247SimpleTests
DMV Permit · School Buses

What must you do when a school bus ahead of you stops and extends its stop arm with red lights flashing?

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

Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn, because children may be crossing

  1. A Honk and drive around it
  2. B Pass quickly on the left
  3. C Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn, because children may be crossing
  4. D Slow down but keep moving

Why this is the answer

When a school bus stops and activates its flashing red lights and extended stop arm, you must stop and remain stopped — in most situations in both directions — until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn, because children may be getting on or off and crossing the road. On a divided highway with a physical barrier, drivers on the opposite side may not be required to stop, but the rules are strict and vary, so caution is essential. Illegally passing a stopped school bus carries severe penalties and endangers children. Stopping for a school bus with flashing red lights is one of the most important rules of the road.
Source: State driver handbook, School Bus Stops

Practice more questions

This question is from our DMV Permit Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all School Buses and other topics.

Take the Rules of the Road practice test →

About this topic: School Buses

School bus questions cover when you must stop for a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, the exceptions on divided highways, and the penalties for passing a stopped school bus. This is one of 3 Rules of the Road questions on school buses, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

School Buses

When approaching a stopped school bus with red flashing lights and stop arm extended on a two-lane road, you must:

 School Buses

On a divided highway (with a physical median or barrier), what is required when a school bus stops with red lights flashing in the opposite direction?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

DMV Permit Test Study Guide (Learner Editions)

State-by-state driver's license and learner's permit prep, road signs, and rules of the road in plain language.

Check Price → Study guide

Road Rules & Signs Workbook (Exambusters)

Targeted flashcard-style review of road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits for all 50 states.

Check Price → Study guide

Prepare for the Learner's Permit Test (Sterling)

Practice questions and explanations for teen and adult first-time driver license test takers.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →