Nova Scotia Driving Test Practice: Ace your driving test

When approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must:

1. Slow down and proceed with caution.

2. Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.

3. Pass the bus quickly on the left side.

4. Pass the bus slowly on the right side.

The correct answer is: Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.

When you approach a school bus that has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, the requirement is to stop and remain stopped until the lights cease flashing and the stop arm is no longer extended. This law is in place to protect the safety of children who may be getting on or off the bus. Children often cross the road unexpectedly, and the bus acts as a visual signal that it's unsafe to proceed. Stopping is essential as it ensures that any children in the vicinity have a safe environment to board or exit the bus. When drivers adhere to this rule, it minimizes the risk of accidents and increases the overall safety of students. The law reflects the responsibility of drivers to exercise heightened caution around school buses, contributing to a safer community for all road users. The options that suggest slowing down and proceeding with caution or passing the bus in any manner do not provide adequate safety measures given the potential unpredictability of children's actions near the bus. Therefore, the correct course of action is to stop completely until the bus signals that it is safe to continue.