School Bus CHP Practice Test

When approaching a stop to load students, what is an important action for the bus driver?

1. Speed up to maintain schedule

2. Turn the hazard lights on

3. Signal with hand gestures

4. Make a loud announcement on the PA system

The correct answer is: Turn the hazard lights on

Activating the hazard lights when approaching a stop to load students is an essential action for the bus driver as it serves several important purposes. First and foremost, the hazard lights alert other drivers on the road that the bus is about to stop, creating increased awareness and encouraging them to exercise caution. This helps ensure the safety of students getting on or off the bus, as they often may not be fully visible to other vehicles. Additionally, turning on hazard lights serves as a visual signal that indicates a change in the bus's status; it communicates to both other vehicles and pedestrians that the bus is preparing to pause its movement for student loading. This is particularly critical in areas with heavy traffic, where motorists may not expect a bus to suddenly stop. The other options, while they may involve communication in some form, do not provide the same level of immediate visual warning or safety as hazard lights. For effective student safety, the activation of hazard lights is a universally recognized and necessary practice that assists in protecting vulnerable passengers.