulling the chair backwards over rough ground?

Lower the seat to the ground

Check the ground in the direction of travel and look over your shoulder

Lock the rear wheels

Turn the passenger to face sideways

Your score is

School bus operators must understand how to safely navigate uneven surfaces to prevent injury or discomfort. When approaching bumps or rough terrain, operators should reduce speed, maintain a firm grip on the wheelchair, and ensure the passenger is securely positioned. Move slowly and steadily, keeping the wheelchair as level as possible to avoid tipping. Clear communication with the passenger is vital throughout the process. Mastery of this skill ensures students’ safety and comfort, reflecting responsible and professional transport practices.