Chapter 2-2: Driving a bus

Preparing for the Ontario bus driver’s license exam is easier with a free practice test focused on the “Driving a Bus” chapter. This section tests your knowledge of safe bus operation, including managing stops, using mirrors effectively, and ensuring passenger safety.

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

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Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only on highways

Only in bad weather

For drivers and passengers, except when you are a passenger on a bus without seat belts

Only for new drivers

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Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

To reduce fuel use

Only to see better at night

To make sure the bus is easily seen

To warn drivers they are going fast

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How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

Talk continuously on a two-way radio and assume intersections are clear

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

Avoid electronic distractions and check traffic in all directions before entering an intersection

4 / 30

Whenever possible, what should you do when passing a cyclist?

Change lanes to pass

Stay in your lane and pass very close

Speed up and pass without signalling

Honk and force the cyclist to move

5 / 30

Cyclists may use any part of the lane if necessary to:

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Block traffic

Race other vehicles

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

6 / 30

A defensive driver adjusts speed by:

Maintaining the same speed in all conditions

Ignoring road conditions if under the speed limit

Slowing down when road conditions can affect stopping distance or vehicle control

Speeding up in bad weather to get home faster

7 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

Back up slowly without checking

Stay in the driver’s seat and rely on mirrors only

Rely on passengers to guide you

8 / 30

When possible, how should you exit into traffic if it helps you avoid backing into traffic?

Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic

Back into traffic using hazard lights

Always back out quickly

Pull forward regardless of visibility

9 / 30

Which of the following is considered risky driving behavior?

Signaling well before changing lanes

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

Cutting people off, sudden lane changes, and running yellow lights

Yielding to other drivers when in doubt

10 / 30

Why do larger school buses have more rear swing?

Their front axles are at the extreme front

They are lighter than other buses

They use different tire sizes

Their rear axles are well ahead of the end of the bus

11 / 30

What hazards must you look for when inspecting the area before backing?

Only low curbs

Only road markings

Only vehicles behind you

Overhead obstacles/wires, side clearances, pedestrians, and objects in your path

12 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

It is illegal regardless of distance

They might speed up suddenly

They always turn without signalling

They do not have brake lights to warn when slowing or stopping

13 / 30

Regarding speed, safe drivers should:

Obey speed limits and slow down in poor road and weather conditions

Drive at the flow of traffic even if it’s above the limit

Only slow down when police are nearby

Ignore speed limits at night

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When making a left turn with a large vehicle, how should you monitor the path of the rear wheels?

Use only the right outside mirror

Use your left outside mirror

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Look only through the windshield

15 / 30

What minimum distance must drivers maintain when passing a cyclist, where practical?

Two metres

One metre

Half a metre

No minimum distance is specified

16 / 30

After completing a left turn and being just right of the centre line, when should you move to the right lane?

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only if signalled by other drivers

Immediately, regardless of traffic

Only after stopping completely

17 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

High beam headlights

Left turn signal only

Right turn signal only

18 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

Driving gloves

A hat

Sunglasses

A seatbelt

19 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

20 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By using your horn more frequently

By always parking in reverse

By backing faster

By planning your route in advance

21 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Headlights and wipers

Phone and radio

Interior lights only

Turn signals and brake lights

22 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

The traffic is light

The weather is sunny

Passengers are quiet

Tired, upset, or sick

23 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Not drinking and driving

Driving after drinking small amounts only

Driving while on any medication

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How should you complete a left turn with a large vehicle to avoid hitting islands or posts?

Stay near the centre line throughout the turn

Turn in a wide arc, then bring the vehicle back just right of the centre line

Turn as tightly as possible to save space

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

25 / 30

When are cyclists not required to ride close to the right edge of the road?

When they are tired

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

When the road is straight and dry

Only at night

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Why must you be cautious about a motorcycle with a turn signal on when you plan to turn left in front of it?

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

Motorcycles must always yield

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When a cyclist is turning left, what are they permitted to do?

Make a left turn from a left-turn lane where one is available

Walk their bike through the intersection

Turn only from the right side of the road

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

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What are the possible penalties for not maintaining the required distance when passing a cyclist?

Jail time only

Vehicle impoundment only

Verbal warning only

A fine and two demerit points

29 / 30

Which of the following is one reason cyclists may move into the middle of the lane?

To show they have right-of-way

To discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be shared safely

To park temporarily

To signal a flat tire

30 / 30

At lower speeds than other traffic, where are bicycles and mopeds expected to ride?

Directly on the centre line

About one metre from the curb or parked cars, or as close as practical to the right edge

In oncoming traffic

On the sidewalk

Your score is

The practice test features real-world scenarios and multiple-choice questions that reflect the actual exam, helping you become comfortable with the format. By using a free Ontario bus driver practice test, you can identify your strengths and areas that need improvement before taking the official test. Regular practice builds your confidence and understanding of key concepts, such as defensive driving and legal requirements. Ultimately, these free resources support your goal of becoming a safe and responsible Ontario bus driver.