Series 5-29: Stairs

The Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test addresses the critical skill of safely navigating stairs with a wheelchair.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-29: Stairs

1 / 25

What is one main role of the upper attendant when going down stairs?

Hold only the front of the chair

Lower the chair step by step and give verbal commands

Guide from the side without touching the chair

Push up from below the chair

2 / 25

When using the one-person method going down, what should you do before the first step?

Rush to the edge and stop suddenly

Turn the wheelchair around

Start with the front casters on the first step

Stop well before reaching the first step

3 / 25

What should the lower attendant avoid doing when going down stairs?

Listening to verbal commands

Holding the frame

Standing on the lower step

Lifting the front of the wheelchair

4 / 25

When going down stairs, where should the “big wheels” rest between steps?

On a movable ramp

Hanging over the edge

On the front casters only

In the “V” of the step

5 / 25

After reaching the top of the stairs when going up, what is the next step?

Turn the chair to face back down

Immediately let go of the handles

Leave the chair at the edge for a moment

Move the chair well away from the edge

6 / 25

Where should the lower attendant hold the wheelchair when assisting on stairs?

Only the footrests

The lower part of the frame, not moveable/removable parts

The rear wheels only

Only the armrests

7 / 25

When going down stairs, how should the attendant control the descent of the wheelchair?

Pull only with arm strength

Let the chair roll freely then stop it at the bottom

Push quickly to clear each step

Use body weight to hold the chair back

8 / 25

What key posture should the attendant maintain when going up stairs?

Knees together, back arched

Bent knees and straight back

Straight knees and bent back

Knees locked, leaning forward

9 / 25

Which wheelchair parts should you never grasp when moving on stairs?

Removable parts such as armrests or footrests

The main frame

The wheel rims

The push handles

10 / 25

Why is it risky to move a wheelchair user on stairs by yourself?

It is difficult and dangerous for both you and the passenger

It only risks damaging the wheelchair

It only tires out the attendant

It only affects the passenger’s comfort

11 / 25

Before rolling the wheelchair over the step edge when going down, how should the wheels be aligned?

At a slight angle to the edge

Square with the edge of the step

Turned inward toward each other

Pointing away from the step

12 / 25

In the two-person method going up stairs, who should be in the back (upper) position?

The strongest person

The lightest person

The tallest person

The person most familiar with the passenger

13 / 25

What kind of body position should an attendant assume when lifting a wheelchair on stairs?

A solid stance to stabilize weight

Feet together, knees locked

One foot in the air for balance

Leaning forward from the waist

14 / 25

Before moving, how should the passenger be positioned in the wheelchair?

Standing slightly in the chair for leverage

Sitting sideways to the direction of travel

Properly seated, feet on footrests, hands/arms away from wheels

Leaning forward with feet on the ground

15 / 25

Before using the wheelchair handles on stairs, what must you check?

That the handles are shiny

That the handles are folded down

That the handles are covered with a towel

That the handle grips are secure

16 / 25

What personal limitation must an attendant never exceed when moving a wheelchair on stairs?

Their working hours

Their comfort with the passenger

Their physical limitations

Their preferred speed

17 / 25

In the two-person method going up stairs, how should the attendants coordinate each step?

They move without speaking to avoid distracting the passenger

On a verbal command from the upper attendant, both lift-roll the wheelchair one step at a time

Each attendant moves independently at their own pace

The lower attendant pulls while the upper pushes

18 / 25

If a handle grip on a wheelchair is loose, what should you do?

Only use it when going up, not down

Tape it temporarily

Remove it

Ignore it and proceed carefully

19 / 25

In the one-person method going down stairs, in which direction should the wheelchair face?

Sideways to the stairs

Facing upstairs

Facing downstairs

At a diagonal to the stairs

20 / 25

What should you do with the lap belt when moving a wheelchair on stairs?

Unbuckle it before moving

Loosen it so the passenger can shift

Make sure it is secured at all times

Only fasten it when going up, not down

21 / 25

In the two-person method going down stairs, what general procedures are followed?

Completely different from the one-person method

The same as the one-person method, with the chair facing down and tilted to balance

Using only the front wheels on all steps

Only the upper attendant follows procedures

22 / 25

In the one-person method going up stairs, how should you approach the first step?

Lift the passenger out and carry the chair separately

Back the wheelchair toward the first step and tip to the balance point

Push the wheelchair forward facing upstairs

Move the wheelchair sideways to the step

23 / 25

When moving a person in a wheelchair on stairs, what is the preferred number of attendants?

Only the passenger in the wheelchair

One very strong person

Two people

Any number, it doesn’t matter

24 / 25

What is meant by “tilt the chair to the balance point” when going down stairs?

Tilt it just enough so weight is balanced over the large rear wheels

Tilt it so the chair rests only on one wheel

Tilt it until only the front casters touch

Tilt it until the passenger is almost lying flat

25 / 25

For going up stairs, where should the dominant leg be placed?

On the higher step

Off the stairs on the floor

On the lower step

In line with the non-dominant leg

Your score is

Operators must never attempt to carry a student in a wheelchair up or down stairs alone, as this poses significant safety risks. If stair navigation is unavoidable, always seek additional assistance and use proper lifting techniques to ensure the wheelchair remains level and secure. Communication with the passenger and team members is essential throughout the process. Operators should be familiar with alternative accessible routes whenever possible. Understanding these guidelines promotes student safety, reduces the risk of injury, and demonstrates responsible school bus operation.