It is essential that a driver always uses proper signals to make their intentions known to others on the road.

Be sure to check the tightness of the belts in your engine compartment. Loose belts will not turn the water pump and/or fan properly, which can lead the engine overheating.

After a tire has been changed, you should stop a short while later to re-check the tightness of the lug nuts.

While buses may carry some hazardous materials under certain conditions, they must never be used to transport tear gas or irritating materials.

After the engine is started, the warning lights and buzzers should deactivate immediately. The charging circuit warning, oil, coolant, and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) lights should all turn off.

A bus must always be inspected before it is driven. The inspection process must include a review of the inspection report made by the previous driver. You should operate the vehicle only if defects listed on the inspection report have been certified as repaired or as not needing to be repaired.

When driving a school bus, you must activate your four-way flashers while approaching and crossing a railroad crossing. Deactivate the flashers once your entire vehicle has cleared the tracks.

Commercial drivers are required by federal and state laws to inspect their vehicles before every trip. Regular inspections can help drivers identify issues before they become dangerous and costly.

To reduce the risk of distraction, do not engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations while driving. Pre-programming radio stations before your trip and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking while at the wheel can also help you avoid becoming distracted while driving. Remember that mental distractions that take your attention away from the task of driving can be just as dangerous as physical distractions.

When crossing railroad tracks during the on-road driving skills test, you must not stop, switch gears, pass another vehicle, or change lanes while any part of your vehicle is in the crossing.

People sometimes damage unattended buses. Before driving a bus that has been unattended, you should check the interior to confirm that everything is in proper condition.

Always drive cautiously around a stopped bus. Passengers may cross in front of or behind it, and the bus may prevent them from seeing your vehicle.

When inspecting a vehicle equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. Be sure to check for and repair leaks before operating the vehicle.

The average driver has a reaction time of between three-quarters of a second and one second.

People sometimes damage unattended buses. Before beginning a trip, a bus driver should check the interior of a bus to verify that key systems are in good condition for rider safety.

If you must drive in reverse, you should back up slowly and use the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle. Use a helper to monitor your blind spots whenever possible. You and the helper should agree on a signal for "stop."

When parking as a part of the stop/start maneuver during the on-road driving skills test, you must apply the parking brake. The gears should be shifted into neutral or park. You must be parked parallel to the curb and should not be blocking any driveways or intersections.

Placards must be placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. They identify the specific class or classes of materials being carried and warn others of relevant hazards.

Buses must never carry labeled radioactive materials in the area occupied by passengers.

If a bus is leaning toward the outside of a banked curve, it is being driven around the curve at too high a speed. Drivers should reduce their speeds when approaching curves, especially when operating large vehicles, such as buses.