Illinois CDL DMV Endorsement Bus 1

When stopping to pick up students, a school bus should be put in park. If the transmission does not have a park shift point, the vehicle should instead be placed in neutral.

More students are killed each year during loading or unloading of school buses than while riding on school buses. Therefore, it is critical that school bus drivers follow appropriate safety procedures during loading and unloading.

When checking the oil pressure gauge as part of a vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that it is working. The gauge should show increasing or normal oil pressure, or the oil pressure warning light should turn off. If equipped with one, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

During the basic vehicle control skills test exercises, a driver may leave their seated position and check the positioning of their vehicle. Using such a look more than two times during any exercise (except the straight line backing exercise) will result in an automatic failure of the skills test. Using such a look more than once during the straight line backing exercise will result in automatic failure.

If you are asked to alley dock, you should first pull past the alley and stop your vehicle in a position that is parallel to the outer boundary. From there, you should back your vehicle entirely into the alley parking area. Your vehicle should be parked in a straight position within the boundaries of the parking space.

When properly adjusted, the outside side flat mirrors on a school bus should allow the driver to see along the sides of the bus; the rear tires touching the ground; and 200 feet behind the bus.

A driver is allowed to exit their vehicle to check its position during any basic control skills test exercise. This action is called a "look." During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

When checking the engine compartment during the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering, water pump, alternator, and air compressor belts. In addition to cracks and frays, you should check the belts for snugness, allowing up to three-quarters of an inch of play at the center of each belt. If any of these items are not belt-driven, you must identify them and ensure that their components are operating properly, are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.

Active railroad crossings use installed traffic control devices to regulate traffic. These devices can be in the form of flashing red lights, warning bells, and/or gates. The directions of devices controlling railroad crossings must always be followed.

Small arms ammunition labeled ORM-D, emergency hospital supplies, and drugs are permitted to be transported by bus. Most other kinds of hazardous materials may not be carried on buses.

During the vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that any emergency exit warning devices are working. All emergency exits should operate smoothly, be undamaged, and close securely from the inside.

During the straight line backing exercise, you are permitted to exit your vehicle to check its position no more than one time.

During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the oil dipstick is located; show that the oil level is within a safe operating range; and show that the oil level is above the refill mark.

All mirrors on a school bus should be checked and adjusted before beginning a trip. Proper mirror adjustment is vital to the safety of all students and surrounding vehicles.

During unloading, if a school bus driver cannot account for a student outside of the bus, they should secure the bus and check for the missing student around and underneath the bus.

During the on-road driving test, you must listen to and follow the directions given by the examiner. They will never ask you to drive in an unsafe manner.

Posted speed limits on roadways, especially through turns and curves, may be safe for cars but too fast for buses. Drivers of large vehicles should be aware of how fast their vehicle can safely be driven.

People sometimes damage unattended buses, so before driving a bus that has been idle, you should complete a walkthrough of the interior to ensure that it will be safe for riders.

When inspecting the interior of a bus, you must make sure everything is safe and in proper working condition. Take the time to ensure every handhold and railing is securely in place and safe to use.

People sometimes damage unattended buses. When inspecting a bus that has been left unattended, you should do a walkthrough to check the interior for damage.