When approaching a railroad crossing while driving a bus, you must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest track to look and listen for any approaching trains. Only proceed once you are certain that there are no approaching trains. You do not need to stop at streetcar crossings; if a police officer or flagger is directing traffic; if there is a green traffic signal at the crossing; or at crossings marked "exempt" or "abandoned."

In the event of an engine fire, you should turn off the engine as soon as possible. Do not open the hood if you can avoid it. Shoot foam through the louvers or from the vehicle’s underside.

Backing can be dangerous, so avoid doing it whenever you can. If possible, park in such a way that allows you to pull forward to exit your parking space.

Once you have stopped as a part of the stop/start maneuver during the on-road driving skills test, you must activate your four-way flashers and shift into neutral or park. You must not block any driveways, intersections, fire hydrants, or signs.

Press the brake pedal down smoothly and gradually every time you slow or stop. The amount of brake pressure you need to apply depends on the speed of your vehicle and how quickly you need to stop.

Backing up is always dangerous because it is impossible to see everything behind your vehicle. If you must drive in reverse, use a helper, if possible.

When inspecting your vehicle's engine, check the belts for tightness and excessive wear. The amount of "give" that is safe for each belt in a given engine will vary, so learn what is appropriate for your vehicle.

You must drive in a safe and responsible manner during the on-road driving test. This includes wearing your safety belt; obeying all traffic signs, signals, and laws; and completing the test without an accident or moving violation.

The suspension system keeps a vehicle's axles in place. Damaged suspension parts, such as leaking shock absorbers, may be potentially dangerous defects on a vehicle.

Always change lanes slowly and smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle. Doing this will also allow a driver that you did not see time to move out of the way of your vehicle. Use the proper turn signal to communicate with other road users.

During the basic vehicle control skills test, a pull-up will be scored any time an applicant stops and pulls forward to gain a better position. Stopping without changing direction will not. An excessive number of pull-ups will count as errors.

If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that could indicate trouble while you are driving, you should stop and inspect the source of the unusual occurrence.

Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.

Before driving during the winter, make sure to check your defrosting and heating equipment, coolant and antifreeze levels, wipers and washers, tire tread, tire chains, lights, reflectors, and exhaust system. Clear ice and snow from all windows, mirrors, hand holds, steps, deck plates, and radiator shutters. Make sure the winterfront is not closed too tightly.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) will help you to maintain control during hard braking. ABS will not necessarily shorten your stopping distance.

The purpose of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is to prevent a vehicle's wheels from locking up when the driver brakes hard on a slippery surface.

After you start the engine, keep an eye on the gauges. Oil pressure should rise to a normal level within a few seconds of the engine being started.

Stopping distance is affected by a vehicle's speed. The faster you are driving, the longer your stopping distance will become.

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.

A hazardous material will be placed into one of nine classes to explain the type of risks associated with the material.