Massachusetts CDL Permit Test - Bus

Outside convex mirrors on a school bus are located below the outside flat mirrors. They are used to see a wide view of traffic, clearance, and students around the bus.

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.

A driver uses a look when they open their door, leave their seated position, and walk to the back of the vehicle to check its position. During the straight line backing exercise, a driver may not exceed one look. During any other exercise, a driver may not exceed two looks.

The outside right and left side convex mirrors on a school bus should be positioned so that the driver can see the fronts of the rear tires touching the ground; each side of the bus up to the mirror mounts; and at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.

If a school bus is equipped with alternating flashing amber warning lights, they should be activated at least 200 feet before a stop, unless state law requires otherwise.

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.

You should finish each exercise with your vehicle in the exact position described by the examiner. You can be penalized for failing to complete an exercise exactly in the manner described by the examiner, potentially resulting in failure of the basic control skills test.