California Special Drivers Certification Exam Practice Test- I

The maximum speed limit for a school bus transporting pupils is 55 MPH. This speed limit is set to ensure the safety of the students on board and to prevent accidents. School buses are larger and heavier than most vehicles on the road, so they require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. By limiting the speed to 55 MPH, it allows the driver to have better control of the vehicle and react to any potential hazards on the road. Additionally, a lower speed limit reduces the severity of any potential accidents and increases the chances of survival for the students in case of a collision.

The driver of a school bus, SPAB bus, or youth bus is responsible for the safety and well-being of the students on board. They are not allowed to eject any school pupil unless they are given into the custody of a responsible adult. This can be either a parent or any person designated by the parent or school. This rule ensures that students are not left unattended or in unsafe situations when getting off the bus.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that a driver should not drive when their ability to operate a vehicle safely is adversely affected by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. This implies that any of these factors can impair a driver's ability to drive safely, and therefore, they should refrain from driving in such circumstances.

It is important to ensure the safety of the passengers before a school bus is put in motion. This includes making sure that all passengers are seated to prevent any accidents or injuries during the journey. Additionally, the headlamps should be lighted to enhance visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Lastly, the doors of the bus should be closed properly to prevent any passengers from falling out or getting injured. Therefore, all of the above conditions must be met before a school bus can be put in motion.

The driver of a school bus, youth bus, and SPAB should refuse to transport dogs or other animals, except for guide dogs, service dogs, and signal dogs. These types of dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities and are permitted to accompany them on public transportation for their safety and well-being.

School bus evacuations should be conducted every year to ensure that students are prepared and familiar with the procedures in case of an emergency. Conducting these evacuations regularly helps to reinforce safety protocols, train students on evacuation procedures, and identify any areas that may need improvement. By conducting these drills annually, schools can ensure that students and staff are well-prepared and can respond effectively in the event of an emergency situation.

A collision between a vehicle and any pupil or the bus driver while the pupil or driver is crossing the highway when the school bus flashing, red signal (cross-over) lamps are required to be operated is classified as a school bus accident. This is because the accident involves the school bus and occurs when the bus is displaying its red signal lamps, indicating that it is stopping to allow students to cross the highway. The accident involves the bus, regardless of whether the driver or a student is involved.

According to the given statement, school bus drivers are required to undergo a physical examination within the same month of reaching the age of 65 and every 12 months thereafter. This means that once they turn 65, they must have a physical examination and then continue to have one every year after that. The other options (55, 60, and 70) are not mentioned in the statement and therefore are not the correct answers.

School buses are required to have fire extinguishers on board for safety purposes. The aggregate rating refers to the combined effectiveness of the fire extinguishers. The correct answer of 8 BC means that the fire extinguishers on a school bus should have a minimum rating of 8 BC. This rating indicates that the fire extinguishers are capable of handling Class B and Class C fires, which involve flammable liquids and electrical equipment respectively. Having fire extinguishers with a higher rating ensures that they are effective in suppressing potential fires on school buses.

When approaching a school bus stop, it is important to bring the school bus to a full stop with the front bumper at least 12 feet away from students at the designated stop. This distance ensures the safety of the students as they enter or exit the bus, allowing them enough space to move without any risk of being hit by the bus or other vehicles passing by. By stopping at a proper distance, the bus driver can also maintain clear visibility of the students and the surrounding area, reducing the chances of accidents or injuries.

At the completion of the driver's work or tour of duty, each driver is required to submit a daily written report indicating the condition of the vehicle. This report helps to ensure that any issues or damages to the vehicle are documented and addressed promptly. Additionally, the driver must also submit a written report if any repairs are deemed necessary. This report allows the organization to keep track of any maintenance or repair needs and take appropriate action to ensure the vehicle's safety and functionality. Therefore, both options A and B are correct as they outline the necessary reporting requirements for the driver.

If a student's unloading stop is missed, the correct action to take is to return the student to the school. This is because it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. By returning the student to the school, the driver can ensure that the student is in a secure and familiar environment until alternative arrangements can be made for their safe transportation home.

The correct answer is 10 / 16. A school bus driver should not drive more than 10 hours within a work period or drive after 16 consecutive hours have elapsed since first reporting for duty. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of the students and prevent driver fatigue.

The correct answer is "Getting on or off a school bus." This is because during these moments, students are often in close proximity to moving vehicles and may be at risk of being hit by a passing car or the school bus itself. It is crucial for students to exercise caution and follow proper safety procedures when boarding or exiting a school bus to prevent accidents and injuries.

The correct answer is 2 / 3. This means that the air leakage rate with brakes applied (applied test) should not exceed 2 PSI per minute, while the air leakage rate with brakes released (static test) should not exceed 3 PSI per minute. This indicates that there should be slightly less air leakage when the brakes are released compared to when they are applied.

A driver who encounters adverse driving conditions and cannot safely complete the run within the maximum driving time may be permitted to drive an additional 2 hours in order to complete that run. This additional time allows the driver to account for delays caused by the adverse conditions and still complete the run within a reasonable timeframe.

Strobe lights can legally be used when the visibility is less than 500 feet. This is because strobe lights are used to increase visibility and alert other drivers of potential hazards. When visibility is reduced to less than 500 feet, such as during heavy rain, fog, or snow, the use of strobe lights can help improve safety on the road by making the vehicle more visible to other drivers.

When driving downhill, it is important for the driver of a school bus to select a safe speed and the appropriate gear to maintain control of the vehicle. They should also use proper braking techniques to maintain a safe speed and be aware of escape ramp locations on their route in case of emergencies. However, putting the vehicle in neutral to save on fuel is not necessary or recommended while driving downhill. This action can reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle and may increase the risk of accidents.

When a school bus is being used for transporting people other than pupils to or from school or school-related activities, it must have the school bus signs covered, flashing red-lights covered, and amber warning lights covered. This is to ensure that the bus is not mistaken for a school bus and does not create confusion or disruption on the road. By covering these signs and lights, it indicates that the bus is not operating as a school bus at that particular time. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

When approaching an intersection at the same time as another driver, you should proceed through the intersection when it is safe to do so. This means that you should wait for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians to clear the intersection before proceeding. The timing of when it is safe to proceed can vary depending on the specific situation, such as the speed and distance of other vehicles, traffic signals, and road conditions. It is important to exercise caution and make sure it is safe before proceeding through the intersection.

The correct answer is "Alcoholic beverages" because it is unsafe and illegal to transport alcohol on a school bus. The presence of alcohol can pose a risk to the safety and well-being of the students on board. Therefore, the driver should not allow the transportation of alcoholic beverages on a school bus.

School bus drivers may renew their certificate within 12 months before the expiration date. This early renewal window is designed to allow enough time for background checks, physical exams, and required training to be completed without disrupting the driver’s eligibility to operate. Renewing within this period ensures compliance with state regulations and avoids last-minute complications. It also helps administrators manage recertification paperwork efficiently, reducing administrative delays. Therefore, renewing up to a year in advance is both permitted and recommended.

When a defensive driver increases their speed, their visual lead-time needs to be increased as well. Visual lead-time refers to the distance a driver needs to visually scan ahead in order to anticipate potential hazards or obstacles on the road. By increasing their speed, the driver covers more ground in less time, so they need to extend their visual lead-time to have enough time to react to any unexpected situations that may arise. Therefore, the correct answer is increased.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that the driver of a school bus should do all of the mentioned actions before leaving the driver's compartment when a pupil is aboard. These actions include stopping the engine and setting the parking brakes, removing the ignition keys and keeping them with the driver, and placing the transmission in the appropriate position for automatic transmissions.

This answer implies that no one is allowed to require a driver to operate a school bus that is not in safe operating condition, regardless of their role or position. This means that neither the California Motor Carrier Specialist, School Bus Mechanic, nor the California Highway Patrol have the authority to require a driver to operate an unsafe school bus.

Smoking is not permitted in a school bus when there are pupils aboard, as it poses a health risk to them and goes against the regulations of most schools. Additionally, smoking is not allowed in the presence of adults, as it sets a bad example and can be harmful to their health as well. Smoking may only be allowed when requested by a parent, but this is not a common practice and is generally discouraged. Therefore, the correct answer is that smoking is never permitted in a school bus.

The correct answer is "School District Superintendent." The school district superintendent is responsible for designating all school bus stops for receiving and discharging pupils. This ensures that the bus stops are strategically located and safe for students to use. The California Highway Patrol and California Department of Education may have roles in overseeing and enforcing regulations related to school bus transportation, but the specific designation of bus stops falls under the authority of the school district superintendent.

Motor carriers are required to keep a record of all vehicles each driver is capable of safely operating on a highway unsupervised including all special equipment used in Special Education. This is known as driving proficiency.

The word "May" indicates that this is a discretionary action, the words refuse, suspend or revoke are severe in nature. Except means look for the answer that is none of these. If your medical expires DMV will cancel your certificate, any action that is cancelled can be re-instated at any time once the condition that caused the cancellation is corrected.

If a person is convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will lose their school bus certificate for a minimum period of 3 years. This means that they will not be able to operate a school bus during this time. This punishment is likely in place to ensure the safety of students and to discourage individuals from driving while intoxicated.

The given answer states that a driver is not allowed to drive for more than 80 hours in any 8 consecutive days. This means that regardless of the number of motor carriers the driver is working for, they cannot exceed this limit. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of both the driver and other road users, as excessive driving can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents. By imposing this limit, authorities aim to prevent drivers from becoming overly tired and to promote responsible driving practices.

The correct answer is "When passengers enter and exit the bus." This means that the driver should ensure that the interior of the bus is sufficiently lighted during the times when passengers are getting on or off the bus. This is important for the safety and convenience of the passengers, as it helps them navigate the bus and find their seats. It also ensures that the driver can see clearly any potential hazards or issues that may arise during these times.

The California Highway Patrol is responsible for adopting reasonable rules and regulations designed to promote the safe operation of school buses. This agency is specifically focused on ensuring the safety of transportation on highways and roads in California. They have the authority to establish guidelines and enforce compliance to ensure that school buses operate in a manner that prioritizes the safety of students and other motorists.

The correct answer is State Certified Instructor or Delegated Behind the wheel Instructor. This means that the behind the wheel training required to obtain a California Special Driver Certificate to drive school buses can be conducted by either a State Certified Instructor or a Delegated Behind the wheel Instructor. Both of these individuals have the necessary qualifications and expertise to provide the required training.

The correct answer is 30 days. This means that if a school bus driver fails to maintain their required training for the first time, they must submit proof of receiving the training to the local CHP office within 30 days. This is important to ensure that the driver is up to date with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely transport students. Failing to submit the proof within the specified timeframe may result in penalties or consequences for the driver.

The correct answer is "At all times when loading or unloading students unless the stop is exempt from the use of red-lights." This means that the driver of a school bus should always operate the flashing red signal lamps when students are getting on or off the bus, unless there is an exemption for that particular stop. This is important to ensure the safety of the children crossing the highway and to alert other drivers of the bus's presence.

The correct answer is California Special Driver Certificate, DL-45. This is because a school bus driver is required to have a class B drivers license with a Passenger endorsement, as well as a California Special Driver Certificate, DL-45. The other options mentioned, such as the School Bus Certificate, DL-45, California Bus Driver License, DL-54, and California School Bus License, DL-54, do not fulfill the requirement of having the California Special Driver Certificate.

Braking distance is a crucial factor in defensive driving as it refers to the distance a vehicle travels from the moment the brakes are applied until it comes to a complete stop. A shorter braking distance allows the driver to react quickly and bring the vehicle to a halt, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. By maintaining a safe following distance and being aware of the road conditions, drivers can ensure they have enough braking distance to respond effectively to any potential hazards on the road.

In adverse weather conditions, a defensive driver needs to make adjustments to their driving skills. This includes being aware of the road conditions, such as slippery surfaces or reduced visibility, and adjusting their speed and following distance accordingly. Defensive drivers also need to be skilled in maneuvering their vehicle safely in adverse weather, such as braking and steering techniques. By having strong driving skills, a defensive driver can effectively navigate through challenging weather conditions and reduce the risk of accidents.

A Type 2 school bus is designed to carry not more than 16 passengers and the driver. This means that the bus can accommodate a maximum of 16 passengers, including the driver. It is specifically designed for smaller groups and is not intended to carry more than this capacity.

Operational policies for school activity trips should include discretionary authority for school bus drivers to discontinue operation in the case of reduced visibility. This means that if the visibility on the road becomes poor due to fog, heavy rain, or other factors, the bus driver has the authority to stop the trip for the safety of the students. This is important because reduced visibility can significantly increase the risk of accidents and it is crucial to prioritize the safety of the students.

When approaching a railroad crossing, it is important to activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers of your presence and to indicate that you are slowing down. According to the California Commercial Driver Handbook, you should activate your hazard lights approximately 200 feet before the crossing. This gives other drivers enough time to see your hazard lights and adjust their driving accordingly, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions at the railroad crossing.

The correct answer is "At all times when escorting pupils across a roadway." This means that a school bus driver should always use an approved hand-held stop sign when escorting students across a road, regardless of their age or grade level. This ensures the safety of the students and helps to alert other drivers to stop and wait for the students to cross safely.

Weapons and other hazardous materials are generally prohibited on school buses for the safety of students. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. The answer "All of the above" indicates that all three options mentioned in the question are exceptions to the prohibition. This means that loaded and concealed firearms carried by authorized personnel, starter pistols that cannot shoot projectiles, and medically prescribed oxygen are allowed to be carried on a school bus.

The danger zones may extend as much as 30 feet from the front bumper (with the first 12 feet being the most dangerous), 12 feet from the left and right sides, and 12 feet behind the rear bumper of the school bus.

The correct answer is "necessary emergency repairs on the road". This means that unless the driver is the mechanic responsible for the bus, they are only allowed to make necessary emergency repairs on the road. This implies that the driver should not attempt to make any repairs on the bus or its equipment unless it is an emergency situation that requires immediate attention.

In a hijacking situation, it is important to remain calm and follow certain guidelines for personal safety. The statement "Do not speak unless spoken to" suggests that maintaining silence can help avoid drawing attention to oneself and potentially aggravating the hijackers. "Observe carefully everything that occurs" emphasizes the importance of being aware of the surroundings, the actions of the hijackers, and any potential opportunities for escape or assistance. Finally, "The first 15–45 minutes are the most dangerous" implies that the initial moments of a hijacking are critical, as the hijackers may be more on edge and unpredictable. Therefore, all of the statements are true in a hijacking situation.

According to the California Commercial Drivers Handbook, the Danger Zone, which refers to the blind spot in front of a commercial vehicle, can extend up to 30 feet from the front bumper. This means that other vehicles or pedestrians within this zone may not be visible to the truck driver, increasing the risk of accidents. It is crucial for drivers to be aware of this blind spot and exercise caution while driving to ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.

When warning devices are placed on a two-lane highway because of a disabled vehicle, reflectors should be placed 10 feet front or rear, 100 feet in front, and 100 feet to the rear. This placement ensures that approaching drivers have sufficient warning of the disabled vehicle both from the front and the rear. The reflectors placed at 10 feet front or rear provide immediate visibility to drivers who are close to the disabled vehicle, while the reflectors placed at 100 feet in front and 100 feet to the rear provide additional warning to drivers at a greater distance.