October 2, 2000
The California Highway Patrol has conducted an analysis of school bus driver rules and regulations examinations. The analysis revealed that applicants who have taken the examinations demonstrated the most difficulty when answering questions covering the following subject matters:
State Agency Responsibilities
Use of the Amber and Red Warning Light
Driver Hours-of-Service System on a School Bus and Pupil Escorting
Placement of Road Reflectors Requirements
Visual Lead Time and Defensive Practices
Backing of a School Bus
Driver Authority to Discontinue Driving Driving
Fire Extinguisher in a School Bus
Criteria for Cancellation, Suspension, and Revocation of a California Special Driver Certificate, DL-45
Use of Four-Way Hazard Lights
Use of Interior Lights in a School Bus
The California Highway Patrol encourages all school bus driver instructors to ensure the above subject matters are covered during the training of original or renewal school bus drivers. Studying only these areas will not guarantee successful completion of the examination. Instructors must cover all the instructional material required by the California Education Code.