A driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers aboard their vehicle. To avoid becoming distracted and increasing the dangers of driving, a bus driver should avoid engaging in conversation with passengers while they are driving.

Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it. The surface will look like a wet road. Always be alert to black ice if the road looks wet when the temperature is below freezing.

During the on-road driving test, the examiner will be scoring you on specific driving maneuvers, as well as your general driving behavior.

The main factors that determine a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are how much alcohol has been consumed, how quickly it was consumed, and the person's body weight.

Federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, regardless of length.

Always signal your intentions before turning or changing lanes. Do not assume that other drivers will move out of your way simply because you are signaling to turn.

Truck drivers should always have emergency equipment on-hand. Required warning equipment consists of three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares.

If a heavy load prevents your vehicle from keeping up with the speed of other traffic, you should stay in the right lane.

Before starting down a hill, decelerate and shift down into a gear that will allow you to control your vehicle without braking too hard. Using too much brake when driving downhill can cause the brakes to overheat, reducing the braking power.

On a bus, it is permissible to lock some emergency roof hatches in an open position to allow in fresh air. However, this should not be a regular practice.

Potential warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids; yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes; daydreaming; wandering or disconnected thoughts; trouble remembering the last few miles you've driven; missing exits or traffic signs; having trouble keeping your head up; drifting from your lane; following too closely; hitting a shoulder rumble strip; or feeling restless and irritable.

Distracted driving is always dangerous. Talking on a cell phone takes away about 39 percent of a person's mental energy that would otherwise be devoted to driving.

Wheels or rims that have had welding repairs are not safe for use. They should be replaced before the vehicle is taken on the road.

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.

All commercial motor vehicles are required to be equipped with the proper emergency equipment. This may include spare electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.

When driving a bus, you should be mindful of the size of the gap that your vehicle will need to merge into traffic after making a stop. Wait for a gap of the necessary size to open in passing traffic before re-entering the main road.

Use your low beam headlights when traveling near other drivers at times when it is difficult to see, such as at dawn, at dusk, or in poor weather conditions. Using the high beam setting under certain conditions could make it difficult for other drivers to see.

You should not rely solely upon the presence of warning signals, gates, or flaggers to alert you to the approach of a train. Be especially alert to approaching trains at crossings that are not controlled by gates or signals. At any railroad crossing, you should operate under the assumption that a train is coming.

Always signal continuously through a turn. Do not cancel a signal until the turn is finished.

Parking brakes should be used whenever you park. If necessary, chock your wheels.