California School Bus Rules Quiz
School bus questions are heavily tested on the California DMV exam. The divided-highway exception confuses many test-takers. Test yourself on these scenarios.
Sample Questions
1. A school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended on a 2-lane road. You are driving in the OPPOSITE direction. What must you do?
A. Continue at normal speed
B. Slow to 25 mph
C. Come to a complete stop until lights turn off ✓
D. Honk to alert the bus driver
Why: On a 2-lane road, all traffic in BOTH directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.
2. A school bus has its red lights flashing on a divided highway with a RAISED concrete median. You are in the opposite direction. What must you do?
A. Continue at safe speed — opposing traffic is exempt on divided highways ✓
B. Stop completely
C. Slow to 15 mph
D. Move to the shoulder
Why: A raised median makes this a divided highway. Opposing traffic does not need to stop — only same-direction traffic.
3. A school bus has YELLOW lights flashing. What does this mean?
A. Pass with caution
B. The bus is preparing to stop — do not pass ✓
C. Children are loading
D. A traffic violation
Why: Yellow flashing lights are a warning that the bus is about to stop and red lights/stop arm will activate. Don't try to pass.
4. A school bus is stopped on a multi-lane road with a PAINTED YELLOW LINE median (no raised divider). Red lights flashing. You are driving the opposite direction. What must you do?
A. Continue normally
B. Stop — painted lines do not count as a divided highway ✓
C. Slow down only
D. Pass with caution
Why: A painted line is not a divided highway. You must stop. Only physical medians (raised concrete, barrier, or unpaved area) trigger the divided-highway exception.
5. When can you proceed past a stopped school bus with red lights flashing?
A. As soon as the bus driver waves you on
B. When the lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts ✓
C. After 30 seconds
D. When children have entered the bus
Why: Wait until the lights stop flashing AND the stop arm retracts — that is the official signal to proceed.
6. The first-offense fine for illegally passing a stopped school bus can be up to:
A. $50
B. $200
C. $1,000 ✓
D. $5,000
Why: First-offense fines range $150–$1,000 plus 1 point on driving record. Subsequent violations add up to $2,000.
7. On a multi-lane road WITHOUT a median, a school bus stops with red lights flashing. Cars in the opposite direction must:
A. Continue normally
B. Stop along with same-direction traffic ✓
C. Slow to 15 mph
D. Honk
Why: Without a physical median, all directions must stop. The 'divided highway' exemption requires an actual physical divider.
8. A church van or charter bus carries students. The driver flashes red lights. Must you stop?
A. Yes — treat as school bus
B. No — only officially designated school buses trigger the rule ✓
C. Only if children are visible
D. Only on weekdays
Why: The school bus rule applies only to officially designated school buses (yellow, marked "School Bus"). Charter buses and church vans don't trigger the rule.
9. A school bus stops at a marked bus stop (curb-painted) WITHOUT activating its red lights. What is required of other drivers?
A. Stop as if red lights were flashing
B. Treat it like any other parked vehicle ✓
C. Slow to 25 mph
D. Pass at normal speed but honk
Why: If the bus stopped without activating red lights, no special stopping is required. Treat it like any parked vehicle.
10. After a school bus moves on, what should you watch for?
A. Nothing — the road is clear
B. Pedestrians, especially children who may still be crossing ✓
C. Other school buses
D. Traffic signals only
Why: Children may still be crossing or could run out from behind the bus. Roll forward slowly and watch carefully even after the bus moves.