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

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

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

Turn as tightly as possible to save space

2 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

Sunglasses

A seatbelt

Driving gloves

A hat

3 / 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 must always yield

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Motorcycles turn faster than indicated

4 / 30

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

When the road is straight and dry

When they are tired

Only at night

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

5 / 30

Why do larger school buses have more rear swing?

They are lighter than other buses

Their front axles are at the extreme front

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

They use different tire sizes

6 / 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

7 / 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

8 / 30

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

Rely on traffic behind to warn you

Use your left outside mirror

Look only through the windshield

9 / 30

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

No minimum distance is specified

Two metres

One metre

Half a metre

10 / 30

Which of the following is considered risky driving behavior?

Signaling well before changing lanes

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

Yielding to other drivers when in doubt

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

11 / 30

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

Pull forward regardless of visibility

Back into traffic using hazard lights

Drive out into traffic rather than backing into traffic

Always back out quickly

12 / 30

Seatbelt use is recommended:

Only on highways

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

Only for new drivers

Only in bad weather

13 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

The traffic is light

Passengers are quiet

Tired, upset, or sick

The weather is sunny

14 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

Back up slowly without checking

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

15 / 30

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

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Block traffic

Race other vehicles

16 / 30

Why should you avoid following a cyclist too closely?

They always turn without signalling

It is illegal regardless of distance

They might speed up suddenly

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

17 / 30

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

To park temporarily

To show they have right-of-way

To signal a flat tire

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

18 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Turn signals and brake lights

Interior lights only

Headlights and wipers

Phone and radio

19 / 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

20 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Driving after drinking small amounts only

Driving while on any medication

Not drinking and driving

21 / 30

Why should a bus driver use headlights at all times?

To reduce fuel use

To make sure the bus is easily seen

Only to see better at night

To warn drivers they are going fast

22 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

Follow closely to prevent others from cutting in

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

Match the speed and distance of the car beside you

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead

23 / 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

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only after stopping completely

Immediately, regardless of traffic

24 / 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

25 / 30

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

On the sidewalk

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

Directly on the centre line

In oncoming traffic

26 / 30

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

Walk their bike through the intersection

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

Turn only from the right side of the road

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

27 / 30

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

Only vehicles behind you

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

Only low curbs

Only road markings

28 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By planning your route in advance

By backing faster

By always parking in reverse

By using your horn more frequently

29 / 30

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

Speed up and pass without signalling

Change lanes to pass

Honk and force the cyclist to move

Stay in your lane and pass very close

30 / 30

How should a safe driver handle distractions and intersections?

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

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

Text only at red lights and look straight ahead through intersections

Focus on GPS and trust other drivers to stop

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.