Series 5-35: Mobility Aid and Passenger Restraint Systems

The “Mobility Aid and Passenger Restraint Systems” section of the Alberta School Bus knowledge test evaluates a driver’s competence in securing wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids, as well as using passenger restraint systems properly.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 5-35: Mobility Aid and Passenger Restraint Systems

1 / 20

What is a noted danger of attaching tie-downs around the scooter pedestal or chair frame?

The passenger cannot reach the controls

The pedestal and frame can detach during a collision

The belts will not tighten properly

The scooter will not fit in the securement area

2 / 20

How tight should the tie-down belts be when securing a wheelchair?

Just loosely attached

Secure but not forced

As tight as possible

Tightened until the frame bends slightly

3 / 20

What equipment should scooters ideally have on the rear framework for safe securement?

Extra mirrors

Decorative covers

Clips, bars, or D-rings installed by the manufacturer

Removable seat cushions

4 / 20

If a passenger prefers to use a lap belt attached to the vehicle, where should you attach the first end of the lap belt?

To one of the rear tie-downs

To the shoulder strap anchor point

Directly to the wheelchair frame

To one of the front tie-downs

5 / 20

What is generally considered the safest way for a scooter user to travel on the bus?

Sit sideways on the scooter without belts

Stand holding a grab bar

Remain on the scooter without any restraints

Transfer to a seat and use a lap belt and shoulder strap

6 / 20

How should scooters be secured to the bus floor?

By tying them to nearby seats

By blocking the wheels with wedges

Using the same four-point system used for wheelchairs

With only one belt around the middle

7 / 20

What should be done with the belts when they are not in use or to keep them clean?

Store them under the seats

Keep them off the floor by securing the Velcro tabs

Leave them lying on the floor for quick access

Tie them in knots around the plates

8 / 20

How should you initially position the shoulder strap when attaching it?

Pull it tight before clipping

Attach it to the front tie-downs only

Hold it away from the passenger’s body with one hand while clipping it with the other

Drape it directly over the passenger’s neck first

9 / 20

What key safety point should you explain to passengers who refuse to leave their scooter?

Scooters are uncomfortable on long trips

Scooters damage the bus floor plates

Scooters can easily tip on corners due to their high center of gravity

Scooters use more space than wheelchairs

10 / 20

If a passenger cannot or will not transfer from their scooter, what should be done?

Only secure the passenger, not the scooter

Allow them to remain unsecured if they insist

Secure the scooter with the four-point system and secure the passenger with a lap belt and shoulder strap

Only secure the scooter, not the passenger

11 / 20

When securing a passenger in a wheelchair, what should you check first regarding the passenger’s own equipment?

That their chair has armrests

That their chair’s lap belt (if equipped) is properly secured

That their chair is powered

That their chair has a headrest

12 / 20

What is a potential consequence of over-tightening wheelchair tie-downs?

The belts may not reach the floor plates

The wheelchair may be damaged

The bus suspension may fail

The passenger may slide forward

13 / 20

How should the front of the scooter be secured?

Secure the front by tying belts around the front wheel only

Only secure the front without crossing the belts

Attach both belts to one side of the scooter

Hook each belt to the tiller, crisscross them in front, attach to the two floor plates, and adjust

14 / 20

At what angle should the tie-down belts be positioned relative to the floor?

Approximately 45 degrees

Parallel to the floor

90 degrees straight up

Any angle is acceptable

15 / 20

When using a shoulder strap on a passenger, what is an important consideration?

Apply it as quickly as possible, regardless of comfort

Be sensitive and as unobtrusive as possible

Attach it under the passenger’s arm

Secure it only if the passenger insists

16 / 20

How should a properly tied-down wheelchair feel once fully secured?

Completely rigid with no slight movement allowed

Loose enough to roll slightly

Suspended above the floor

Snug and not wiggling back and forth

17 / 20

What is the safest way to secure the back of the scooter?

Hook the belts to the armrests

Wrap the belts around the rear wheels

Loop the belts through the clip, ring, or bar on the rear framework so belts form 45-degree angles to the floor

Attach the belts only to the seat back

18 / 20

When applying a vehicle lap belt around a passenger, how should you handle the belt?

Thread it through the wheelchair wheels

Pass it around the passenger while holding it away from their body

Pull it tightly against the passenger’s body immediately

Wrap it around the wheelchair armrests

19 / 20

How should the wheelchair be positioned on the bus floor before attaching tie-downs?

Placed diagonally across the plates

Aligned with only the front plates

Centred on the four plates on the floor of the bus

Positioned as close to the wall as possible

20 / 20

For manual wheelchairs, where is the recommended place to hook the tie-down belt?

To the wheel spokes

To the push handles only

To the footrests

To a solid frame member near where the seat meets the seat back

Your score is

Drivers must understand the proper methods for securing mobility aids and fastening seat belts or harnesses to protect passengers during transit. This section highlights the importance of safety checks and following manufacturer guidelines to prevent movement or injury. Ensuring that all equipment is secure and that passengers are safely restrained demonstrates a commitment to accessible, safe transportation for students with additional mobility needs.