Tennessee Permit Practice Test

What should you do if you see a school bus with its stop sign extended?

1. Speed up to pass

2. Stop until the sign is retracted

3. Honk the horn

4. Pass the bus cautiously

The correct answer is: Stop until the sign is retracted

When you see a school bus with its stop sign extended, it is crucial to stop until the sign is retracted. This is a safety measure designed to protect children loading or unloading from the bus. The extended stop sign indicates that children may be crossing the street or are in the vicinity, and the law requires all vehicles to come to a complete stop in these situations, regardless of the direction you are approaching from. This ensures a safe environment for children who may not be aware of oncoming traffic and helps prevent accidents. In this context, speeding up to pass is not safe or legal; it endangers the children and violates traffic regulations. Honking the horn does not provide any benefit in this scenario and could startle children who may be nearby. Additionally, passing the bus cautiously is also not compliant with the law, as it could lead to severe accidents if a child suddenly appears. Thus, coming to a complete stop is the appropriate action to take when the school bus's stop sign is extended.