AL CDL Passenger cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection must include: service brakes, parking brake, steering, lights, tires, horn, mirrors, windshield wipers, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and passenger seating/securement.

Check emergency exits for proper operation, unobstructed access, and legible markings; verify that exit instructions are posted.

Test the parking brake by setting it and attempting to move the vehicle; it must hold the vehicle on a grade.

Inspect tires for tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch for front, 2/32 inch for other tires), proper inflation, and damage.

Check all lights: headlights (high/low), turn signals, brake lights, tail lights, clearance lights, and hazard flashers.

Verify that the fire extinguisher is charged, mounted securely, and within reach; check first aid kit and emergency equipment.

Inspect the passenger compartment for loose objects, damaged seats, and proper operation of doors and windows.

After inspection, complete a written report listing any defects; sign and certify the report.

Check engine compartment fluid levels: oil, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer; check belts and hoses for wear.

Standees are allowed only if the bus is designed for standees and the total number of passengers does not exceed the vehicle's rated capacity.

When passengers are standing, they must be behind the standee line (if present) and not block the aisle or emergency exits.

Passengers must be seated when the bus is in motion if seats are available; if not, standees must have handholds.

Do not allow passengers to board or exit while the bus is moving; ensure the bus is fully stopped and the parking brake is set.

Load and unload passengers only at designated stops or safe locations away from traffic lanes.

Count passengers when loading/unloading to ensure no one is left behind or trapped in doors.

Secure wheelchairs and mobility devices with four-point tie-downs and ensure occupants use lap and shoulder belts.

Keep aisles and stairwells clear of baggage and obstructions at all times.

Emergency exits include doors, windows, roof hatches, and emergency door release; know how to operate each type.

Evacuation priority: get passengers out and away from the vehicle, then call for help; move at least 100 feet away from traffic and hazards.

Fire: stop the vehicle, shut off engine, evacuate immediately, and use extinguisher only if safe and trained; never open engine cover if fire is present.

If an emergency exit door is inoperable, use the emergency release mechanism or break glass with the designated tool.

Conduct emergency evacuation drills and ensure passengers know exit locations and how to use them.

After evacuation, account for all passengers and provide first aid until help arrives.

Use hazard lights and reflectors to warn traffic; place reflectors within 10 minutes of stopping.

Report any emergency to dispatch and emergency services with location, number of passengers, and injuries.

Buses have a longer stopping distance and require greater following distance due to weight and passenger load.

Use engine braking (downshift) on long downgrades to avoid overheating brakes; do not ride the brakes.

Air brakes: check air pressure buildup and loss rates; understand low-pressure warning and emergency spring brakes.

When turning, swing wide to account for off-tracking; the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels.

Brake smoothly and early to avoid passenger falls; avoid sudden stops.

Use lower gears when descending steep grades and maintain a safe speed.

Check mirrors frequently and use turn signals well in advance; be aware of blind spots.

In strong winds, reduce speed and grip the wheel firmly; be prepared for sudden gusts.

Passenger vans have a higher center of gravity and are more prone to rollover; avoid abrupt maneuvers and excessive speed in turns.

Follow the 4-second rule under ideal conditions; increase to 6 or more seconds in adverse weather or darkness.

Speed must be reasonable and prudent for conditions; never exceed posted limits, and reduce speed in work zones, school zones, and inclement weather.

Maintain a space cushion around the bus; avoid driving in other vehicles' blind spots.

Use the right lane except when passing or preparing for a left turn; keep to the right on multi-lane roads.

When turning, signal early, check mirrors, and swing wide to avoid hitting curbs or pedestrians; be aware of off-tracking.

Do not make sharp turns; make smooth, gradual turns to maintain passenger comfort and vehicle stability.

At intersections, scan for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles; yield the right-of-way as required.

Use headlights and hazard lights as required by law; ensure lights are on during darkness or low visibility.

Passenger vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings unless the crossing is exempted and equipped with active warning devices (gates, flashing lights) and the driver can proceed safely.

Stop within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail.

Before proceeding, look and listen for trains; open doors or windows if necessary to improve visibility and hearing.

Do not shift gears while crossing the tracks; proceed without stopping once started.

If the vehicle stalls on the tracks, evacuate passengers immediately and move them away from the tracks; then call for help.

Never drive around lowered gates or attempt to beat a train; trains cannot stop quickly.

At multiple-track crossings, ensure all tracks are clear before proceeding.

Report any signal malfunction or hazardous condition at a crossing to the proper authorities.

At night, reduce speed and increase following distance; use high beams when legal and safe, dim for oncoming traffic.

In fog, rain, or snow, use low beams, reduce speed, and increase following distance; avoid using high beams in fog.

On wet roads, be alert for hydroplaning; ease off the accelerator and do not brake hard.

In mountainous terrain, use lower gears and engine braking; check brakes for overheating and use pullouts to cool them.

On curves, reduce speed before entering, maintain a steady speed through the curve, and accelerate gently after.

In strong winds, keep a firm grip on the wheel and reduce speed; be cautious of crosswinds on bridges and open stretches.

In winter, carry chains and know how to install them; clear snow and ice from lights, windows, and roof.

When driving in blowing snow, use hazard lights and reduce speed; if visibility is too poor, pull off safely and wait.

Texting while driving a CMV is prohibited; using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited.

Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as eating, grooming, or adjusting devices.

Hours-of-service: passenger-carrying drivers may drive up to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty; must have 8 hours off between shifts.

Drivers must maintain a record of duty status (logbook) and retain supporting documents.

Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs driving ability.

Drivers must report any traffic violations and accidents to their employer within 30 days.

Drivers must be medically certified and carry a current medical examiner's certificate.

Drivers must use seat belts and ensure all passengers are secured as required.

Drivers must not allow unauthorized persons to operate the vehicle.

After a crash: stop, secure the scene, and provide aid to injured persons; call 911 if needed.

Exchange information with other involved parties: names, addresses, driver's license numbers, license plates, and insurance details.

Report the crash to the nearest police authority if required by law; stay on the scene until permitted to leave.

Place warning devices (reflectors, triangles) to alert traffic; place within 10 minutes of stopping.

Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (e.g., fire).

Complete a written crash report and submit it to your employer as required.

During a roadside inspection, present your CDL, medical certificate, and other required documents; cooperate with the inspector.

Roadside inspections may include vehicle inspection, driver credentials, hours-of-service records, and vehicle maintenance records.

If defects are found during inspection, they must be corrected before the vehicle can be placed back in service.

Vehicle inspection basics: check tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, horn, wipers, and emergency equipment; know how to test air brakes if equipped.

Air brakes: understand the dual air system, low-pressure warning, and emergency spring brakes; check air pressure buildup and loss rates.

Cargo/securement is not applicable to passenger vehicles, but baggage must be secured to prevent shifting.

Know the difference between Class A, B, and C vehicles and the endorsements required for each.

Understand the effects of weight and load on stopping distance and vehicle handling.

Know the rules for transporting hazardous materials (if applicable) and the requirements for placarding.

Be familiar with the CDL disqualification rules and penalties for traffic violations.

Know the proper use of the clutch and shifting techniques for manual transmissions.

Understand the importance of pre-trip inspection and how to complete a vehicle inspection report.