Series 5-27: Curbs

The Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test includes a section on safely managing curbs when transporting students in wheelchairs.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-27: Curbs

1 / 9

When going **up and over a curb** with a manual wheelchair, what is the correct direction to approach it?

It does not matter which direction

Go up frontwards, not backwards

Go up backwards, not frontwards

Sideways is preferred

2 / 9

When going **down a curb**, what is the recommended general direction?

It does not matter which direction

Go down backwards, rear wheels first

Go down frontwards, front wheels first

Go down sideways to reduce impact

3 / 9

For passengers who are uncomfortable going down a curb backwards, what is an alternative method?

Go down the curb frontwards

Have the passenger walk down instead

Avoid curbs altogether

Tilt the chair sideways down the curb

4 / 9

When going up a curb, where should the **rear wheels and front wheels** be positioned before you lift the rear wheels?

Rear wheels on the curb, front wheels in the street

Both front and rear wheels still on the street

Both front and rear wheels already on the curb

Rear wheels touching the curb, front wheels on top of the curb

5 / 9

What is a key safety concern when going down a curb backwards?

Lift all wheels off the ground at once

Do not allow the rear wheels to drop off the curb edge suddenly

Push as quickly as possible

Keep the brakes locked during the descent

6 / 9

What is the recommended **stance** for the assistant to ensure stability when lifting the wheelchair up a curb?

Feet together, knees locked straight

Standing on tiptoes for extra height

One foot on the curb and one in the street

Feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly ahead, knees slightly bent

7 / 9

When going **down a curb frontwards**, which sequence is correct?

Keep the chair flat and push hard to get over the edge

Lower the front wheels first and then drop the rear wheels quickly

Roll straight off the curb with all four wheels at once

Tip the chair to its balance point, move to the curb edge, carefully rock the rear wheels down, move away from the curb, then gently return to all four wheels using the tip bar

8 / 9

When preparing to go up a curb, how should you **tilt the wheelchair**?

Tilt the chair to the balance point

Tilt it as far back as possible

Lift only one front wheel at a time

Keep all four wheels flat on the ground

9 / 9

At what **angle** should you approach a curb when taking a manual wheelchair up and over it?

90 degrees

45 degrees

Any angle is acceptable

30 degrees

Your score is

Operators must learn the proper technique to move a wheelchair up or down a curb without risking injury or discomfort. To ascend a curb, the operator should tip the wheelchair back to the balance point, lift the front wheels onto the curb, and then gently push forward. To descend, the back wheels should roll down first, followed by the front. Throughout the process, maintaining control, moving slowly, and communicating with the passenger are crucial. These practices ensure student safety and operator confidence.