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

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 reset the warning light system

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

To avoid draining the battery

2 / 30

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

Maximum legal speeds for school buses

Required distances between bus stops

Recommended tire pressure values

Minimum following distances for buses at different speeds

3 / 30

Stopping distance will increase when road surfaces are:

Warm and free of debris

Dry and clean

Wet, icy, or snow-covered

Recently paved and marked

4 / 30

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

Open the service door to look and listen

Keep the service door closed at all times

Open all windows instead of the door

Open only the rear emergency door

5 / 30

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

About 90 metres/300 feet from the crossing

Only when you see a train

About 30 metres/100 feet from the crossing

Only when another vehicle is behind you

6 / 30

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

Only when more than five pupils are boarding

Only when pupils are crossing a highway

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

Only during poor visibility conditions

7 / 30

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

Turn off the ignition

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

Immediately apply full brake pressure

Shift into neutral

8 / 30

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

In parking lots away from the bus stop

While the bus is traveling on the highway

Inside the school grounds only

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

9 / 30

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

Immediately accelerate without signaling

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

10 / 30

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

At least ten metres from the school bus

Exactly three metres from the school bus

Any distance, as long as the vehicle is stopped

Not less than five metres from the school bus

11 / 30

When ABS activates during a stop, the driver should:

Immediately release the brakes

Rapidly pump the brake pedal

Maintain brake pressure and not pump the brake pedal

Turn off the ABS system

12 / 30

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

Move closer to the tracks for a better view

Turn around and find another route

Hold the bus position and use the park brake

Proceed if you think you can beat the train

13 / 30

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

Rely solely on the rear-view mirror

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

Ask students to watch through the back window

Sound the horn continuously while backing

14 / 30

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

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

Right at the crossing sign

At least 30 metres/100 feet from the nearest rail

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

15 / 30

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

Interior dome lights

High‑beam headlights

Left turn signal

Hazard warning lights

16 / 30

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

Turn off automatically above 50 km/h

Replace the need for regular brakes

Increase engine power during braking

Monitor and control wheel speed during braking

17 / 30

What is the general rule about backing a school bus?

Back quickly to decrease time in reverse

Back slowly and rely only on mirrors

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

Only back up when students are inside the bus

18 / 30

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

Only when the engine is turned off

Any time the driver checks mirrors first

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

Only when no students are outside the bus

19 / 30

The stopping distances in the chart assume:

Wet surfaces and worn tires

Night driving with poor visibility

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

Icy roads and heavy traffic

20 / 30

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

During bad weather conditions

During school bus evacuation drills in restricted off‑street areas

When on a divided highway

When stopping at a school bus loop

21 / 30

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

Only the parking brake will work

The vehicle has no braking ability

The standard foundation brakes will still function normally

The engine will automatically shut down

22 / 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

While on the tracks to maintain speed

Only after you are completely clear of the railway crossing

Any time during the crossing

23 / 30

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

That they open the windows

That they all exit the bus

Complete silence

That they move to the rear of the bus

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

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

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

Directly on the stop line regardless of distance to the rail

25 / 30

If ABS detects a wheel locking during braking, it:

Limits brake pressure to that wheel only

Locks all wheels equally

Turns off the foundation brakes

Increases brake pressure to all wheels

26 / 30

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

Place transmission in reverse with the park brake off

Leave transmission in drive and hold the accelerator lightly

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

Turn off the engine and leave the transmission in gear

27 / 30

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

Immediately upon seeing students

Only after passing the stop and backing up

A minimum of 30 metres/100 feet from the stop

A minimum of 90 metres/300 feet from the stop

28 / 30

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

When the bus is stopped in a school bus loop

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

When driving under the posted speed limit

When no children are visible

29 / 30

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

In the “On” position

Switched on and off rapidly

Set to automatic mode

In the “Off” position

30 / 30

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

Apply the brakes gradually until stopped

Coast without using the service brake

Apply the parking brake only

Pump the brakes rapidly

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.