Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.

You will be asked to make multiple lane changes during the driving skills test. Before changing lanes, you should make the necessary traffic checks and use proper signals. Change lanes smoothly when you can do so safely.

A school bus has blind spots immediately below the side flat mirrors, immediately in front of the side flat mirrors, and directly behind the rear bumper. Rear blind spots typically extend 50 to 150 feet behind a bus but can sometimes extend up to 400 feet, depending on the length of the vehicle.

If a school bus driver forgets to stop where a student is meant to unload, the driver should not back up to the stop. Instead, they should follow established local procedures.

During emergency situations, it is usually safest for students to remain on a school bus. Evacuations are mandatory if the bus has stalled on railroad tracks, if the bus is on fire or there is a threat of fire, or if there is a hazardous materials spill. Students should be evacuated any time there is imminent danger of collision.

A school bus driver should not alter the location of a bus stop without written authorization of the appropriate school district officials.

If a school bus needs to be evacuated in the event of an emergency, the driver must quickly determine which exit or exits will be safest for students to use and direct the students to that exit.

When checking a header board during the vehicle inspection test, you should ensure that it is secure, free of damage, and strong enough to contain cargo.

When exiting your vehicle during the basic vehicle control skills test, you must face the vehicle and maintain three points of contact at all times. If your testing vehicle is a bus, you must maintain contact with the handrail. Exiting the vehicle incorrectly may result in automatic failure of the basic control skills test.

While all sides of a school bus have danger zones, the left side is particularly hazardous to students due to the presence of passing vehicles.

If you are asked to complete an offset back/left parking maneuver, you should first pull straight forward, then back up to the left. Your vehicle must be parked completely within the boundaries of the parking space.

If you drive over a bridge during the on-road driving skills test, the examiner may ask you afterwards to recall the bridge's posted weight limit.

During a vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks and distortions, and showing no signs of looseness, such as rust trails or shiny threads. Verify that all bolt holes are free of cracks and distortions.

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.

Students on a school bus should remain seated until they are told otherwise. It is unsafe for students to walk around the bus while it is moving.

The examiner will score the number of times your vehicle touches or crosses an exercise boundary line. Each encroachment will count as an error, resulting in points against your skills test score.

A school bus should stop at least 10 feet away from students who are being picked up at a bus stop. This forces the students to walk toward the bus, allowing the driver to observe their movements and better monitor their locations.

If you are asked to complete an offset back/right parking maneuver, you should first pull straight forward, then back up to the right. Your vehicle must be parked completely within the boundaries of the parking space.

During the vehicle inspection test, you must ensure that any emergency exit warning devices are working. All emergency exits should operate smoothly, be undamaged, and close securely from the inside.

During the on-road driving skills test, you will be evaluated on your gear usage. Select a gear that does not rev or lug the engine; avoid grinding and clashing gears; and avoid shifting through turns or intersections.