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

What should you do before backing into any area?

Rely on passengers to guide you

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

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

Back up slowly without checking

2 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Interior lights only

Turn signals and brake lights

Phone and radio

Headlights and wipers

3 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

A hat

Sunglasses

A seatbelt

Driving gloves

4 / 30

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

Back into traffic using hazard lights

Pull forward regardless of visibility

Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic

Always back out quickly

5 / 30

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

Only low curbs

Only vehicles behind you

Only road markings

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

6 / 30

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

Motorcycles must always yield

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

7 / 30

Regarding speed, safe drivers should:

Ignore speed limits at night

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

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

Only slow down when police are nearby

8 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

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

It is illegal regardless of distance

They might speed up suddenly

They always turn without signalling

9 / 30

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

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Race other vehicles

Block traffic

10 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

Passengers are quiet

The traffic is light

The weather is sunny

Tired, upset, or sick

11 / 30

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

On the sidewalk

In oncoming traffic

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

Directly on the centre line

12 / 30

Why do larger school buses have more rear swing?

They are lighter than other buses

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

Their front axles are at the extreme front

They use different tire sizes

13 / 30

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

When they are tired

Only at night

When the road is straight and dry

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

14 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

High beam headlights

Right turn signal only

Left turn signal only

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

15 / 30

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

Immediately, regardless of traffic

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only after stopping completely

Only if signalled by other drivers

16 / 30

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

Change lanes to pass

Honk and force the cyclist to move

Speed up and pass without signalling

Stay in your lane and pass very close

17 / 30

How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

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

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

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

18 / 30

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

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Look only through the windshield

Use your left outside mirror

Use only the right outside mirror

19 / 30

Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

To make sure the bus is easily seen

To warn drivers they are going fast

Only to see better at night

To reduce fuel use

20 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By always parking in reverse

By backing faster

By planning your route in advance

By using your horn more frequently

21 / 30

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

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

To signal a flat tire

To park temporarily

To show they have right-of-way

22 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

23 / 30

A defensive driver adjusts speed by:

Maintaining the same speed in all conditions

Speeding up in bad weather to get home faster

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

Ignoring road conditions if under the speed limit

24 / 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

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

Turn only from the right side of the road

Walk their bike through the intersection

25 / 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

Stay near the centre line throughout the turn

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

26 / 30

Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only in bad weather

Only on highways

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

Only for new drivers

27 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Not drinking and driving

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Driving while on any medication

Driving after drinking small amounts only

28 / 30

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

Jail time only

A fine and two demerit points

Vehicle impoundment only

Verbal warning only

29 / 30

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

No minimum distance is specified

One metre

Half a metre

Two metres

30 / 30

Which of the following is considered risky driving behavior?

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

Yielding to other drivers when in doubt

Signaling well before changing lanes

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

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.