For a new school-bus endorsement, what must an applicant do in addition to the school-bus knowledge test?
Correct answer: Qualify for P and pass the required school-bus driving test.
The S endorsement requires qualification for the passenger endorsement and a driving skills test in a school bus of the appropriate vehicle group. Practice quizzes do not satisfy these licensing or training requirements.
Source: 49 CFR 383.123(a); official eCFR text displayed current through September 10, 2026; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A child disappears beside your stopped bus. Which area needs attention?
Correct answer: The danger zones around every side of the bus.
Children can be hidden close to the front, sides or rear. The left side also exposes them to passing traffic; a single mirror view is not a complete check.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.1; physical PDF page 254 (printed 254); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
You take over a school bus from a taller driver. What should happen before you operate it?
Correct answer: Check and adjust each mirror for your own seated view.
Mirror coverage depends on the driver's position. Check all mirrors before operation and have any inadequate view corrected.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.2; physical PDF page 255 (printed 255); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
What should properly adjusted outside flat mirrors show on a school bus?
Correct answer: Bus sides, rear tires at ground level and traffic behind.
Flat mirrors help monitor side clearances and rear traffic. They do not remove the close-in blind spots in front of or behind the bus.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.3; physical PDF page 256 (printed 256); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A vehicle looks small in a school bus's convex mirror. What must the driver remember?
Correct answer: Its apparent size and distance can be distorted.
Convex mirrors widen the viewing area but distort apparent size and distance. Use them together with the other mirrors and direct observation.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.4; physical PDF page 256 (printed 256); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
During a mirror check, which view belongs in the outside convex mirrors?
Correct answer: The bus sides and at least one adjacent lane on each side.
The handbook calls for side coverage up to the mirror mounts, the front of the rear tires touching the ground, and an adjacent lane on each side.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.4; physical PDF page 257 (printed 257); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Which mirror system helps reveal a child directly in front of the bus below normal direct sight?
Correct answer: The outside crossover mirrors.
Crossover mirrors cover the front bumper danger zone and areas near the front wheels and service door. They supplement direct vision rather than replacing the other mirrors.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.5; physical PDF page 257 (printed 257); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
How should crossover-mirror coverage meet the area you can see directly ahead?
Correct answer: The mirror view and direct view should overlap.
Overlapping views help avoid an unseen gap in the front danger zone. Proper adjustment includes the front bumper area at ground level and the front tires.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.5; physical PDF page 258 (printed 258); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Can the overhead inside mirror replace exterior checks before you leave a student stop?
Correct answer: No; it primarily monitors the passenger compartment.
The interior mirror is mainly for observing students. Its limited rear view and blind spots do not replace the exterior mirror checks for traffic and children.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.1.6, continued on page 259; physical PDF page 258 (printed 258); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
A parent asks you to move tomorrow’s bus stop to another driveway. What does the Maryland CDL handbook direct?
Correct answer: Obtain written approval from the school district before changing the stop.
The handbook directs drivers not to change a stop location without written district approval. Use approved routes and stops rather than accepting an informal request; follow the local authorization procedure.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.1; physical PDF page 259 (printed 259); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
As you slow for a student stop, when should you check for children and traffic?
Correct answer: Before, during and after bringing the bus to a stop.
Approach cautiously while repeatedly scanning pedestrians, traffic and the mirrors. A situation can change while the bus is slowing or stopped.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.1; physical PDF page 259 (printed 259); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
Under Maryland’s statute, what is the minimum advance distance for amber warning lights at an ordinary on-roadway student stop where no exception applies?
Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the full stop.
Maryland’s statutory minimum is 100 feet, with red lights activated upon stopping. The CDL handbook’s generic 200-foot example is not this statutory minimum; stricter local procedures still apply.
Source: Maryland Transportation §22-228(d); official General Assembly text checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Under the Maryland CDL handbook’s recommended approach, how far should the stopped front bumper be from waiting students?
Correct answer: At least 10 feet.
The handbook recommends at least 10 feet so children approach a stationary bus where the driver can observe them. This is handbook guidance; comply with the approved stop and local operating procedure.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.1; physical PDF page 260 (printed 260); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
According to the Maryland CDL handbook, how should you secure the bus at a student stop before boarding?
Correct answer: Parking brake applied; transmission in neutral or park.
The handbook calls for the parking brake to be set and the transmission in Park, or Neutral when there is no Park position. Follow the vehicle-specific and local operating procedure before students approach.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.1; physical PDF page 260 (printed 260); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
The red loading lights are flashing. What must you confirm before fully opening the door and signaling children to approach?
Correct answer: Traffic has actually stopped.
Warning lamps and the stop arm do not physically stop a motorist. Make the final traffic check before inviting children toward the bus.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.1; physical PDF page 260 (printed 260); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
How should students board after you give the signal?
Correct answer: Slowly, single file, using the handrail.
Orderly, single-file boarding with the handrail reduces falls and lets you observe each student. Use the dome light when darkness makes the steps harder to see.
Source: Maryland Commercial Driver’s License Manual, DL-151 (02/26), February 2026; Section 10.2.2; physical PDF page 260 (printed 260); public mirror of the Maryland manual; reviewed September 15, 2026. ↗
