When inspecting the interior of a bus, you must make sure everything is safe and in proper working condition. Make sure emergency exits are properly marked and easy to use.

Distractions while driving can be physical (such as reaching for an object), mental (such as making conversation with a passenger), or both (such as holding a phone to send texts). Strategies to help you avoid distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; avoiding complex or emotionally taxing conversation while driving; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

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

When checking the oil pressure gauge as part of a vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that it is working. The gauge should show increasing or normal oil pressure, or the oil pressure warning light should turn off. If equipped with one, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.

The suspension system holds up a vehicle and its load while keeping the axles in place. Faults in a vehicle's suspension system are extremely dangerous.

When inspecting a vehicle that is equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. In particular, you should look for leaks in the hoses.

While regular mirror checks should be a part of your driving routine, it is particularly important to check your mirrors when changing lanes, turning, merging, and making tight maneuvers.

Driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the day because hazards become more difficult to see in the dark.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should slow down by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch.

When turning quickly to avoid an object, turn only as much as is necessary to clear it. Do not apply the brakes while turning.

If you must drive slowly, you should warn drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers, as long as local law permits their use.

During the vehicle inspection test, you must check the power steering belt, water pump belt, alternator belt, and air compressor belt for snugness, cracks, or frays. If any of these components are not belt-driven, you must tell the examiner which one(s), and verify that they are operating properly, mounted securely, and not damaged or leaking.

It is important that the driver of a CMV always downshifts before entering a curve.

When a bus arrives to an intermediate stop or its final destination, the driver should announce the location, the reason for stopping, the next departure time, and the bus number.

The driver is responsible for safely operating their vehicle and delivering their cargo without delay.

When inspecting a vehicle's suspension, you should look for broken or missing leaves in the leaf springs. Any defect of this kind is dangerous. If one-fourth or more of the leaves are missing from any leaf spring, the vehicle must be put out-of-service.

Defects to check for when inspecting your vehicle's suspension system include cracked or broken spring hangers; missing or broken leaves in a leaf spring; and leaking shock absorbers. If you spot any of these issues, be sure to have them repaired.

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.

Potential problems to check for when inspecting brakes include cracked drums; shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them; and shoes that are missing, broken, or worn dangerously thin.

As the temperature begins to rise and ice on the road begins to melt, the road surface will often become even more slippery. Water from the slight melting will sit on top of the ice, decreasing the available traction even more. Always decrease your speed and drive with caution when traveling on slippery surfaces.