Driving a bus

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the speed limits that apply to different kinds of bus.
• You can position the bus to turn left and right without cutting in or clipping kerbs.
• You can allow for tail swing when pulling away from a stop.
• You can pull into and out of a bus stop safely.
• You can use your mirrors to watch the whole length of the bus and the saloon.

What you need to know and understand

• A bus that is not designed for standing passengers has a limit of 100 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways and 80 km/h on other roads.
• A bus designed for standing passengers has a limit of 65 km/h on every road.
• Any lower posted speed limit always applies.
• A large public service vehicle may be up to 2.55 metres wide.
• The rear overhang swings out the opposite way when you steer sharply, so check the offside mirror before pulling out.
• Bus learners must not use motorways and must always be accompanied by a qualified driver.

Speed limits for buses

Speed limits are a maximum, not a target. A loaded bus in rain or on a narrow rural road will often need to be well below them.

• Bus without standees, motorway or dual carriageway: 100 km/h.
• Bus without standees, any other road: 80 km/h.
• Bus built for standing passengers, any road: 65 km/h.
• Any road with a lower posted limit: the posted limit.

Using the space a bus needs

Because the rear wheels follow a tighter line than the front, you must go further forward before turning left, or the rear wheels will mount the kerb or hit street furniture. On right turns, watch that the front corner does not cross into oncoming traffic.

When you steer away from a kerb, the rear overhang swings the other way. At a stop next to a pole, wall or queue of people, move forward a little before steering out, and watch the nearside mirror as well as the offside one.

Know the height of your bus, especially a double-decker, and look out for low bridges, trees and canopies.

Pulling into and out of a stop

1. Check mirrors early and signal in good time so traffic behind knows you are stopping.
2. Brake gently and progressively, stopping close and parallel to the kerb so passengers can step on safely.
3. Secure the bus with the parking brake before opening the doors.
4. Before closing the doors, check that nobody is in the doorway or running for the bus.
5. Check the saloon mirror, then both outside mirrors and the blind spot, and signal.
6. Move off smoothly once there is a safe gap, allowing for tail swing.

Common mistakes

• Turning left too early so the rear wheels clip the kerb. Go further forward before steering.
• Forgetting tail swing when leaving a stop. Check the nearside mirror as you steer out.
• Braking late and hard. Plan stops early so standing passengers are not thrown forward.
• Driving a standee bus at 80 km/h on an open road. Its limit is 65 km/h everywhere.
• Relying only on the offside mirror. A bus has large blind spots on both sides and at the front.

Test yourself: Driving a bus

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.