54.8. May a bus driver deviate from the route at their own discretion?
UAЧи може водій автобуса відхилятися від маршруту на свій розсуд?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safety and predictability of public transport movement. For passengers and other road users, it is important that a route bus moves consistently according to a defined scheme: this reduces the risks of chaotic maneuvers, conflicts in traffic flow, and unpredictable stops, as well as ensures adherence to the schedule and control over transportation.
The question tests understanding of Section 17 of the Traffic Rules, Route Vehicles, and the basic definition from clause 1.10. The very term implies that route vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, trams) operate along established routes and have designated stopping points, meaning the driver cannot change the direction of travel at their own discretion. This logic is further supported by clause 17.1: boarding and alighting of passengers is carried out specifically at route vehicle stops, which ties movement to a specific route scheme.
Explaining the answer options for the theoretical exam: the statement that a driver may deviate from the route is false, as it contradicts the essence of route transportation and the requirements of normative passenger transportation rules (the driver is prohibited from changing the route and schedule). Similarly, the idea that this is allowed outside populated areas is also incorrect: the location of travel does not give the driver the right to independently "shorten" the route, bypass traffic jams via arbitrary streets, or skip stops, since the route and schedule are approved and must be followed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Route vehicles")
Route vehicles are public transport vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, trams) that operate on established routes and have designated stopping places.
Application explanation: from the very definition, it follows that the movement of such a vehicle is carried out precisely "on established routes," and not arbitrarily at the driver's discretion.
Clause 17.1 (Section 17 "Route vehicles")
Route vehicles stop for boarding (alighting) passengers at route vehicle stopping places.
Application explanation: The Traffic Rules consider a route bus as one that operates with designated stopping places within the route, and not with the right to independently change the direction/route scheme.
That is, the correct answer is "Cannot," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, route vehicles operate on established routes and make stops at designated places, so the driver does not have the right to deviate from the route at their own discretion.
When the question in the theoretical exam refers to a bus, it means a route vehicle that transports passengers along a predetermined direction and according to a set schedule. Such movement is organized not "at the driver's discretion," but according to the conditions of transportation agreed upon by the carrier and the relevant authorities.
The regulatory rules for providing passenger automobile transport services directly impose on the driver the obligation to adhere to the approved movement conditions. This means that the driver does not have the right to independently change the route or the schedule of stops, even if, in their opinion, it would be faster or more convenient.
For example, if a traffic jam forms on the route, the driver cannot "cut through" a block via neighboring streets that are not part of the route. Similarly, the driver cannot skip a stop or take a different route to the final destination, because passengers rely on specific stops, and the route and schedule are linked to safety, transport control, and the predictability of movement.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Cannot," since the driver of a route bus is required to follow only the established route and schedule and does not have the right to change them at their own discretion.