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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies > Travel & Transportation

Challenge Yourself: CHP School Bus Driver Practice Test

Ready to master the CHP written test? Start your bus driver practice test!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for bus driver quiz testing California Highway Patrol knowledge on coral background

This quiz helps you prepare for the California Highway Patrol bus driver test with real-world questions on safety, signs, speeds, and emergency steps. Warm up with Practice Test 1 or review skills from the CDL bus driver practice quiz , then use your results to spot gaps before the exam.

What is the recommended following distance for a bus behind another vehicle on dry roads?
4 seconds
5 seconds
3 seconds
2 seconds
A following distance of at least four seconds gives bus drivers enough time to react and stop safely, especially given the vehicle's greater weight and longer stopping distance. It provides a buffer to avoid collisions if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly. Under adverse weather or road conditions, this distance should be increased. For more details on safe following distances, see .
During a pre-trip inspection, what should the driver inspect for proper inflation and damage?
Fuel tank
Seat belts
Exhaust system
Tires
Tire condition and pressure are critical for vehicle control and preventing blowouts. Underinflated or damaged tires can lead to poor handling, increased stopping distances, and tire failure. Inspecting tires during pre-trip ensures safety and compliance with regulations. Learn more at .
When approaching a crosswalk with pedestrians waiting, the bus driver must:
Slow down and be prepared to stop
Sound the horn
Continue at the same speed
Overtake the pedestrians
Drivers must slow and be ready to stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk to prevent accidents. California law gives pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. Failing to yield can result in fines and increased risk of injury. For legal guidance, see .
What is the maximum legal width for buses on California roads?
8 feet
7 feet 6 inches
8 feet 6 inches
9 feet
California Vehicle Code limits vehicle width to 102 inches (8 feet 6 inches) to ensure safe passage on highways and alignments. Exceeding this width requires special permits. This rule helps prevent damage to infrastructure and reduces collision risk. More information is available at .
What does a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway indicate?
Passing is allowed
No passing allowed
Only passing for large vehicles
Two-way left-turn lane
A solid yellow line on your side indicates a no-passing zone. You may not cross the line for overtaking or passing other vehicles. It is used in areas with limited visibility or high risk of head-on collisions. Read more at .
Before shifting from park to drive in a bus, the driver should:
Exit the vehicle
Rev the engine
Release the parking brake
Turn off the engine
Releasing the parking brake before moving prevents strain on components and avoids sudden jolts. Keeping the parking brake engaged can damage the brake system. This is a fundamental step in safe vehicle operation. For details, visit .
The proper hand placement on the steering wheel is at:
10 and 2 o'clock
12 and 6 o'clock
8 and 4 o'clock
9 and 3 o'clock
Modern safety guidelines recommend placing hands at 9 and 3 o'clock for optimal control and to reduce injury risk if airbags deploy. This position aids quicker, safer steering inputs. Older manuals suggested 10 and 2, but 9 and 3 is now standard. See for more.
What is the minimum tread depth required for bus front tires?
4/32 inch
3/32 inch
2/32 inch
6/32 inch
California requires a minimum tread depth of 4/32 inch on all steering axle tires to maintain traction and direction control. Worn tires can lead to hydroplaning and reduced braking ability. Regular checks help ensure compliance and safety. Learn more at .
In California, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for bus drivers is:
0.10%
0.02%
0.08%
0.04%
Commercial drivers, including bus operators, must maintain a BAC below 0.04% under federal and state regulations. This stricter limit reflects the safety-sensitive nature of the profession. Violations can lead to license suspension and fines. Review regulations at .
Which document must be carried on a bus at all times?
Driver's lunch receipt
Restaurant permit
Passenger manifest
Registration and insurance
State law requires all vehicles to carry current registration and proof of insurance. For commercial buses, additional endorsements and documents may be required, but registration and insurance are mandatory. Failure to present these documents can lead to citations. For details, see .
When applying air brakes, the spring brakes will engage if air pressure drops below:
20 psi
60 psi
90 psi
50 psi
Spring brakes are designed to automatically apply when system pressure falls below 20 - 45 psi, depending on design, to prevent uncontrolled vehicle movement. Engaging spring brakes stops the vehicle if main air pressure is lost. This safety feature helps avoid runaways on downgrades. More at .
A steady ABS warning light on the dash indicates:
Brakes are worn
System is disabled
Low tire pressure
System is functional
A steady ABS light means the anti-lock system is out of service while conventional brakes still operate. The system disables ABS function but you retain normal braking ability without anti-skid protection. This requires inspection and repair. Learn more from .
What is the maximum speed limit for buses on California freeways unless posted otherwise?
55 mph
60 mph
70 mph
65 mph
California Vehicle Code sets freeway speed limits for commercial buses at 65 mph unless signs indicate a different limit. Local ordinances or special conditions may lower this limit. Always obey posted signs for specific segments. See .
On a downgrade, how should the service brakes be used to avoid brake fade?
Continuously apply light pressure
Release and reapply every 10 seconds
Hold brakes fully engaged
Pump once a minute
Using the 'snub' method - applying brakes to reduce speed then releasing to let them cool - prevents overheated brakes and fade. Holding or continuous light pressure generates excessive heat. Controlled applications maintain safe speeds. More techniques are in .
When driving at night, you should dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:
1000 feet
750 feet
300 feet
500 feet
California law requires drivers to dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers. This rule also applies when following another vehicle within 300 feet. Proper use enhances road safety at night. Refer to .
The most important reason for doing a tire inspection is to:
Check tire color
Ensure shine
Ensure tread depth is safe
Verify brand
Tread depth and condition directly affect traction, handling, and braking distance. Worn or damaged tires increase risk of blowouts and loss of control. Regular inspections catch issues early, ensuring safe operation. More information at .
What is the first step in an emergency evacuation of a bus?
Notify dispatch
Instruct passengers immediately
Open all doors
Stop the bus safely
Safely stopping the bus removes immediate hazards before evacuation. Attempting other steps first can put passengers at risk if the bus remains in motion. Once stopped, the driver can assess the situation and order evacuation. OSHA standards outline proper procedures; see .
During passenger loading at a curb, bus wheels should be positioned:
Exactly 18 inches from the curb
Within 12 inches of the curb
At least 2 inches from the curb
At least 6 inches from the curb
Stopping within 12 inches of the curb ensures passengers have a minimal gap to step across, reducing trip-and-fall risk. Too far makes boarding difficult; too close risks wheel contact with curb. Proper positioning improves safety and accessibility. Guidelines are in .
Which of these is a sign of a steering system failure?
Uneven tire wear
Bright dashboard light
Loose seat
Engine misfire
Uneven tire wear can indicate misalignment or steering component issues, leading to handling problems. Regularly checking tires can reveal such failures early. Addressing steering issues promptly maintains safe control. More info at .
What device helps keep the bus's air brake system moisture-free?
Air dryer
Air reservoir
Air tank
Air compressor
An air dryer removes moisture and oil from compressed air, preventing corrosion and ice formation in brake lines. This ensures reliable brake performance in various weather conditions. Regular maintenance of the dryer cartridge is essential. For technical details, see .
How often should a low-pressure warning device activate in an air brake system?
30-45 psi
15-25 psi
55-75 psi
80-100 psi
Regulations require a warning signal when air pressure falls to between 55 and 75 psi in air brake systems. This alerts the driver before spring brakes engage. Proper warning ensures time to stop safely. More details at .
When performing the applied leakage test, the maximum allowable air loss for a single vehicle is:
3 psi per minute
1 psi per minute
4 psi per minute
2 psi per minute
During an applied leakage test, the system must hold air pressure with no more than 2 psi loss per minute for single vehicles. Excessive loss indicates leaks needing repair. Ensuring tight systems is critical for safe brake operation. See .
What advantage does an anti-lock braking system (ABS) provide during emergency stops?
Increases stopping distance
Disables steering
Locks wheels
Prevents skidding
ABS prevents wheel lockup under heavy braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This reduces the risk of skidding and increases vehicle stability. While ABS may not always shorten stopping distance, it enhances maneuverability. For technical background, visit .
On a slippery road, which speed should you use?
Posted limit
5 mph below posted limit
Speed up to avoid sliding
Slow enough to maintain control
Regardless of posted limits, drivers must adjust speed to road conditions to maintain control. Slippery surfaces require significantly reduced speeds to avoid skids. This principle is mandated under basic speed laws. More guidance is at .
How should cargo be loaded on a bus to ensure stability?
On the roof
All in back
Evenly distributed
All in front
Even distribution of cargo mass keeps the center of gravity low and balanced, reducing rollover risk. Uneven loads can cause handling difficulties and tire wear. Proper loading is part of safe operation standards. Federal guidelines are detailed at .
What effect does dual air brake failure have on parking brakes?
Illuminates dash only
No effect
Activates spring brakes
Deactivates spring brakes
Dual air brake failure results in loss of system pressure, causing spring-applied parking brakes to engage automatically. This prevents uncontrolled movement. It's a critical safety feature on heavy vehicles. More at .
When crossing an unprotected railroad crossing, the bus driver must:
Increase speed
Roll through crossing
Stop, look, and listen
Shift to neutral
At unprotected crossings, drivers must stop, look both ways, and listen for trains before proceeding. Shifting to neutral is not necessary. This rule prevents collisions with trains. Read more at .
When using mirror checks for lane changes, how soon after signaling should you glance?
After 5 seconds
Immediately after signaling
After 1 second
After 3 seconds
Glancing immediately after signaling ensures you verify the lane is clear before initiating the change. Delaying checks can lead to blind-spot collisions. Continuous mirror monitoring is part of safe driving practices. For mirror scan techniques, see .
What is the minimum number of fire extinguishers a bus must carry in California?
Two
One
Four
Three
California law requires at least one B:C-rated fire extinguisher on passenger-carrying buses. It must be accessible and mounted in a clearly visible location. This ensures quick response to vehicle fires. See .
Before descending a steep hill in an air-brake-equipped bus, the driver should:
Shift to a lower gear
Turn off engine
Turn on ABS
Apply parking brake
Shifting to a lower gear uses engine braking to control speed and prevents service brake overheating. Relying solely on brakes can cause fade and loss of stopping power. Proper gear selection is critical for safe downhill control. Guidelines are found at .
What is the minimum air reservoir pressure required to release spring brakes in an air brake system?
75 psi
60 psi
55 psi
65 psi
Spring brakes require a minimum of 65 psi in the air reservoir to fully release and allow normal braking operation. Falling below this pressure causes springs to apply brakes to prevent vehicle movement. This specification is in FMCSA regulations. See .
During the air brake end-of-day inspection, what is the maximum allowed moisture content in the system?
10 grams per cubic meter
3 grams per cubic meter
1 gram per cubic meter
5 grams per cubic meter
Air brake systems should maintain moisture levels below 1 gram per cubic meter to prevent internal corrosion and ice formation. Excess moisture reduces system reliability and increases maintenance issues. Regular air dryer service and draining tanks are essential. Technical standards are detailed at .
Under California regulations, how often must a passenger-carrying bus undergo a periodic brake inspection?
Every 3 months
Every 24 months
Every 6 months
Every 12 months
California Vehicle Code mandates an annual (12-month) inspection for brakes and related components on passenger-carrying vehicles. This ensures ongoing compliance with safety standards. Inspections must be performed by certified technicians. Refer to .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply CHP Safety Regulations -

    After completing the CHP practice test number 1, you will identify and apply key California Highway Patrol test regulations for safe school bus operation.

  2. Master Pretrip Inspection and Safe Driving Procedures -

    You will demonstrate correct pre-trip inspection steps and safe driving practices to protect students and meet school bus driver test requirements.

  3. Analyze Road Hazard Scenarios -

    You'll evaluate common hazard situations and select appropriate responses based on CHP written test scenarios.

  4. Perform Essential First Aid Protocols -

    You will recall and apply fundamental first aid procedures for medical emergencies encountered during bus routes.

  5. Assess Your Readiness for the CHP Written Test -

    You'll measure your knowledge gaps and pinpoint areas for improvement to confidently approach the California Highway Patrol test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Pre-Trip Inspection with T-CLOCS -

    Use the FMCSA's T-CLOCS mnemonic (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, Signals) to ensure a thorough pre-trip safety check as required by the California DMV. For instance, verify tire pressure meets the 100 PSI standard and confirm brake lights activate correctly before every route.

  2. Passenger Loading & Unloading Rules -

    Follow the California Commercial Driver Handbook's requirement to activate your amber lights 100 feet before stops and position the bus within 10 feet of the curb for safe boarding. Remember to stop at least 20 feet from railroad tracks and never pass a loading student until all hazards are clear, a scenario often featured in CHP practice test number 1.

  3. Defensive Driving & SMITH System -

    Implement the five-step SMITH System (Space, Mirror, Identify, Time, Headcheck) from the University of California road safety program to spot hazards 4 - 6 seconds ahead. This strategy helps maintain a safe following distance and sharpens awareness during the california highway patrol test driving evaluation.

  4. Emergency First Aid Protocols (DRABC) -

    Recall the DRABC mnemonic (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) endorsed by the American Red Cross for swift first aid response on a bus. For example, if a passenger loses consciousness, secure the area, check responsiveness, then clear and monitor the airway until professional help arrives.

  5. Railroad Crossings & Hazard Recognition -

    Adhere to California Vehicle Code §22454 by stopping 15 - 50 feet from tracks, exiting to look and listen, and only proceeding when safe. Use the "Stop, Look, Listen, Live" memory trick to ace that section of the chp written test and maintain student safety at crossings.

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