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 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 until only the front casters touch

Tilt it so the chair rests only on one wheel

Tilt it until the passenger is almost lying flat

2 / 25

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

Lower the chair step by step and give verbal commands

Push up from below the chair

Hold only the front of the chair

Guide from the side without touching the chair

3 / 25

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

Let the chair roll freely then stop it at the bottom

Use body weight to hold the chair back

Push quickly to clear each step

Pull only with arm strength

4 / 25

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

One foot in the air for balance

Feet together, knees locked

Leaning forward from the waist

A solid stance to stabilize weight

5 / 25

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

Move the wheelchair sideways to the step

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

Lift the passenger out and carry the chair separately

Push the wheelchair forward facing upstairs

6 / 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 tires out the attendant

It only risks damaging the wheelchair

It only affects the passenger’s comfort

7 / 25

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

Square with the edge of the step

Pointing away from the step

At a slight angle to the edge

Turned inward toward each other

8 / 25

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

Straight knees and bent back

Bent knees and straight back

Knees together, back arched

Knees locked, leaning forward

9 / 25

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

Tape it temporarily

Remove it

Only use it when going up, not down

Ignore it and proceed carefully

10 / 25

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

Only the footrests

The rear wheels only

Only the armrests

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

11 / 25

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

That the handle grips are secure

That the handles are folded down

That the handles are covered with a towel

That the handles are shiny

12 / 25

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

Make sure it is secured at all times

Unbuckle it before moving

Only fasten it when going up, not down

Loosen it so the passenger can shift

13 / 25

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

The strongest person

The person most familiar with the passenger

The tallest person

The lightest person

14 / 25

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

Stop well before reaching the first step

Turn the wheelchair around

Start with the front casters on the first step

Rush to the edge and stop suddenly

15 / 25

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

Any number, it doesn’t matter

One very strong person

Two people

Only the passenger in the wheelchair

16 / 25

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

Sitting sideways to the direction of travel

Leaning forward with feet on the ground

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

Standing slightly in the chair for leverage

17 / 25

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

Their preferred speed

Their physical limitations

Their working hours

Their comfort with the passenger

18 / 25

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

Leave the chair at the edge for a moment

Immediately let go of the handles

Turn the chair to face back down

Move the chair well away from the edge

19 / 25

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

Removable parts such as armrests or footrests

The main frame

The push handles

The wheel rims

20 / 25

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

Each attendant moves independently at their own pace

The lower attendant pulls while the upper pushes

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

21 / 25

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

Standing on the lower step

Listening to verbal commands

Holding the frame

Lifting the front of the wheelchair

22 / 25

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

On the lower step

In line with the non-dominant leg

Off the stairs on the floor

On the higher step

23 / 25

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

In the “V” of the step

On a movable ramp

Hanging over the edge

On the front casters only

24 / 25

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

Only the upper attendant follows procedures

Using only the front wheels on all steps

Completely different from the one-person method

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

25 / 25

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

Facing downstairs

Facing upstairs

At a diagonal to the stairs

Sideways to the stairs

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.