While driving an air-braked school bus, you have trouble maintaining proper air pressure. What should you do?
Correct answer: Pull over safely at a safe location and contact dispatch.
The curriculum directs the driver to monitor the gauges and stop safely when proper air pressure cannot be maintained. Continuing the route is not an appropriate response to a possible braking-system problem.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Brake Failure, section page 3 of 13, physical PDF page 168; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
A substantial curve is ahead on the bus route. When should you reduce speed and select a lower gear if needed?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve, while there is room to slow smoothly.
Prepare before the curve so further braking is not needed within it. The curriculum calls for a controlled speed, all wheels in the lane and no strong acceleration through the curve.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Curve Procedures, section page 3 of 13, physical PDF page 168; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
Before taking the school bus onto a long downhill grade, which preparation best follows the curriculum?
Correct answer: Choose a safe speed and appropriate gear before the descent, and increase following space.
A suitable speed and gear should be selected before the grade. Additional space allows more room to respond without relying on a last-moment correction.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Downgrade or Upgrade Procedures, section page 3 of 13, physical PDF page 168; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
For an ordinary planned stop on a dry road, how should the bus driver apply the service brake?
Correct answer: Use smooth, steady pressure rather than riding or repeatedly pumping the brake.
The curriculum's general-driving guidance calls for smooth braking with steady pressure. This is a routine-stop decision, not a substitute for vehicle-specific emergency or ABS instructions.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, General Driving Behavior; brakes, section page 5 of 13, physical PDF page 170; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
A large vehicle ahead prevents you from seeing developing conditions beyond it. What should you change?
Correct answer: Increase the following gap to regain a useful forward view.
Following space is also a visibility tool. The curriculum says not to let a large vehicle block the forward view; more space helps reveal hazards and gives time to respond.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, General Driving Behavior; following distance, section page 5 of 13, physical PDF page 170; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
On a town route with parked vehicles and frequent side streets, which habit reduces repeated abrupt braking and acceleration?
Correct answer: Scan well ahead for developing hazards and respond early.
Early visual search gives the driver time to make controlled changes. The curriculum connects scanning ahead with avoiding constant braking and acceleration in town traffic.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Urban Procedures, section page 13 of 13, physical PDF page 178; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
Water on the road causes the bus to begin hydroplaning. Which response matches the curriculum?
Correct answer: Remove your foot from the accelerator to reduce speed, then continue at a slower safe speed.
The curriculum directs the driver to reduce speed by taking the foot off the accelerator and to maintain a slower speed. Sudden steering or more power does not address the reduced tire contact.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Hydroplaning, section page 6 of 13, physical PDF page 171; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
Compared with the same route in clear daylight, what adjustment does the curriculum recommend for night driving?
Correct answer: Use a slower safe speed, more following space and heightened attention.
The night-driving guidance calls for slower speed, increased following distance and greater attention, along with proper headlight use and earlier signaling.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Night Driving, section page 6 of 13, physical PDF page 171; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
You checked the bus mirrors before signaling a lane change. What observation is still needed as you carry it out?
Correct answer: Keep checking traffic, mirrors and blind areas before, during and after the move.
Traffic can change after the first check. The curriculum calls for checks throughout the maneuver, a safe opportunity, smooth steering and an appropriate following gap.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Lane Change Procedures, section page 6 of 13, physical PDF page 171; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
The bus is completing a turn and the wheels need to return toward straight ahead. How should you handle the steering wheel?
Correct answer: Guide it back under control instead of letting it spin freely through your hands.
The curriculum specifically calls for steering the wheels back into position. Controlled return helps the driver keep the bus on the intended path as the turn ends.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Right/Left Turn Procedures, section page 8 of 13, physical PDF page 173; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
You need a non-emergency roadside stop. Which location and approach best match the curriculum?
Correct answer: Check traffic, signal, and stop smoothly parallel to the shoulder, outside traffic flow and clear of driveways.
A planned roadside stop should be out of the traffic flow without blocking access. The bus should be brought to a controlled stop and secured, with the appropriate warning lights used.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Roadside Stop Procedures; prepare for stop, section page 8 of 13, physical PDF page 173; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
The bus is ready to leave a roadside stop. What should govern the return to the travel lane?
Correct answer: Check traffic, signal the intended move and re-enter only when a safe opportunity exists.
The curriculum has the driver check traffic, change from hazards to a turn signal, select the driving gear and release the parking brake when traffic permits. A signal communicates intent; it does not create a safe gap.
Source: New Mexico Public Education Department, School Bus Driver Instructor Manual, mixed-edition curriculum; Section 1-O, Roadside Stop Procedures; prepare to resume, section page 9 of 13, physical PDF page 174; revised 2022 technical guidance, not a current MVD licensing or exam specification. ↗
