Traffic is light ahead of your bus. Which observation habit still gives you the most complete picture of the traffic scene?
Correct answer: Continue a regular search ahead and to the sides, using the mirrors to check behind.
Systematic seeing means searching the traffic scene ahead and to the sides and using mirrors for the rear. A clear view directly ahead does not account for traffic elsewhere around the bus.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 39, PDF physical page 219; Part III > Visual Search; introduction on printed 38 / physical 218. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
You have stopped before crossing a two-way road. The first lane you will cross carries traffic from your left. After looking left and then right, what should you do before entering that first lane?
Correct answer: Look left again to confirm that the situation has not changed.
For this traffic layout, the supplement recommends looking left, right and left again. The fresh left check helps establish that the first lane is still clear before the bus enters it.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 39, PDF physical page 219; Part III > Looking at Intersections; continued printed 40 / physical 220. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
You are assigned a different bus from the one you normally drive. What should you do about its mirrors before relying on them in traffic?
Correct answer: Adjust them properly for your position and practice checking the scene around this bus.
Bus sizes and designs differ. The supplement calls for proper mirror adjustment and practice searching around the entire vehicle when a driver changes buses.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 40, PDF physical page 220; Part III > Using Mirrors. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
You signal for a turn but must wait for a safe opening. What should happen to the signal while you wait and after you finish turning?
Correct answer: Keep it on while waiting and through the turn, then cancel it once the turn is complete.
A continuous signal communicates the intended turn while the bus waits for a gap. Cancel it after completing the turn so it does not suggest another maneuver.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 41, PDF physical page 221; Part III > Signaling for Turns, Signal Continuously and Cancel Your Signal. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
A tight turn ahead will require a substantial slowdown, and a driver is following your bus. When there is time to warn that driver safely, which action helps communicate what is coming?
Correct answer: Give an advance brake-light warning as you prepare to slow.
The supplement recommends warning drivers behind when a slowdown is needed, including for a tight turn. This is advance communication of a real slowdown, not brake-light flashing to intimidate a tailgater.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 42, PDF physical page 222; Part III > Slowing Down; tailgater distinction on printed 44 / physical 224. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
At dusk in poor weather, you have difficulty seeing oncoming vehicles. Which lighting choice does the supplement recommend to help others see the bus?
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights, recognizing that others may also have difficulty seeing you.
Poor visibility affects other drivers as well as you. The supplement recommends low beams and warns that high beams can create problems in these conditions.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 42, PDF physical page 222; Part III > Poor Visibility. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
Why should a bus driver look well beyond the pavement immediately in front of the bus?
Correct answer: It gives time to identify trouble, consider a response and check whether that response is possible.
Looking well ahead provides time to recognize problems, prepare and check for obstacles to a safe response. It does not replace nearby observation or change the bus's physical braking distance.
Source: Vermont School Bus Manual, VN-03, reprinted June 2016, reproduced in the 2018 legislative report; printed page 39, PDF physical page 219; Part III > Looking Ahead. Older-source technical guidance, not verified as current Vermont law, the current DMV manual, or full CDL coverage. ↗
