Ace Your School Bus Drive Test: What You Need to Know and How to Prepare
A CDL driving test is a critical step in the process of obtaining a school bus license and is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful commercial driver in Pennsylvania. Expect to be evaluated on your ability to safely navigate through traffic, obey traffic laws, and communicate effectively with other drivers. Test could also include a variety of other challenges, such as driving on different road surfaces and in various weather conditions.
It’s important to thoroughly prepare for your test by reviewing the CDL manual, practicing your skills, and seeking guidance from experienced drivers or instructors.
It begins with passing a written test
It will include a thorough review of of the driver’s paperwork, such as their driver’s license and medical certification. Driver will need a current driver license, and dated permit for required drive test with endorsements listed along with up to date vehicle registration and current insurance policy.
Topics may include driving safety, school bus and railroad crossing procedures, hazardous materials, and regulations specific to commercial vehicles. After completion the applicant will be awarded a permit to schedule a CDL road test with PENNDOT or a Third Party test location, conducted by an independent, third-party organization that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Copies will not be accepted.
Documentation: The examiner will check your ability to complete necessary paperwork and documentation required for the CDL license. The inspector will ensure driver has necessary endorsements. In the state of Pennsylvania documents required if the bus is equipped with air brakes.
Class B Permit with School Bus, Passenger and Air Brake Endorsements.
The skills test consists of three parts: the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test.
Pre-Trip Inspection: Before you start driving, the examiner will ask you to conduct a pre-trip inspection to ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. This inspection will include checking your tires, brakes, lights, turn signals, horn, mirrors, and all other important safety equipment
You will need to demonstrate how to inspect your vehicle to ensure that it’s safe to operate and vehicle equipment needed during the drive test is safe, legal, and in working order.
Expect to point out and explain vehicle components on a CDL vehicle inspection. You must have a basic grasp of where each item is located and it’s purpose. If you are explaining the exhaust system while pointing at the steering box, you will not receive credit for the item.
If vehicle is not properly licensed or does not have operable equipment or safety belts, the test will be rescheduled.
School bus should be parked with engine off, transmission in neutral, parking brake set and wheels chocked.
Examiner
To be fair and consistent with all candidates, examiners follow a set script that cover every aspect of the test. Some may elect to not talk during the test, except to give instructions.
Ask your examiner to repeat any direction. If you have any questions about the test, ask before the test starts.
During the test, the examiner will make notes on the test score sheet. Don’t let that get you nervous. Points will be scored for driving actions and responses the examiner observes.
Examiner will not trick you. You will not be asked to do anything against the law. During the drive test, they will be an observer, not an advisor. Driving in today’s traffic is a challenge new CDL drivers must accept and be prepared.
Basic Controls: You will be asked to perform several basic maneuvers while driving, such as backing up, turning around, and parking. The examiner may ask you to perform special maneuvers such as a serpentine or an offset alley dock. These will test your ability to control the vehicle in tight spaces and maneuver through narrow paths. The examiner will be watching to see how well you control the vehicle and execute each maneuver.
On-Road Skills: During the on-road driving portion of the test, you will be tested on your ability to drive safely and follow all traffic laws. This will include merging onto highways, changing lanes, making turns, and driving through intersections. Checking your mirrors regularly is one of the most commonly forgotten things new drivers miss in their test. Focused on the road ahead of them, they often neglect to check what’s behind or beside them.
Communication: Throughout the test, the examiner will be observing your communication skills. This includes your verbal and nonverbal communication with other drivers, pedestrians, and your examiner, such as using turn signals, following road signs, and acknowledging other drivers.
Following the test, the examiner will provide feedback on strengths and weaknesses and explain how the candidate performed. They have a checklist of things they are looking for, and if you don’t meet all of those requirements, you will fail.
The Examiner will give you feedback on what you need to work on to pass the test. They will go through each section of the test with you and explain why you didn’t meet the requirements. Pass or fail, listen to the examiner’s advice. They may offer opportunity to hear good advice. Use the feedback received to improve your driving skills.
Practice and determination will help make sure those who are licensed to drive know how to drive safely and legally. The test has only one purpose – to help make sure those who are licensed to drive know how to drive safely and legally.
