Chapter 2-1: Driving a bus

The “Driving a Bus” chapter in the Ontario bus driver practice test is crucial for anyone preparing to obtain a bus driver’s license in the province.

Ontario Bus Driver - Chapter 2-1: Driving a bus

1 / 30

A defensive driver’s eyes should:

Look straight ahead at a fixed point

Look mostly at the dashboard

Keep moving to check traffic far ahead and to the sides

Focus only on the road markings

2 / 30

Why must you avoid running rear wheels over curbs and sidewalks when turning?

It is only dangerous to pedestrians, not the vehicle

It is dangerous and can damage suspension, wheels and tires

It is allowed at low speeds

It is only a problem for the front wheels

3 / 30

Why are motorcyclists and moped riders more likely to be injured in a collision?

They are not allowed to wear helmets

Their vehicles are too heavy

They are less protected than other road users

They are always speeding

4 / 30

A key part of defensive driving is recognizing possible danger:

Only when it is directly in front of the bus

Only when passengers warn you

Far enough in advance to take preventive action

After other drivers have reacted

5 / 30

How often should a professional driver check mirrors?

Only when backing up

Only when turning left

Frequently, as part of continuous traffic scanning

Only when changing lanes

6 / 30

To manage blind spots effectively, a defensive bus driver should:

Rely only on side mirrors and ignore front space

Change lanes frequently

Drive closer to other vehicles

Keep adequate space around the vehicle

7 / 30

What is “off-track” in the context of large vehicles?

The tendency of the rear wheels to follow a path inside the front wheels on a turn

A misaligned steering system

A lost GPS route

Driving on the shoulder of the road

8 / 30

On a left curve, where should you keep the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from crossing into the oncoming traffic lane?

Slightly over the centre line

In the middle of the lane at all times

Closer to the right edge of the pavement

As close as possible to the centre line

9 / 30

If you must travel partially over the centre line when turning into a narrow street, what must you do first?

Use four-way flashers instead of turn signals

Turn quickly without signalling

Yield to traffic, signal the turn, and ensure the manoeuvre is safe

Rely on other drivers to yield

10 / 30

Why is signalling important when turning, slowing, or stopping in a large vehicle?

It is optional but polite

It lets you ignore right-of-way rules

It only matters at night

It gives other drivers time to react appropriately

11 / 30

Motorcycles and mopeds that cannot keep up with traffic should do what?

Drive as close as possible to the right edge of the road

Drive in the middle of the lane at all times

Ride on the sidewalk

Stop until traffic is lighter

12 / 30

How should a defensive driver handle the right-of-way to avoid danger?

Give up the right-of-way if it helps avoid possible danger

Always take the right-of-way to keep traffic moving

Use the horn to demand the right-of-way

Speed up to claim the right-of-way

13 / 30

When turning right with a vehicle that has a lot of off-track, what is generally better?

Keep the vehicle as tight as possible to the curb

Use more space from the road you are entering than from the road you are leaving

Avoid entering the intersection too far

Use more space from the road you are leaving

14 / 30

Why might motorcyclists or moped riders make sudden moves?

To avoid uneven road surfaces or poor weather conditions

To confuse other drivers

To show off their skills

To speed up unexpectedly

15 / 30

Defensive drivers make allowances for which changing conditions?

Fuel prices and bus schedules

Bus age and paint condition

Radio volume and passenger conversations

Road, weather, and traffic

16 / 30

Before partially blocking another lane during a wide turn, what must you be especially sure of?

That smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles are not moving up on your right side

That oncoming traffic is speeding

That your brakes are applied firmly

That your vehicle can accelerate quickly

17 / 30

How does a longer wheelbase affect off-tracking?

It increases the amount of off-track

It has no effect on off-track

It decreases the amount of off-track

It only affects off-track at low speeds

18 / 30

How can a large vehicle intimidate drivers of smaller vehicles when following too closely?

It improves their confidence

It makes them drive faster safely

The large vehicle looming closely behind can make them nervous

It reduces their stopping distance

19 / 30

A professional bus driver who drives defensively does which of the following?

Looks ahead, thinks ahead, and acts early

Relies on other drivers to avoid collisions

Focuses only on the vehicle directly ahead

Reacts only when a hazard is very close

20 / 30

When sharing the road with smaller vehicles, why is it dangerous to follow too closely behind them?

It saves fuel but reduces visibility

You may not have enough room to stop safely if something unexpected occurs

It is only dangerous at night

It is only dangerous in bad weather

21 / 30

When making a tight right turn on a narrow street, what should you do?

Proceed well into the intersection before turning the steering wheel

Hug the right curb throughout the turn

Stop in the intersection before turning

Turn the steering wheel as soon as you reach the intersection

22 / 30

Before completing a turn in a large vehicle, what should you always do?

Sound your horn and proceed

Check that no vehicle has moved into your turning space

Turn as quickly as possible to clear the intersection

Assume smaller vehicles will stop for you

23 / 30

What lane rights do motorcycles and mopeds have?

They have the right to use the whole lane

They must ride on the shoulder

They must always share half a lane with cars

They must always keep to bicycle lanes

24 / 30

When you must use part of another lane to make a sharp turn, what is your primary responsibility?

Make the turn as quickly as possible

Always use the horn to warn others

Ensure the move can be made safely without interfering with other road users

Ignore traffic signals to clear the turn

25 / 30

What should you do when smaller, faster vehicles are trying to pass you in a large vehicle?

Speed up so they pass you faster

Sound your horn to warn them off

Move to the left and block them

Slow down enough to allow them to fit in quickly and safely in front of you

26 / 30

A professional defensive driver should:

Assume others will always follow the rules

Ignore pedestrians if they are crossing illegally

Make allowances for the errors of other drivers and pedestrians

Insist on the right-of-way in every situation

27 / 30

Which of the following best shows professional driving courtesy?

Using headlights only at night

Showing courtesy to other road users

Ignoring other drivers to focus on speed

Only thinking about bus passengers

28 / 30

Why are motorcycles, limited-speed motorcycles, and mopeds harder to see?

Because they travel only at night

Because of their small size

Because they are always in blind spots

Because they have no lights

29 / 30

Which of the following is the most important concern for a bus driver?

The safety of the passengers

Arriving exactly on schedule

Minimizing fuel consumption

Keeping the bus clean

30 / 30

When driving a long vehicle through a right curve, where should you keep the front wheels to prevent the rear wheels from dropping off the pavement?

Close to the left side of your lane

Exactly in the centre of your lane

Close to the right edge of your lane

Straddling the lane markings

Your score is

This section focuses on essential driving skills, safe operation, and the responsibilities unique to bus drivers. Key topics include handling large vehicles in traffic, making safe stops, managing passenger safety, and navigating intersections. Practicing these questions helps drivers understand Ontario’s traffic laws, proper signaling, and defensive driving techniques. Mastery of this chapter ensures aspiring bus drivers are equipped to handle the challenges of the road with confidence and professionalism. By studying and practicing thoroughly, candidates can improve their chances of passing the test and becoming safe, responsible bus drivers in Ontario.