When starting your bus, how should you hold the vehicle while coordinating the clutch and accelerator?

When starting a bus, using the handbrake is essential for ensuring the vehicle remains stationary while you coordinate the clutch and accelerator. The handbrake, when engaged, prevents the bus from rolling, particularly on inclines or declines. This stability allows the driver to focus on balancing the clutch and accelerator without the concern of the vehicle rolling forward or backward.

In a manual transmission vehicle like a bus, coordinating the clutch and accelerator is crucial for a smooth start. If the vehicle is not securely held in place, there's a risk of stalling the engine or causing jerky movements when starting. Holding the vehicle with the handbrake provides a controlled environment necessary for mastering the initial movement without distraction or hazard.

While other options involve different methods of controlling the vehicle, they are not as effective in providing the stability needed during the initial start-up when transitioning from a standstill, particularly in a bus that may require some additional power to start moving smoothly.