On a Minnesota roadway posted at 35 mph, how far in each direction must motorists have an unobstructed view of a Type C pupil stop?
Correct answer: At least 500 feet in each direction.
The visibility rule uses 500 feet at 35 mph or greater, and 100 feet below 35 mph. This threshold differs from the amber-lamp rule, which puts exactly 35 mph in its 100-foot category.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1100, item D; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Two students argue inside while other children are still unloading. What should your attention remain on first?
Correct answer: The children and traffic outside until unloading is safe.
Loading and unloading demand exterior observation. Once students are safely away, handle the behavior issue in a safely stopped and secured bus according to local procedures.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.5.1; physical PDF page 46, printed 41; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A passenger's behavior prevents you from safely driving the school bus. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and secure the bus safely, then request authorized assistance.
Use a safe stopping location and follow the school's assistance and discipline procedures. Do not put a student out at an unauthorized location.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.5.2; physical PDF page 46, printed 41; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
In an emergency stop with working ABS on your school bus, what should you avoid?
Correct answer: Pumping the brake pedal.
Do not pump the brakes of an ABS-equipped bus in an emergency. Apply the braking force needed to stop safely while maintaining control.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.6.3; physical PDF page 47, printed 42; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
What does ABS fail to protect a school bus from?
Correct answer: A skid caused by taking a turn too fast.
ABS helps with brake-induced wheel lock. It does not make excessive cornering speed, close following or poorly maintained brakes safe, and it does not guarantee a shorter stop.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.6.5; physical PDF page 47, printed 42; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Strong crosswinds begin pushing your school bus sideways. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Reduce speed and, if necessary, stop safely and contact dispatch.
The large side area makes the bus vulnerable to wind. Maintain a firm grip, anticipate gusts, slow down and wait in a safe place if conditions require it.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.7.1; physical PDF page 47, printed 42; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
As you turn away from a curb, why check the school bus's rear overhang in the mirrors?
Correct answer: Its tail can swing outward toward nearby people or objects.
A long rear overhang can sweep outward during a turn. Check before and during the movement; do not treat a handbook example as an exact clearance for every bus.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.7.2; physical PDF page 47, printed 42; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Under Minnesota's operating rule, may you back a school bus while pupils are outside it?
Correct answer: No; do not back while students are outside the bus.
Avoid backing whenever possible. Minnesota prohibits pupils outside the bus during backing, even if a pupil could otherwise give directions.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1000, subpart 3; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Your authorized pickup requires unavoidable backing. In what order should you handle students?
Correct answer: Board them before backing, then watch for late arrivals.
For a necessary backing point, board pupils before backing and unload them after backing. Do not leave pupils outside to guide or wait beside the maneuver.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1000, subpart 3; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Before operating a Minnesota school bus, which inspection and report requirement applies?
Correct answer: Complete the required pretrip check and carry its current daily report.
The driver or designated person must check required components, including brakes, mirrors, lamps and stop arm. Carry a copy of the current daily pretrip report in the bus.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1300, equipment inspection and daily report; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
The route has ended and the bus seems quiet. What must the driver still do?
Correct answer: Walk through and check for sleeping or hiding students.
A physical post-trip check can find a student who is asleep or hidden from the driving position. Also check belongings, exits and visible problems and make required reports.
Source: Minnesota CDL Manual, Part B, SB.2.2; physical PDF page 42, printed 37; state-library copy archived 2023, form dated January 2022, not a verified 2026 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
After repairs to a Minnesota school bus bearing a State Patrol rejection sticker, may its owner remove the sticker without State Patrol authorization?
Correct answer: No; removal requires authorization from a State Patrol member.
State Patrol authorization is required to remove the rejection sticker. A separate conditional rule allows up to 30 days of student transport pending reinspection after defects are corrected and the signed certification report is carried in the first aid kit; that does not authorize sticker removal.
Source: Minnesota Statutes 169.451, subdivision 3(b); official posted 2025 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
At an outdoor fuel pump, may a Minnesota Type C school bus be refueled with pupils still aboard?
Correct answer: No; pupils must not be aboard during refueling.
Minnesota's school-bus operating rule prohibits pupils aboard while the fuel tank is being filled. Being outdoors or switching off the engine does not create an exception.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1000, subpart 2; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
All authorized school-bus seating places are occupied. May an extra pupil travel standing in the aisle for the journey?
Correct answer: No; an extra standing rider is not an authorized seating place.
Minnesota requires everyone to be fully seated and prohibits standing while the bus moves. Capacity must account for passenger size and cannot exceed the manufacturer's rating.
Source: Minnesota Statutes 169.447, subdivision 1; official posted 2025 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A Minnesota school bus carries a pupil who remains in a wheelchair. What must the bus provide for the wheelchair?
Correct answer: Fastening devices that secure the wheelchair in a fixed position.
The wheelchair needs fastening devices that hold it securely in position. Wheel brakes alone are not that equipment. Use trained securement procedures and the pupil's required supports.
Source: Minnesota Rule 7470.1600, subparts 6 and 7; official posted rule; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A Minnesota school-bus driver is stopped at a traffic signal. May the driver take a personal call using hands-free mode?
Correct answer: No; the personal-call prohibition also applies while part of traffic.
The school-bus rule covers personal cellular-phone use while moving or part of traffic, including hands-free use. A red-light stop does not make the driver free to take a personal call.
Source: Minnesota Statutes 169.443, subdivision 9; official posted 2025 edition; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
