Unit D-2: Driving Fundamentals

The “Driving Fundamentals” section of the Manitoba School Bus practice test is designed to evaluate a driver’s core knowledge of safe and effective driving techniques specific to school bus operation.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit D-2: Driving Fundamentals

1 / 30

What should you do with the service door while checking for trains at a railway crossing?

Open all windows instead of the door

Open the service door to look and listen

Open only the rear emergency door

Keep the service door closed at all times

2 / 30

If ABS detects a wheel locking during braking, it:

Turns off the foundation brakes

Limits brake pressure to that wheel only

Increases brake pressure to all wheels

Locks all wheels equally

3 / 30

Which is the correct procedure for the transmission and brakes when stopped at a railway crossing?

Leave transmission in drive and hold the accelerator lightly

Turn off the engine and leave the transmission in gear

Place transmission in neutral and secure the bus with the service brake or park brake

Place transmission in reverse with the park brake off

4 / 30

When is a school bus driver allowed to back up on school grounds?

Only when the engine is turned off

Only when no students are outside the bus

Any time the driver checks mirrors first

Only with permission and under the supervision of the principal or a person assigned by the principal

5 / 30

After releasing the accelerator to use the engine or exhaust brake, you should:

Coast without using the service brake

Apply the brakes gradually until stopped

Apply the parking brake only

Pump the brakes rapidly

6 / 30

Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) on school buses:

Turn off automatically above 50 km/h

Increase engine power during braking

Monitor and control wheel speed during braking

Replace the need for regular brakes

7 / 30

The total stopping distances in the chart are intended to be interpreted as:

Required distances between bus stops

Maximum legal speeds for school buses

Minimum following distances for buses at different speeds

Recommended tire pressure values

8 / 30

What should you request from passengers at a railway crossing to help you detect an approaching train?

That they all exit the bus

Complete silence

That they move to the rear of the bus

That they open the windows

9 / 30

After stopping at a railway crossing, which lights must you activate on the school bus?

High‑beam headlights

Hazard warning lights

Left turn signal

Interior dome lights

10 / 30

When approaching a railway crossing, when should you begin slowing down and activate your right turn signal?

Only when you see a train

About 30 metres/100 feet from the crossing

Only when another vehicle is behind you

About 90 metres/300 feet from the crossing

11 / 30

When driving a school bus with a manual transmission over railway tracks, when may you shift gears?

Just as your front wheels touch the first rail

Any time during the crossing

Only after you are completely clear of the railway crossing

While on the tracks to maintain speed

12 / 30

When must a Manitoba school bus driver operate all warning lamps and other warning systems?

When pupils are getting on or off, or are about to get on or off the bus

Only during poor visibility conditions

Only when more than five pupils are boarding

Only when pupils are crossing a highway

13 / 30

When backing a bus and visibility is limited, what is the safest action for the driver to take?

Get out and look behind the bus, and use a guide if possible

Rely solely on the rear-view mirror

Ask students to watch through the back window

Sound the horn continuously while backing

14 / 30

What is the only exception to the requirement to use school bus warning lamps during loading and unloading?

When on a divided highway

During bad weather conditions

When stopping at a school bus loop

During school bus evacuation drills in restricted off‑street areas

15 / 30

How far must a driver of a vehicle stop from a school bus with red warning lamps operating?

Not less than five metres from the school bus

Exactly three metres from the school bus

Any distance, as long as the vehicle is stopped

At least ten metres from the school bus

16 / 30

Where should you stop a school bus at a railway crossing in any non‑restricted speed area?

Not less than 15 metres/50 feet from the nearest rail

Not less than 5 metres/16 feet from the nearest rail

At least 30 metres/100 feet from the nearest rail

Right at the crossing sign

17 / 30

What is the general rule about backing a school bus?

Back slowly and rely only on mirrors

Only back up when students are inside the bus

Back quickly to decrease time in reverse

Do not back up unless it is necessary and you are sure what is behind you

18 / 30

Stopping distance will increase when road surfaces are:

Warm and free of debris

Recently paved and marked

Wet, icy, or snow-covered

Dry and clean

19 / 30

When driving on slippery roads, the exhaust or engine brake switch should be:

In the “On” position

Set to automatic mode

In the “Off” position

Switched on and off rapidly

20 / 30

Under what condition may a driver on a divided highway legally pass a stopped school bus with red warning lights activated?

When no children are visible

When the bus is on a different roadway of the same highway

When driving under the posted speed limit

When the bus is stopped in a school bus loop

21 / 30

The stopping distances in the chart assume:

Night driving with poor visibility

Icy roads and heavy traffic

Dry surfaces, good tires and brakes, and an alert driver

Wet surfaces and worn tires

22 / 30

When stopping a bus equipped with an engine or exhaust brake, the first step is to:

Shift into neutral

Turn off the ignition

Immediately apply full brake pressure

Release the accelerator so the engine or exhaust brake can slow the bus

23 / 30

Where do most fatal accidents involving students being transported by school bus occur?

While the bus is traveling on the highway

At the bus stop during loading, unloading, or just before/after

In parking lots away from the bus stop

Inside the school grounds only

24 / 30

Where should you stop a school bus at a railway crossing in a restricted speed area?

Any distance as long as you can see both ways

Directly on the stop line regardless of distance to the rail

Not less than 15 metres/50 feet from the nearest rail

Not less than 5 metres/16 feet from the nearest rail

25 / 30

When approaching a designated route stop under ideal road conditions, when should the bus driver begin to slow down?

A minimum of 90 metres/300 feet from the stop

A minimum of 30 metres/100 feet from the stop

Only after passing the stop and backing up

Immediately upon seeing students

26 / 30

When ABS activates during a stop, the driver should:

Maintain brake pressure and not pump the brake pedal

Turn off the ABS system

Immediately release the brakes

Rapidly pump the brake pedal

27 / 30

If a train is approaching while you are stopped at a railway crossing, what must you do?

Turn around and find another route

Hold the bus position and use the park brake

Move closer to the tracks for a better view

Proceed if you think you can beat the train

28 / 30

If the ABS warning light comes on and the ABS feature fails, the driver should know that:

The standard foundation brakes will still function normally

Only the parking brake will work

The vehicle has no braking ability

The engine will automatically shut down

29 / 30

If no train is approaching after you have stopped at a railway crossing, what should you do before proceeding?

Reverse away from the crossing

Close the service door, cancel hazard lights, signal left, check traffic, and cross quickly

Sound the horn continuously while crossing

Immediately accelerate without signaling

30 / 30

Why should a driver turn off the engine if the bus is stopped for more than several minutes?

To reduce noise for nearby houses

To avoid draining the battery

To reset the warning light system

To prevent exhaust fumes from entering the bus and to conserve fuel

Your score is

It covers essential topics such as mirror usage, proper steering control, safe acceleration and braking, and maintaining appropriate following distances. This section also tests drivers’ understanding of road signs, right-of-way rules, and defensive driving strategies. Practicing these questions helps future school bus drivers build confidence and competence behind the wheel, ensuring they prioritize student safety and comply with Manitoba’s traffic regulations. Mastery of driving fundamentals is key to success on the actual test.