California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayEasy
You are driving on a two-lane highway, and you approach a school bus that has stopped ahead of you. The school bus has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended. What is the correct action you must take?
- AChange lanes to the left and pass the school bus at a reduced speed.
- BHonk your horn to alert the bus driver that you are passing.
- CSlow down and proceed with caution, as long as no children are crossing the road.
- DStop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.
In California, when a school bus stops and flashes its red lights with its stop arm extended, all drivers traveling in either direction on a two-lane highway must stop until the children are safe and the bus continues.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is illegal and highly dangerous; passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights is a serious violation.
- B. Honking and passing is illegal and unsafe, especially when children are present.
- C. This is incorrect; you must stop completely, regardless of whether children are actively crossing.
Stopped School Bus Rules
When a school bus stops and flashes its red lights with its stop arm extended, drivers must stop in both directions on a two-lane road.
- Stop in both directions on a two-lane road.
- Remain stopped until lights stop flashing and stop arm retracts.
- Failure to stop can result in a fine and points on your driving record.
Memory trick: Red lights mean STOP, kids' safety is TOP.