Minnesota Blue Card Practice Test

What is required when approaching an intersection with a school bus?

1. Merge left

2. Stop if lights are flashing

3. Proceed with caution

4. Only stop if the road is clear

The correct answer is: Stop if lights are flashing

When approaching an intersection with a school bus that has its lights flashing, it is imperative to stop. The flashing lights indicate that children may be boarding or alighting from the bus, which creates a heightened risk for their safety. This law is in place to protect students who may unexpectedly cross the road. The requirement to stop applies regardless of the direction you are coming from, whether you're behind the bus or on the opposite side of the road. In many jurisdictions, if the bus is on a two-lane road, you must stop even if you are traveling in the opposite lane; this helps ensure that children can safely navigate their way to and from the bus. Proceeding with caution or merely merging left does not provide the same level of safety and could endanger the children. Additionally, only stopping if the road is clear is not sufficient since it overlooks the necessity of stopping when the bus's lights are active, which indicates there may be children in the vicinity.