School Buses in the Driving Test

School buses have proven to be one of the trickiest things you have to deal with while you're having your driving test. A simple mistake can trigger an instant fail item and it gets worse when you realise that is a rule often overlooked by almost all other drivers so if you simply keep up with the flow, you will actually never get there! If you do not want this to happen to you, you should be particularly careful when passing stationary buses from 7am–9.30am and 2.30–5pm. This is when children are travelling to and from school. Continue reading and we will explain it all...

School bus lights 

Buses use signs and orange flashing wigwag lights to warn you that they are picking up or setting down school children. The lights begin to flash when the bus stops and the doors are opened. They keep flashing for about 30 seconds after the doors close and continue even after the bus moves off. You must not drive past the bus in the same direction at more than 40 km/h while the lights are flashing as there may be children crossing or about to cross the road.

School bus headlights 

When buses are dropping off or picking up school children their headlights will also flash. Be careful when approaching a bus with flashing headlights as there may be children crossing or about to cross the road.

Believe it or not, although almost no other driver observes this simple rule, if you fail to slow down to 40 km/h or less while the lights are flashing, you will receive Fail Item 5 (exceeding the speed limit) and you'll fail your test regardless of how flawless you've driven throughout your test. Below, you can watch a video that show you exactly how this rule needs to be observed in your driving test and while driving in general. Please note that while the Road User Handbook only mentions 7am–9.30am and 2.30–5pm, buses may use their wigwag lights at any time during the day and if so, this rule still needs to be observed regardless of the time. We wish you best of luck in your driving test and don't forget, we are here to help you if you need an assistance mastering this thing.