Unit E-2: Defensive Driving

The “Defensive Driving” section of the Manitoba School Bus Driver Test plays a vital role in promoting road safety.

Manitoba School Bus Test - Unit E-2: Defensive Driving

1 / 30

Compared to daytime, how much more dangerous is night driving in terms of death rate per kilometre driven?

Twice as great at night

Three times greater at night

About the same as daytime

Half as great at night

2 / 30

Conditions alongside the road, such as shoulders and guardrails, should be:

Considered harmless in all situations

Checked only at night

Ignored unless you have already left the roadway

Included in your scanning and evaluated as potential hazards

3 / 30

How can personal problems affect a school bus driver?

They have no impact on driving

They can reduce concentration and ability to cope with passengers

They always improve alertness

They only affect driving at night

4 / 30

Why is it important to keep a contact list in the bus?

To track students’ attendance

So the driver can quickly seek assistance when needed

To hand out to students’ parents

For scheduling school events

5 / 30

When approaching areas where children or pedestrians may be present (such as school bus stops, playgrounds, or residential areas), what is the safest driving practice for a bus driver?

Maintain normal speed unless pedestrians are already on the roadway

Rely on pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to the bus

Approach with extreme caution, scan carefully for pedestrians from all directions, and be prepared to stop

Use the horn frequently so pedestrians know the bus is coming

6 / 30

School bus stops should be approached:

Only using mirrors, not direct observation

With extreme caution

While focusing only on traffic behind the bus

At normal speed without extra attention

7 / 30

When driving in off-street areas (e.g., parking lots), the driver should:

Be alert to pedestrians entering or crossing from any direction

Focus only on marked lanes, not pedestrians

Ignore pedestrians unless they are in crosswalks

Drive quickly to clear the area

8 / 30

How can a hat help when driving in bright sunlight?

It allows you to avoid using visors

The peak helps protect your vision

It eliminates the need for sunglasses

It keeps the driver warm, improving alertness

9 / 30

Which action may indicate a mechanical problem that the driver can detect by feel?

Stable handling on straight roads

Loss of power, steering, brakes, transmission failure, or a tire blowout

Smooth acceleration with normal response

A comfortable ride with no vibration

10 / 30

On snow- or ice-covered roads, you can help judge road friction by:

Ignoring other vehicles and assuming good traction

Relying only on road signs for friction information

Noting whether other vehicles are skidding

Speeding up to “test” the surface

11 / 30

The early stage of rainfall is especially hazardous because:

Water mixes with oil, making the surface very slippery

Potholes disappear in light rain

The road surface immediately gains extra traction

Visibility is always perfect

12 / 30

Bridges in colder temperatures require special caution because:

They are always dry

They are always rough, not slippery

They prevent ice from forming

They tend to freeze faster than the road surfaces

13 / 30

A key question for driver condition is:

Is the bus the correct colour?

Are you mentally and physically ready to drive?

Is the fuel tank exactly half full?

Are the passengers all on time?

14 / 30

If you are experiencing fatigue, illness, or problems with eyesight or hearing, you should:

Avoid telling your supervisor

Drive anyway but more slowly

Consider not driving and seek medical advice if unsure

Only drive short distances

15 / 30

If you need practice in manoeuvres or using safety equipment, you should:

Practise on busy roads with passengers aboard

Ask your supervisor for help and practice on your own in an empty bus

Avoid practising and rely on instinct

Practice only when the bus is full

16 / 30

Which of the following is recommended for driving in bright sunlight?

Look directly at the sun to judge its position

Rely only on the sun visor

Carry sunglasses and use them when necessary

Avoid using sunglasses so eyes stay adjusted

17 / 30

What should a driver do if they are uncertain whether a mechanical problem is a safety hazard during a run?

Stop the bus and seek assistance

Continue driving to the next scheduled stop

Turn the radio up to ignore noises

Ask the students if they think it is serious

18 / 30

Near playgrounds, residential areas, and schools, a driver must be especially alert for:

Only adult pedestrians using crosswalks

Only other buses entering or leaving

Parked cars and not pedestrians

Children running into the path of the bus from behind obstructions

19 / 30

If you are unfamiliar with rules, regulations, or emergency procedures, you should:

Ask questions before it's too late

Ignore them and focus on driving fast

Wait and learn from mistakes

Rely only on passengers for help

20 / 30

If your speed is greatly reduced due to poor visibility, what should you do to help other drivers see you?

Turn off all lights to avoid glare

Turn on the hazard warning lights

Drive on the shoulder without lights

Use high beams only

21 / 30

What should you do if you have medical issues that may affect your driving?

Inform your supervisor

Keep them secret

Only tell other drivers

Only tell passengers

22 / 30

When ice is melting on the roadway, the driver should:

Avoid scanning the road and focus only on speed

Assume all ice has melted and drive normally

Watch for ice patches in shaded areas and changing conditions ahead

Only check the shoulders, not the main roadway

23 / 30

Why is it dangerous to look directly at the sun, bright reflections, or glare while driving?

It only causes discomfort and is otherwise harmless

It can affect your vision for several seconds

It improves night vision but reduces daytime vision

It will permanently damage your eyesight immediately

24 / 30

Loose surface hazards that require slowing down include:

Guardrails, culverts, and signposts

Gravel, soft sand, soft shoulders, and wet leaves

Fresh asphalt, dry pavement, and painted lines

Road markings and speed limit signs

25 / 30

What kind of odours should a driver be alert to when using smell to detect problems?

Fresh air from open windows

Cleaning product smells in the bus

Food odours from students’ lunches

Smoke, gasoline or diesel, oil, and burning rubber

26 / 30

What is the recommended attitude for a defensive driver?

Let emotions guide your driving decisions

Focus mainly on arriving early

Think positively, stay under control, and keep your mind on the job

Ignore stress and drive aggressively

27 / 30

When making turns at intersections, especially right turns, the driver should:

Check carefully for pedestrians crossing into the path of the bus

Avoid using mirrors while turning

Focus only on oncoming vehicles

Rely on pedestrians to stop and wait

28 / 30

How should a defensive driver monitor the mechanical operation of the bus while on the road using sight?

Only check gauges at the start and end of the trip

Rely on students to point out problems

Only look at the road and mirrors

Constantly check gauges, watch for dash warning lights, and look for fire

29 / 30

If you are under severe emotional pressure and cannot concentrate or control your temper, you should:

Only drive on familiar roads

Drive faster to finish the route quickly

Ask students to help you focus

Not drive

30 / 30

Regarding prescription and over-the-counter medication, a driver should:

Only read labels if feeling tired

Ignore labels and rely on experience

Understand side effects and ask the doctor if they affect job safety

Assume all medication is safe for driving

Your score is

This part of the test assesses a driver’s ability to recognize potential hazards, maintain safe distances, and make proactive driving decisions. It covers key practices such as staying vigilant, scanning for dangers, obeying traffic laws, and adjusting to changing weather or traffic conditions. Drivers are also tested on their ability to remain calm and avoid distractions. By emphasizing defensive driving, Manitoba ensures school bus drivers are prepared to protect their passengers and respond effectively to unexpected situations on the road.