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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies > Travel & Transportation

Free CDL Bus Driver Apprentice Practice Test

Ready to tackle realistic CDL bus practice questions? Start the sample test now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style bus and quiz icons on dark blue background promoting free CDL practice test with apprentice questions

Are you ready to steer your future as a bus driver? Our Free CDL Bus Driver Practice Test is crafted for aspiring bus drivers who want to ace the apprentice exam on the first try. This interactive quiz blends realistic bus driver written test questions with real-world scenarios to boost your confidence behind the wheel. You'll tackle a CDL bus driver sample test and dive into CDL bus apprentice exam practice that covers everything from pre-trip inspections to passenger protocols. Craving more? Take our cdl quiz or try a passengers cdl practice test . Jump in now for your free CDL bus quiz and drive your success home! Ready, set, start!

Easy
What is the minimum legal tread depth on the front tires of a commercial bus?
4/32 inch
6/32 inch
8/32 inch
2/32 inch
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) require that the front tires on a commercial bus have at least 4/32 inch tread depth to ensure adequate grip and handling. Tires worn below this limit can increase stopping distances and reduce control, especially in wet conditions. Maintaining proper tread helps prevent hydroplaning and loss of traction. FMCSA 393.75
During a pre-trip inspection, when should you check the engine oil level?
Before every trip when the engine is cold
After the engine has warmed up
Every 100 miles during operation
Only when oil warning light appears
Checking engine oil level before starting your trip ensures the engine has sufficient lubrication before running. A cold engine gives an accurate reading since oil has settled in the pan. Driving with low oil can cause engine damage or failure. FMCSA 396.11
What is the best way to prevent your bus from rolling back on a hill when starting from a stop?
Hold the clutch in and feather the throttle
Rock the vehicle forward then backward
Rev the engine and release quickly
Use the parking brake while accelerating
Using the parking brake on a hill prevents your bus from rolling backward when you release the service brakes. It allows you to safely engage the throttle and release the brake gradually for a smooth start. Relying solely on the clutch or accelerator can lead to roll-back or excessive clutch wear. Driver Safety Manual
When turning right, how should you position your bus to make a safe turn?
Cut the corner as soon as possible
Start the turn from the right lane
Swing wide to the left before turning
Turn sharply close to the curb
Swinging the bus slightly to the left before turning right increases your turning radius and reduces the chance of cutting the corner or hitting obstacles. This technique provides better clearance for the rear wheels. Proper positioning ensures a safe and smooth right turn. FMCSA 392.10
What does a dim dash indicator labeled "ABS" mean while driving?
ABS is actively engaged
ABS is turned off
There is a fault in the ABS system
ABS is functioning normally
The ABS light indicates there is a fault in the anti-lock braking system. While your regular brakes will still function, you won't have anti-lock protection, increasing the risk of wheel lockup during hard stops. Have the system serviced to restore full braking safety. NHTSA ABS Guide
How often should you adjust the mirrors on your bus?
Once a week
During the pre-trip inspection
After all passengers board
Only when you feel blind spots
Mirrors should be adjusted during the pre-trip inspection to ensure full visibility of the roadway and blind spots. Proper mirror positioning reduces the risk of collisions by covering areas around your bus. Failing to adjust mirrors can lead to undetected vehicles or obstacles. FMCSA 393.80
When parking a bus on a level surface, what must you do?
All of the above
Apply the parking brake
Leave the bus in gear or park
Chock the wheels if required
Parking on a level surface requires setting the parking brake, placing the transmission in gear (or park), and chocking the wheels if necessary. This combination ensures the bus remains stationary and prevents unintended movement. It is a critical safety step after shutdown. FMCSA 392.22
What is the purpose of the "hazard warning" flashers on a bus?
Signal that you are slowing
Show you are preparing to turn
Indicate you are braking hard
Warn of a hazard condition or roadside stop
Hazard warning flashers signal to other road users that your bus poses a temporary hazard or is stopped on the roadside. They make your vehicle more visible under emergency or slow-moving conditions. Using hazard lights appropriately helps reduce collision risks. FMCSA 393.31
Medium
Before starting a trip, you notice a heavy oil leak under the engine. What should you do?
Monitor the leak during the trip
Plan to fix it at the next fuel stop
Top up the oil and continue the trip
Report and repair the leak before beginning the trip
You must report and repair any heavy oil leaks before operating the vehicle to avoid mechanical failures. Continuing with a significant leak can lead to engine damage, fire hazards, or environmental spills. Federal regulations prohibit operating a bus with major mechanical defects. FMCSA 396.17
When crossing railroad tracks, you must:
Speed up and cross quickly
Stop between 15 and 50 feet before the tracks
Sound horn only, no stop required
Shift to neutral before crossing
Buses carrying passengers are required to stop between 15 and 50 feet before railroad tracks, open the door, and listen for trains before proceeding. This rule enhances passenger safety by ensuring no immediate train threat. Failure to stop can result in severe accidents and legal penalties. FMCSA Bus Safety
How many seconds should you look down the road to spot hazards?
5 seconds
10 seconds
20 to 30 seconds
12 to 15 seconds
Scanning the road at least 12 - 15 seconds ahead allows you time to recognize and react to hazards. This distance equates to about one city block at normal speeds. It helps maintain smooth traffic flow and prevents sudden braking. FMCSA 392.2
The center of gravity on a bus is higher than a car. You should:
Use cruise control in curves
Reduce speed before entering curves
Overcorrect steering if you feel lean
Take curves at the same speed as cars
A higher center of gravity increases the risk of rollover, especially on curves. Reducing speed before entering curves helps keep the bus stable and reduces lateral forces. Maintaining safe speeds is crucial for passenger safety. FMCSA 392.16
What is the correct method to secure a mobility aid-equipped passenger?
Use a four-point tiedown system
Have the driver hold the wheelchair
Rely on the bus's seatbelt only
Use only the lap belt provided
Four-point tiedowns secure wheelchairs in both forward and lateral directions, preventing movement during transit. The tiedowns attach to designated securement points on the wheelchair and bus floor, ensuring passenger stability. Proper securement is legally required for safety. FMCSA 393.106
When fueling your bus, you should:
Disable the fire suppression system
Open all engine compartments
Turn off the engine before fueling
Leave the engine running for heat
Always shut off the engine before fueling to reduce fire and explosion risk. A running engine can ignite fuel vapors. It's a standard safety procedure enforced at all fueling stations. NFPA Fueling Guidelines
What is the recommended following distance under ideal conditions?
6 seconds
4 seconds
2 seconds
1 second
A four-second following distance gives enough space to react to sudden stops or hazards. For large vehicles like buses, additional stopping distance is needed due to greater mass. Under poor conditions, increase this distance further. FMCSA Following Distance
Which sign is diamond shaped?
Warning sign
Speed limit sign
School zone sign
Railroad crossing sign
Diamond-shaped signs warn drivers of upcoming road conditions or potential hazards. Recognizing shape helps identify sign type quickly, even if visibility is poor. Regular road signs use this shape for consistency and safety. FHWA Sign Standards
Hard
During the air brake test, the governor should cut out air pressure build at approximately what pressure?
120 - 140 psi
90 - 100 psi
100 - 125 psi
140 - 160 psi
The air compressor governor cuts out air pressure buildup when tank pressure reaches approximately 120 - 140 psi to prevent over-pressurization. Proper cut-out limits ensure air brake system safety and reliability. Maintaining correct pressures is vital for brake performance. FMVSS 121
What is "brake fade"?
Loss of braking power due to overheating
Improved braking performance
Moisture buildup in brake drums
Excessive wear on brake linings
Brake fade refers to the loss of braking effectiveness due to overheated brake components. Prolonged or heavy braking generates heat, reducing friction between drums and linings. Proper braking techniques, including engine braking, help prevent fade. Brake Safety Study
What is the maximum leak rate for a single air brake system with engine off and brakes applied?
2 psi per minute
10 psi per minute
4 psi per minute
3 psi per minute
A single air system should not lose more than 3 psi per minute with the engine off and brakes applied. Excessive leakage indicates worn components, leading to brake failure. Regular air tests are mandated to ensure system integrity. FMCSA 393.52
How far away from your disabled bus should reflective triangles be placed when stopped on the shoulder?
250 feet
100 feet
10 feet
50 feet
Positioning reflective triangles about 100 feet from your disabled vehicle warns oncoming traffic of your presence. Proper placement enhances visibility in both directions. It's a legal requirement for roadside emergencies. NHTSA Roadside Safety
What effect does overloading your bus have?
Reduces tire wear
Decreases stopping distance
Increases stopping distance
Improves handling
Overloading increases your bus's stopping distance by placing more weight on the brakes and tires. Excess weight also strains suspension and reduces steering responsiveness. Keeping loads within limits preserves safe handling. FMCSA 393.5
When performing a backing maneuver next to a curb, how close should your bus come to the curb when parked?
18 inches
1 foot
3 feet
5 feet
When parallel parking, stopping within 18 inches of the curb keeps your bus close enough to avoid obstructing traffic while allowing passenger egress. Exceeding this distance can create hazards. Accurate backing techniques are essential for small margins. FMCSA 392.2
What is the function of the ABS modulator?
Reduce wheel lock by adjusting brake pressure
Increase brake line pressure uniformly
Engage the parking brake automatically
Monitor wheel speed only
The ABS modulator controls brake line pressure to prevent wheel lockup by releasing and reapplying air pressure rapidly. This modulation allows the wheels to maintain traction during emergency braking. Proper function reduces skidding and enhances control. NHTSA ABS Guide
Expert
During the air systems leakage test, what is the acceptable leakage rate for a dual air brake system with brakes applied and engine off?
4 psi per minute
6 psi per minute
3 psi per minute
2 psi per minute
In a dual air brake system with brakes applied and engine off, leakage should not exceed 3 psi per minute. Excessive leakage reduces available air for braking, risking system failure. Inspect and repair leaks promptly for safety compliance. FMCSA 393.52
What device provides a safe stop for buses that have lost braking ability on long downgrades?
Chain drag system
Automatic brake shoe
Emergency escape ramp
Guardrail system
On long downgrades, a runaway escape ramp provides a safe stopping area for buses that have lost braking ability. These ramps use an uphill gravel track to absorb vehicle energy. Knowing ramp locations is crucial for emergency planning. FHWA Runaway Ramps
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Bus Driving Regulations -

    Grasp federal and state rules tested in the CDL Bus Driver Practice Test to ensure compliance with licensing standards.

  2. Identify Safety Protocols and Inspection Steps -

    Recognize key pre-trip inspection items and hazard-avoidance techniques featured in the CDL bus driver sample test.

  3. Apply Vehicle Control Techniques -

    Demonstrate proper steering, braking, and backing procedures through scenario-based questions drawn from the CDL bus apprentice exam practice quiz.

  4. Analyze Traffic Scenarios -

    Evaluate common road situations and select correct actions to succeed on bus driver written test questions.

  5. Interpret Test Feedback for Improvement -

    Use instant quiz results to pinpoint knowledge gaps and focus your study plan before taking the real exam.

  6. Enhance Exam Confidence -

    Build familiarity with question formats and timing strategies by completing this free CDL bus quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Thorough Pre-Trip Inspection -

    Master the systematic walk-around by following the FMCSA's official Vehicle Inspection Manual: check tires, lights, fluid levels, and safety equipment. Use the "T.I.R.E.S." mnemonic (Tires, Instruments, Radiator, Electrical, Safety items) to ensure no step is missed during your CDL bus driver practice test prep. A consistent routine helps you spot issues before they become on-road hazards.

  2. Air Brake System Checks -

    Review the three mandatory brake tests: Static, Applied Pressure, and Low Pressure (air loss must not exceed 4 psi per minute) as outlined in the DOT's Air Brake Handbook. Practice calculating stopping distances using the friction formula F=μN, where a lower μ (wet/icy roads) increases stopping distance. Recalling "Always Check PSI" ensures you ace air-brake questions on your CDL bus apprentice exam practice.

  3. Weight, Balance & Load Securement -

    Understand gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) and axle limits - check your math with sample calculations: if GVWR is 30,000 lbs and cargo weighs 18,000 lbs, the bus's empty weight must stay under 12,000 lbs. Follow FMCSA guidelines for load distribution to maintain stability, especially when making turns. A balanced load reduces rollover risk and appears frequently on bus driver written test questions.

  4. Passenger Safety & ADA Compliance -

    Learn ramp deployment, securement of wheelchairs, and ADA signage requirements from the official Federal Transit Administration manual. Practice scenarios in your free CDL bus quiz by role-playing announcements and emergency evacuation drills. Confidence in passenger protocols not only boosts safety but also scores you points on the sample test.

  5. Emergency Maneuvers & Hazard Perception -

    Memorize the "SMOG" technique (Signal, Mirror, Over-the-shoulder, Go) for safe lane changes and the correct use of engine retarders in steep declines. Study common hazard scenarios - pedestrians, cyclists, and unexpected stops - through FMCSA-sourced videos to sharpen reaction times. This focused practice ensures you're ready for any question on the CDL bus driver practice test.

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