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

1 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

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

They might speed up suddenly

They always turn without signalling

It is illegal regardless of distance

2 / 30

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

Only if signalled by other drivers

Only after stopping completely

When it is safe and as you speed up

Immediately, regardless of traffic

3 / 30

Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only for new drivers

Only on highways

Only in bad weather

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

4 / 30

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

Turn only from the right side of the road

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

Walk their bike through the intersection

5 / 30

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

On the sidewalk

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

6 / 30

How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

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

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

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

7 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

A seatbelt

A hat

Driving gloves

Sunglasses

8 / 30

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

Speed up and pass without signalling

Honk and force the cyclist to move

Stay in your lane and pass very close

Change lanes to pass

9 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

10 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

Tired, upset, or sick

The weather is sunny

Passengers are quiet

The traffic is light

11 / 30

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

Only at night

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

When the road is straight and dry

When they are tired

12 / 30

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

A fine and two demerit points

Vehicle impoundment only

Verbal warning only

Jail time only

13 / 30

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

To signal a flat tire

To show they have right-of-way

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

To park temporarily

14 / 30

Which of the following is considered risky driving behavior?

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

Signaling well before changing lanes

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

Yielding to other drivers when in doubt

15 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By using your horn more frequently

By always parking in reverse

By planning your route in advance

By backing faster

16 / 30

Regarding speed, safe drivers should:

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

Ignore speed limits at night

Only slow down when police are nearby

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

17 / 30

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

Two metres

Half a metre

No minimum distance is specified

One metre

18 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Driving while on any medication

Not drinking and driving

Driving after drinking small amounts only

19 / 30

Why do larger school buses have more rear swing?

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

Their front axles are at the extreme front

They are lighter than other buses

They use different tire sizes

20 / 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

Pull forward regardless of visibility

Back into traffic using hazard lights

Always back out quickly

21 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

Back up slowly without checking

Rely on passengers to guide you

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

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

22 / 30

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

Block traffic

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Race other vehicles

23 / 30

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

Use your left outside mirror

Look only through the windshield

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Use only the right outside mirror

24 / 30

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

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

Only vehicles behind you

Only road markings

Only low curbs

25 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Phone and radio

Turn signals and brake lights

Interior lights only

Headlights and wipers

26 / 30

Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

Only to see better at night

To make sure the bus is easily seen

To warn drivers they are going fast

To reduce fuel use

27 / 30

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

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Motorcycles must always yield

28 / 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

29 / 30

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

Turn as tightly as possible to save space

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

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

Stay near the centre line throughout the turn

30 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

High beam headlights

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

Left turn signal only

Right turn signal only

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.