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CDL · Danger Zones and Mirrors

What types of mirrors does a school bus typically have, and what does each show?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Flat side mirrors (true-distance side view), convex side mirrors (wider angle), and cross-view mirrors (visibility immediately in front of the bus and along the sides)

  1. A Just two side mirrors
  2. B Only a rearview mirror
  3. C No mirrors are required
  4. D Flat side mirrors (true-distance side view), convex side mirrors (wider angle), and cross-view mirrors (visibility immediately in front of the bus and along the sides)

Why this is the answer

School buses have an extensive mirror system because of the special need to see small students near the bus. Flat side mirrors (also called West Coast or plane mirrors) show side and rear traffic at true distance. Convex side mirrors (or 'spot' mirrors) show a wider angle, including blind spots immediately alongside the bus, but distort distance — objects appear smaller and farther away. Cross-view mirrors (also called crossover mirrors) are mounted at the front corners and angled to show the area immediately in front of the bus and the entry door area. The driver must check all mirrors during loading, unloading, and any maneuver that might place a student in a blind spot.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 10.1.2 Mirror System

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About this topic: Danger Zones and Mirrors

The danger zone is the area within ten feet around a school bus where students are most at risk, and mirrors are set up to see every part of it. These questions cover mirror adjustment, blind spots and what to check before moving. This is one of 13 School Bus questions on danger zones and mirrors, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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