Pass Your Driver/Operator Promotional Exam
Master the apparatus and the math. Prepare with 4,282+ practice questions covering pumping operations, hydraulics calculations, aerial apparatus, and more.
Pump Operations
Comprehensive coverage of fire pump theory, operations, and troubleshooting from IFSTA and Jones & Bartlett sources.
Hydraulics
Master friction loss, pump pressure, GPM, and relay operations with practice questions and calculations.
Aerial Apparatus
Questions on aerial ladder operations, platform operations, and apparatus positioning.
Study Sources
Sources for Driver/Operator Exam Prep
FiredUp includes practice questions from the most commonly used sources on Driver/Operator and Engineer promotional exams.
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook
IFSTA
Drive to Survive: The ART of Wheeling the Rig
Fire Engineering Books
Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook
IFSTA
Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator: Pump, Aerial, Tiller, and Mobile Water Supply
Jones And Bartlett Learning
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook
IFSTA
Exam Overview
What to Expect on Your Driver/Operator Exam
Driver/Operator exams are uniquely technical. Here's what most departments include in the examination process.
Written Examination
The written portion covers apparatus operations, pump theory, hydraulics calculations, aerial operations, preventive maintenance, and safe driving practices. Expect 80-120 questions with a 2-3 hour time limit.
Practical Driving Skills
Most departments include a driving course that tests your ability to maneuver apparatus through tight spaces, back into stations, and navigate obstacle courses safely and efficiently.
Pump Operations
Expect hands-on pump testing: setting up supply lines, calculating friction loss, maintaining appropriate pressures, flowing multiple handlines simultaneously, and operating from draft.
Hydraulics & Calculations
Written exams heavily test hydraulic calculations including friction loss, nozzle reaction, elevation pressure, and pump discharge pressure. You must be comfortable with formulas and mental math.
Aerial Operations
If testing for aerial apparatus, expect questions on ladder placement, load calculations, scrub area, reach capabilities, and safe aerial operations at structure fires and rescue incidents.
Preventive Maintenance
Driver/Operators are responsible for daily and weekly apparatus checks. Expect questions on engine systems, pump maintenance, NFPA inspection requirements, and out-of-service criteria.
Study Strategy
Study Tips for Driver/Operator Exam Prep
The Driver/Operator exam is one of the most technical in the fire service. Here's how to prepare effectively.
Master the Math First
Hydraulics calculations are the biggest challenge for most candidates. Practice friction loss, nozzle reaction, and pump discharge pressure calculations until they're second nature. Use flashcards for formulas.
Spend Time on the Apparatus
Nothing replaces hands-on practice. Spend time on the rig learning pump panel layouts, valve locations, and operating procedures. Ask current D/Os to walk you through common scenarios.
Study NFPA Standards
Know the key NFPA standards for apparatus (NFPA 1901, 1911, 1912) and driver/operator qualifications (NFPA 1002). These are frequently tested and often overlooked during study.
Use Practice Tests for Calculation Drills
FiredUp's practice questions include hydraulics calculation problems. Take timed quizzes focused on calculations to build speed and accuracy under pressure.
Don't Neglect the Written Portion
Many candidates focus on practical skills and under-prepare for the written exam. The written test often counts for 40-60% of your total score. Use FiredUp to systematically cover all written topics.
Practice Under Realistic Conditions
Take timed practice exams that simulate the real test environment. For pump operations practice, work through scenarios at the station with a timer to build confidence and speed.
Why FiredUp
Why Firefighters Choose FiredUp for Driver/Operator Prep
Purpose-built study tools designed for the unique technical demands of the Driver/Operator promotional exam.
The Driver/Operator position demands a unique combination of technical knowledge and practical skill. The written exam covers everything from hydraulics calculations to preventive maintenance procedures — topics that require methodical, focused study.
FiredUp includes practice questions from the most widely used Driver/Operator textbooks, including IFSTA Pumping and Aerial Apparatus and Jones & Bartlett texts. Every question includes page references so you can review source material when you need deeper understanding.
Whether you're studying hydraulics formulas during downtime at the station or reviewing pump theory before bed, FiredUp's mobile-friendly platform and adaptive technology ensure every study session counts.
Page-Referenced Answers
Every question links to the exact page in the source textbook. Perfect for reviewing complex hydraulics topics in context.
Adaptive AI Technology
Our algorithm identifies your weak areas — whether it's pump theory, aerial ops, or preventive maintenance — and focuses your study time there.
50,000+ Questions
The largest library of firefighter promotion practice questions, including comprehensive Driver/Operator content from IFSTA and Jones & Bartlett.
Built by Firefighters
Created by active firefighters who've been through the D/O process and understand the unique technical challenges of this exam.
Testimonials
Firefighters Who Earned Their Engineer Promotion
"The hydraulics questions were exactly what I needed. I was weak on friction loss calculations and FiredUp helped me master them before my Engineer exam. Passed on my first try!"
"Driver/Operator exams require you to know so many technical details about apparatus. FiredUp's questions from IFSTA Pumping Apparatus were incredibly similar to my actual test."
"I studied with another program first and didn't feel ready. Switched to FiredUp two weeks before my test and the difference was huge. The pump operations content is top-notch."
Frequently Asked Questions
Driver/Operator exams typically cover fire pump operations, hydraulics calculations, aerial apparatus operations, apparatus maintenance, safe driving practices, and NFPA standards. FiredUp provides comprehensive practice questions on all these topics from trusted sources like IFSTA Pumping Apparatus and Aerial Apparatus.
FiredUp offers 4,282+ practice questions specifically relevant to Driver/Operator promotional exams, covering hydraulics, pump operations, aerial apparatus, and apparatus safety from trusted fire service publishers.
Yes, hydraulics calculations are a core component of most Driver/Operator exams. You'll need to understand friction loss, pump pressure, GPM calculations, and relay operations. FiredUp includes extensive practice questions on hydraulics from IFSTA and other trusted sources.
Most firefighters study for 2-4 months before their Driver/Operator promotional exam. The hydraulics calculations and apparatus-specific knowledge require dedicated practice. FiredUp's adaptive testing helps you master these technical topics efficiently.
Very important. Hydraulics typically make up 20-30% of the written exam. You'll need to calculate friction loss, nozzle reaction, elevation pressure, and required pump discharge pressure. FiredUp includes calculation-based questions to help you practice these formulas.
Yes. FiredUp includes practice questions covering both pumping apparatus operations and aerial apparatus operations from the relevant IFSTA and Jones & Bartlett textbooks. You can filter quizzes to focus on whichever apparatus type you're testing on.
Key standards include NFPA 1002 (Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications), NFPA 1901 (Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus), and NFPA 1911 (Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, and Retirement of In-Service Fire Apparatus). FiredUp covers content from these standards.
FiredUp focuses on written exam preparation. However, the knowledge you build studying pump theory, hydraulics, and apparatus operations directly supports your practical performance. Understanding the "why" behind pump operations makes hands-on skills easier to execute under pressure.