Chapter 3-4: Safe and responsible driving

Practicing with free Ontario bus driver test questions from the “Safe and Responsible Driving” chapter is essential for future bus drivers. This chapter focuses on defensive driving habits, hazard recognition, and responsible choices behind the wheel.

Ontario Bus Driver - Chapter 3-4: Safe and responsible driving

1 / 30

On a road with two or more lanes, when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights, you must:

Pass on the shoulder

Stop and wait until it leaves

Move over into another lane to leave one-lane clearance if safe

Stay in the same lane at normal speed

2 / 30

A possible penalty for failing to slow down and move over for a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck is:

Mandatory vehicle confiscation with no fine

Only a small administrative fee

A fine, demerit points, licence suspension, and possibly jail time

Only a verbal warning

3 / 30

Even with driver-assistance features, you can still be charged because:

The car drives itself completely

The system is fully responsible for driving

The law does not apply to such vehicles

You are expected to be in care and control and able to take over immediately

4 / 30

After driving through a flooded stretch of road, what should you do to test and dry your brakes?

Turn the engine off while moving

When safe, stop quickly and firmly at 50 km/h to ensure the vehicle stops straight

Pump the gas pedal repeatedly

Drive at high speed without braking

5 / 30

Using non-hands-free cellular phones while driving is:

Allowed at low speed

Allowed if traffic is light

Prohibited and subject to fines and other penalties

Allowed on rural roads only

6 / 30

In addition to specific “distracted driving” penalties, a driver not paying full attention can be charged with:

Parking violations only

No additional offences

Speeding only

Careless driving or dangerous driving

7 / 30

When driving in rain, how should you adjust your driving?

Maintain highway speed to keep moving water away

Use only your parking lights to reduce glare

Drive slowly enough to be able to stop within the distance you can see

Follow the vehicle ahead very closely

8 / 30

If the fog is too dense to continue, what is the safest action?

Drive on the shoulder at normal speed

Pull completely off the road into a safe parking area and turn on emergency flashers with low beams

Turn off all lights and wait in the lane

Stop in your lane with hazard lights on

9 / 30

Why should you avoid driving in puddles?

They improve traction

They cool your brakes

They can hide potholes and the spray can obstruct vision or harm others

They clean your tires

10 / 30

If a driver must take their eyes off the road to address a behavioural issue on a bus:

There is a greater risk of a collision

The passengers become more alert

The road becomes less busy

The bus becomes safer

11 / 30

It is illegal to:

Pull over to the right for an emergency vehicle

Stop for an emergency vehicle

Use your signal when pulling over

Follow within 150 metres of a fire vehicle or ambulance responding to a call

12 / 30

What is hydroplaning?

When tires ride on top of water like water skis, reducing control

When windshield wipers move too fast

When brakes overheat on dry pavement

When the engine stalls in cold weather

13 / 30

On freeways, when an emergency vehicle is coming with lights or siren on, you must not:

Drive on or block the shoulder

Change lanes to the right

Use your turn signals

Reduce your speed

14 / 30

After an emergency vehicle passes, you should:

Change lanes several times

Check that the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic

Follow directly behind it

Immediately pull out without looking

15 / 30

To reduce driver distractions before driving, you should:

Eat a meal while driving

Groom yourself while stopped at lights

Attend to personal grooming and plan your route before you leave

Decide your route while driving

16 / 30

What should you do if your windshield wiper blades do not clean the glass without streaking?

Wipe the windshield only by hand while driving

Replace them

Turn them off

Use only washer fluid

17 / 30

To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, what should you do?

Drive in the outermost lane only

Use cruise control in heavy rain

Inflate your tires beyond the recommended pressure

Have good tires with deep tread and slow down on wet roads

18 / 30

A key reminder about distraction is:

A split-second distraction can result in injury or even death

Distractions are only risky for new drivers

Only long distractions are risky

Brief distractions are always harmless

19 / 30

The safest way to use a cell phone while driving is to:

Pull over and park to use it, have a passenger take the call, or let it go to voicemail

Use it only in heavy traffic

Keep it on your lap and glance at it often

Hold it in one hand while steering with the other

20 / 30

When you see a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on your side of the road, you must:

Maintain normal speed

Stop completely every time

Turn off your headlights

Slow down and pass with caution

21 / 30

Why is driving on flooded roads dangerous?

It only affects fuel economy

Water may prevent your brakes from working

It increases engine temperature

It makes steering easier

22 / 30

Before pulling over for an emergency vehicle, you should:

Stop without checking mirrors

Only watch the emergency vehicle

Check mirrors, look in front and both sides, and allow others to pull over

Only look straight ahead

23 / 30

To reduce distraction from vehicle controls, you should:

Test every control while in motion

Adjust controls continuously while driving

Turn controls off and ignore comfort

Identify and preset climate and audio settings before driving

24 / 30

Failing to pull over and stop for an approaching emergency vehicle can result in:

Automatic licence cancellation every time

A friendly warning only

A conviction and a fine

No consequence if traffic is heavy

25 / 30

What should you NOT do in fog?

Use low-beam headlights

Slow down gradually

Stop on the travelled portion of the road

Reduce distractions

26 / 30

When you see a personal vehicle with a flashing green light responding to an emergency, you should:

Yield the right-of-way to help them reach the emergency quickly and safely

Follow closely behind

Block the lane to slow them down

Ignore the light

27 / 30

Commercial drivers may use a two-way radio if:

A passenger holds it for them

They rest it on their lap

The microphone is securely mounted within easy reach

They hold it in their hand at all times

28 / 30

A flashing green light on a personal vehicle may indicate:

A firefighter or volunteer medical responder going to an emergency

A taxi in service

A vehicle with mechanical problems

A driving student

29 / 30

What happens to road surfaces when rain first begins to fall?

They immediately flood

They become slippery

They do not change

They provide more traction

30 / 30

A particular distraction risk for school-bus drivers is:

No power steering

High levels of noise and activity inside the bus

Low seat position

Lack of mirrors

Your score is

The practice questions help candidates understand key topics such as safe following distances, handling distractions, and responding appropriately in emergencies. By regularly using these free test questions, aspiring drivers can identify their strengths and address areas that need improvement. This preparation not only boosts confidence for the official exam but also promotes safer, more responsible driving practices essential for Ontario’s roads and communities.