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 do larger school buses have more rear swing?

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

They are lighter than other buses

Their front axles are at the extreme front

They use different tire sizes

2 / 30

A defensive driver adjusts speed by:

Speeding up in bad weather to get home faster

Ignoring road conditions if under the speed limit

Maintaining the same speed in all conditions

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

3 / 30

What should you turn off prior to backing?

Interior lights only

Turn signals and brake lights

Phone and radio

Headlights and wipers

4 / 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

Cut the turn sharply close to the island

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

Stay near the centre line throughout the turn

5 / 30

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

6 / 30

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

Only at night

When the road is straight and dry

When travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic

When they are tired

7 / 30

A driver should avoid driving when:

Passengers are quiet

The weather is sunny

Tired, upset, or sick

The traffic is light

8 / 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

Only after stopping completely

When it is safe and as you speed up

Only if signalled by other drivers

9 / 30

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

Stay in your lane and pass very close

Honk and force the cyclist to move

Change lanes to pass

Speed up and pass without signalling

10 / 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

11 / 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

12 / 30

What should you do before backing into any area?

Back up slowly without checking

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

Rely on passengers to guide you

Exit the vehicle and walk around to examine the area

13 / 30

What vehicle signals should you activate before backing?

Right turn signal only

Left turn signal only

High beam headlights

Four-way flashers and sound the horn

14 / 30

Regarding speed, safe drivers should:

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

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

15 / 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

16 / 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

Keeping a steady speed and lane position

Signaling well before changing lanes

17 / 30

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

Two metres

One metre

No minimum distance is specified

Half a metre

18 / 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 turn faster than indicated

Motorcycles must always yield

The rider may have forgotten to switch off the turn signal

Turn signals on motorcycles are only decorative

19 / 30

Which is the safest practice regarding following distance?

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

Drive very slowly right behind large vehicles

20 / 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

21 / 30

What safety equipment should a professional driver always use?

Sunglasses

A hat

A seatbelt

Driving gloves

22 / 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

23 / 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

24 / 30

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

Avoid obstacles or unsafe road conditions

Block traffic

Make drivers slow down unnecessarily

Race other vehicles

25 / 30

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

Turn only from the right side of the road

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

Use the sidewalk to complete the turn

Walk their bike through the intersection

26 / 30

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

Verbal warning only

Vehicle impoundment only

Jail time only

A fine and two demerit points

27 / 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

It is illegal regardless of distance

They always turn without signalling

28 / 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

29 / 30

How can you often avoid the need for backing?

By backing faster

By using your horn more frequently

By always parking in reverse

By planning your route in advance

30 / 30

Which action helps make Ontario’s roads safer?

Driving while on any medication

Ignoring warning labels on medicine

Not drinking and driving

Driving after drinking small amounts 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.