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

After an emergency vehicle passes, you should:

Change lanes several times

Follow directly behind it

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

Immediately pull out without looking

2 / 30

Why is driving on flooded roads dangerous?

It increases engine temperature

Water may prevent your brakes from working

It makes steering easier

It only affects fuel economy

3 / 30

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

Turn off all lights and wait in the lane

Stop in your lane with hazard lights on

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

Drive on the shoulder at normal speed

4 / 30

A key reminder about distraction is:

Brief distractions are always harmless

Distractions are only risky for new drivers

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

Only long distractions are risky

5 / 30

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

Pump the gas pedal repeatedly

Turn the engine off while moving

Drive at high speed without braking

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

6 / 30

To reduce distraction from vehicle controls, you should:

Turn controls off and ignore comfort

Adjust controls continuously while driving

Identify and preset climate and audio settings before driving

Test every control while in motion

7 / 30

It is illegal to:

Stop for an emergency vehicle

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

Use your signal when pulling over

Pull over to the right for an emergency vehicle

8 / 30

Before pulling over for an emergency vehicle, you should:

Only look straight ahead

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

Only watch the emergency vehicle

Stop without checking mirrors

9 / 30

What is hydroplaning?

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

When brakes overheat on dry pavement

When windshield wipers move too fast

When the engine stalls in cold weather

10 / 30

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

Drive in the outermost lane only

Inflate your tires beyond the recommended pressure

Use cruise control in heavy rain

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

11 / 30

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

They do not change

They provide more traction

They become slippery

They immediately flood

12 / 30

A particular distraction risk for school-bus drivers is:

Low seat position

Lack of mirrors

No power steering

High levels of noise and activity inside the bus

13 / 30

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

No consequence if traffic is heavy

A conviction and a fine

Automatic licence cancellation every time

A friendly warning only

14 / 30

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

Hold it in one hand while steering with the other

Use it only in heavy traffic

Keep it on your lap and glance at it often

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

15 / 30

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

Speeding only

Parking violations only

Careless driving or dangerous driving

No additional offences

16 / 30

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

Stay in the same lane at normal speed

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

Stop and wait until it leaves

Pass on the shoulder

17 / 30

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

Follow closely behind

Block the lane to slow them down

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

Ignore the light

18 / 30

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

Reduce your speed

Drive on or block the shoulder

Change lanes to the right

Use your turn signals

19 / 30

What should you NOT do in fog?

Stop on the travelled portion of the road

Reduce distractions

Slow down gradually

Use low-beam headlights

20 / 30

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

Turn them off

Wipe the windshield only by hand while driving

Use only washer fluid

Replace them

21 / 30

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

The road becomes less busy

The bus becomes safer

The passengers become more alert

There is a greater risk of a collision

22 / 30

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

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

Only a verbal warning

Only a small administrative fee

Mandatory vehicle confiscation with no fine

23 / 30

Commercial drivers may use a two-way radio if:

A passenger holds it for them

The microphone is securely mounted within easy reach

They hold it in their hand at all times

They rest it on their lap

24 / 30

A flashing green light on a personal vehicle may indicate:

A firefighter or volunteer medical responder going to an emergency

A vehicle with mechanical problems

A driving student

A taxi in service

25 / 30

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

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

Use only your parking lights to reduce glare

Maintain highway speed to keep moving water away

Follow the vehicle ahead very closely

26 / 30

To reduce driver distractions before driving, you should:

Attend to personal grooming and plan your route before you leave

Decide your route while driving

Eat a meal while driving

Groom yourself while stopped at lights

27 / 30

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

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

The law does not apply to such vehicles

The car drives itself completely

The system is fully responsible for driving

28 / 30

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

Allowed on rural roads only

Allowed at low speed

Allowed if traffic is light

Prohibited and subject to fines and other penalties

29 / 30

Why should you avoid driving in puddles?

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

They cool your brakes

They improve traction

They clean your tires

30 / 30

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

Slow down and pass with caution

Maintain normal speed

Stop completely every time

Turn off your headlights

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.