South Dakota CDL Permit Test - Bus

An encroachment during the basic vehicle control skills test is when an exercise boundary line is touched or crossed by any portion of the applicant's vehicle. Every encroachment will be counted as an error.

The top portion of the overhead inside rearview mirror should be positioned to display the top of the bus's rear window. This mirror positioning should allow the driver to see all of the students on the bus, including the heads of the students sitting immediately behind the driver.

Proper mirror adjustment is vital to the safe operation of a school bus. A bus's flat mirrors should be adjusted so the driver is able to see 200 feet, or four bus lengths, behind the bus.

A school bus's long sides are vulnerable to being pushed by winds. If you must drive in windy conditions, you should maintain a strong grip on the steering wheel, try to anticipate wind gusts, and slow down. If necessary, contact your dispatcher for instructions on how to proceed.

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.

On a school bus, outside convex mirrors should be adjusted to allow the driver to see at least one traffic lane on either side of the bus; the entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts; and where the front of each rear tire touches the ground.

When checking your vehicle's pedals during a pre-trip inspection, you should ensure that there is nothing under or around the pedals that will obstruct their use. Make sure the pedals are in proper working condition and that the surfaces of the pedals are grooved, if applicable.