What to Do When Approaching a Stopped School Bus in Ontario

When you’re driving in Ontario, few things are as important as knowing what to do when you encounter a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing. Honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming with all those rules whirling around in your mind. But don't worry! The situation is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

So, let’s set the scene: you’re cruising down the road, minding your own business, when—bam—a school bus comes into view, red lights aglow, and the stop sign extends like a giant traffic arm waving you down. You might be thinking, “What now?” Well, here comes the golden rule: if the bus is stopped with its flashing red lights on and there’s no median separating the lanes, you must stop.

But what if there's a median in the way? That’s where things get a little less hectic! Imagine you're driving on a multi-lane road, and there’s a physical barrier like a median between you and the bus. In such cases, you can actually pass the bus slowly on the right side. While it might sound counterintuitive—especially since the instinct is to stop just as you would without the barrier—this distinction is crucial. Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Now, let’s hone in on the options you might consider:

Option A: Slow down and proceed with caution. This option isn’t going to cut it; it implies you can move forward, but the law doesn’t stand for half-measures. You need to fully stop when the lights are flashing.

Option B: Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted. While waiting might seem like a good idea, it’s actually unnecessary if the bus isn’t directly in your lane. The lights alone don't require you to stop if children aren’t in immediate danger.

Option C: Pass the bus quickly on the left side. Bad idea. Not only is this illegal, but it ignores the flashing warning signs that are meant to keep kids safe.

Option D: Pass the bus slowly on the right side. Ding, ding, ding—this is your answer! The presence of a median allows you the leeway to pass safely, but always at a cautious speed. Remember, kids can be unpredictable, and you want to ensure you’re making the safest choice possible.

Here’s the thing: we all want to drive as smoothly as possible, but adhering to these rules isn’t just about avoiding fines or test questions. It's about making sure children getting on or off the bus can do so safely. Think about the last time you saw kids rush off a bus—you’d want someone looking out for them too, wouldn’t you? That’s the real heart of these rules.

Those preparing for the Ontario G1 Driving Test need to have these scenarios down pat. A lot of folks think a driving test is just about mastering parallel parking and not hitting cones. But in reality, it’s equally about being prepared for real-world situations—just like handling a school bus.

So, as you gear up for your G1 test, make sure to think through these driving rules thoroughly. Practice visualizing these scenarios ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it's through online forums, study guides, or even chatting with family and friends, talking through these situations can etch the guidelines into memory.

Ultimately, driving responsibly in these situations can prevent accidents and ensure our streets stay safe for everyone, especially our little ones. So keep this knowledge in your toolkit as you hit the roads and embrace your journey toward becoming a confident driver.