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AL CDL Passenger study materials
AL CDL Passenger study resources

AL CDL Passenger practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During a pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you check about the emergency exits?

  1. That each exit has a printed evacuation diagram
  2. That each exit is locked during operation
  3. That each exit is painted a contrasting color
  4. That each exit opens, closes, and latches securely from the inside Correct answer.

Explanation

Emergency exits must operate freely and latch securely so passengers can escape and so doors do not swing open while driving. Functional operation and secure latching are the core checks.

Question 2Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

When inspecting the service door of a passenger vehicle, which condition requires the vehicle to be placed out of service?

  1. The door has a rubber weather seal
  2. The door opens and closes with the engine running
  3. The door glass has a small manufacturer decal
  4. The door control handle is loose and the door will not latch Correct answer.

Explanation

A service door that will not latch or has a loose control is a safety defect because passengers could fall out or the door could open in motion. The vehicle must be corrected before use.

Question 3Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

What is the correct way to check the parking brake during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. Pump the brake pedal several times while parked
  2. Set the brake and confirm the warning lamp is off
  3. Release the brake and listen for air leaks
  4. Set the brake and try to move the vehicle with light acceleration Correct answer.

Explanation

The parking brake must hold the vehicle. Setting it and gently attempting to move confirms it can hold against engine torque.

Question 4Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

Before driving, the air pressure in a passenger vehicle's brake system should build to what condition?

  1. It should reach the governor cut-out level and then hold steady Correct answer.
  2. It should be released to zero before departure
  3. It should stay below the low-pressure warning threshold
  4. It should fluctuate with engine speed

Explanation

Air pressure must build to the governor cut-out and remain stable, showing the compressor and system are sound. Steady pressure at cut-out indicates no significant leaks.

Question 5Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

When checking the low air pressure warning device, at approximately what pressure should it activate?

  1. Around 120 psi
  2. Around 90 psi
  3. Around 20 psi
  4. Around 60 psi Correct answer.

Explanation

The low-pressure warning must come on before pressure drops to a level that prevents safe braking, typically around 60 psi. This alerts the driver before brake performance is lost.

Question 6Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection, how should you check the bus's stop arm (where equipped)?

  1. Measure its extension length with a tape
  2. Confirm it is folded and secured in the stowed position
  3. Verify it extends fully and the warning lights activate Correct answer.
  4. Check that it is painted yellow

Explanation

A stop arm must deploy fully and trigger the warning lights so traffic is alerted. Both extension and light activation are functional checks.

Question 7Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

While inspecting the passenger compartment, you find a seat frame that is cracked and loose. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Ask passengers to avoid that seat
  2. Note it in the log and continue the trip
  3. Tape the crack and proceed
  4. Remove the seat from service and secure or repair it before departure Correct answer.

Explanation

A cracked or loose seat can fail in a crash or sudden stop, so it must be repaired or the seat secured and taken out of service. Passenger safety cannot depend on informal avoidance.

Question 8Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

What should you verify about the passenger seats before operating the vehicle?

  1. That seats are arranged in a specific order
  2. That seats and frames are secure and not broken Correct answer.
  3. That each seat has a headrest cover
  4. That each seat cushion is a specific color

Explanation

Seats must be firmly attached and undamaged so they protect occupants. Color and covers are not safety requirements.

Question 9Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

When checking the emergency exit windows, what condition must be confirmed?

  1. That the windows are tinted
  2. That the release handles operate and the window opens as designed Correct answer.
  3. That the windows are locked with a key
  4. That the windows are covered with shades

Explanation

Emergency exit windows must open using their release handles so occupants can escape. Operability is the essential check.

Question 10Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the interior lighting. Which result indicates a problem?

  1. Stepwell lights do not illuminate Correct answer.
  2. The reading lights work
  3. All dome lights illuminate when switched on
  4. The dash indicators glow

Explanation

Stepwell lighting must work so passengers can see stairs and footing in low light. Non-working stepwell lights are a defect that should be corrected.

Question 11Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

What is the purpose of checking the fire extinguisher during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. To confirm it is charged, mounted, and accessible Correct answer.
  2. To confirm it matches the interior color
  3. To confirm it is the largest size available
  4. To confirm it is stored in a locked compartment

Explanation

A fire extinguisher must be fully charged, securely mounted, and easy to reach in an emergency. Size, color, and locking are not the operational criteria.

Question 12Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

How should the emergency equipment (triangles, first aid kit) be verified?

  1. Confirm it is stored under the rear seat
  2. Confirm it is present, complete, and accessible Correct answer.
  3. Confirm it is replaced every trip
  4. Confirm it is sealed in factory packaging

Explanation

Required emergency equipment must be on board, complete, and reachable for use. Storage location and packaging are secondary to presence and accessibility.

Question 13Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

When inspecting the tires on a passenger vehicle, which condition requires correction before departure?

  1. Correct cold inflation pressure
  2. Tread depth at the legal minimum Correct answer.
  3. Even wear across the tread
  4. A matching spare in the rack

Explanation

Tires worn to or below the legal minimum tread depth lack traction and must be replaced. Matching spares, even wear, and correct pressure are acceptable.

Question 14Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During the walk-around, you notice a puddle of hydraulic fluid beneath the bus. What should you do?

  1. Assume it is from another vehicle
  2. Add fluid and depart
  3. Investigate the source and correct the leak before operating Correct answer.
  4. Wipe it up and continue

Explanation

Fluid leaks can lead to brake or steering failure, so the source must be found and repaired before the vehicle is used. Simply adding fluid or ignoring the leak is unsafe.

Question 15Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

What should you check about the mirrors before driving a passenger vehicle?

  1. That they are removed for city routes
  2. That they are folded in
  3. That they are tinted
  4. That they are clean, secure, and properly adjusted Correct answer.

Explanation

Mirrors must be clean, firmly mounted, and adjusted to give the driver required visibility. Folding, tinting, or removing them reduces visibility.

Question 16Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

When testing the horn during a pre-trip inspection, what is the acceptable result?

  1. A weak, intermittent sound
  2. A loud, clear sound Correct answer.
  3. No sound until the engine warms up
  4. A sound only when the lights are on

Explanation

The horn must produce a loud, clear warning to be useful. Weak or intermittent operation indicates a defect.

Question 17Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection, how do you check the steering system for excessive play?

  1. Turn the wheel and observe when the front wheels begin to move Correct answer.
  2. Rev the engine
  3. Kick the tires
  4. Press the brake pedal

Explanation

Excessive steering play is detected by measuring how far the wheel turns before the front wheels respond. Kicking tires, braking, or revving do not test steering linkage play.

Question 18Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

You are inspecting a bus and find that the rear emergency door buzzer does not sound when the door is opened. What does this indicate?

  1. A sign the battery is disconnected
  2. A sign the door is locked
  3. A normal condition on rear doors
  4. A defect in the warning system that must be corrected Correct answer.

Explanation

The warning buzzer alerts the driver when an emergency door is opened, so a silent buzzer is a safety defect that must be repaired. It does not indicate a normal or locked condition.

Question 19Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

What should you confirm about the baggage and passenger compartment doors before departure?

  1. That they are closed and latched Correct answer.
  2. That they are removed
  3. That they are taped shut
  4. That they are propped open for ventilation

Explanation

Compartment and passenger doors must be closed and latched so they do not open in motion and so contents stay secured. Propping, taping, or removing them creates hazards.

Question 20Vehicle inspection and pre-trip procedures for passenger vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection, you check the exhaust system. Which finding is a defect?

  1. The muffler is securely mounted
  2. The tailpipe is clear of debris
  3. The exhaust exits behind the rear axle
  4. There is a visible crack in the exhaust pipe Correct answer.

Explanation

A cracked exhaust pipe can let carbon monoxide enter the passenger compartment, so it must be repaired before use. Secure mounting and clear exit are acceptable conditions.

Question 21Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

Before a passenger bus may be moved with passengers aboard, the driver must ensure that every passenger is seated and that the aisle is clear. What is the main reason for this rule?

  1. To speed up boarding at the next stop
  2. To make fare collection easier for the driver
  3. To keep the bus within its legal weight limit
  4. To reduce the risk of injury if the driver must brake or swerve suddenly Correct answer.

Explanation

Passengers who are standing in the aisle or not yet seated can be thrown off balance or into fixtures when a bus brakes, swerves, or is struck. Requiring everyone seated with a clear aisle protects riders from falls and keeps emergency egress open.

Question 22Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A bus is designed with a standee capacity, and the driver has already loaded the maximum number of standing passengers allowed. Another passenger wants to board. What should the driver do?

  1. Allow boarding only if the passenger pays in cash
  2. Allow boarding but ask the passenger to stand on the steps
  3. Refuse boarding because the standee limit has been reached Correct answer.
  4. Allow boarding and let passengers crowd the aisle

Explanation

A bus may never carry more standing passengers than its posted standee capacity. Once that limit is reached, the driver must stop loading standees to preserve stability, braking performance, and safe egress.

Question 23Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

Where on a passenger bus are standees normally permitted to ride?

  1. Only in the front doorway area
  2. Only on the rear exit steps
  3. Anywhere in the aisle and open floor space within the posted capacity Correct answer.
  4. On the roof emergency hatch

Explanation

Standees may occupy the aisle and open floor area up to the vehicle's rated standee capacity. They may not block doorways, ride on steps, or occupy areas not designed for passengers.

Question 24Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger in a wheelchair is boarding a bus equipped with a lift. What must the driver do before raising or lowering the lift?

  1. Turn off all interior lights
  2. Ask other passengers to move to the rear of the bus
  3. Make sure the lift area is clear of other passengers and secure the wheelchair Correct answer.
  4. Sound the horn twice

Explanation

The driver must confirm no one is standing in or near the lift path and that the wheelchair is properly positioned and secured before operating the lift. This prevents crush injuries and falls during the lift cycle.

Question 25Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

How should a wheelchair be secured inside a bus before the bus moves?

  1. With an approved tie-down system plus a occupant restraint Correct answer.
  2. By having the passenger hold the handrail
  3. By placing the wheelchair against the front bulkhead
  4. With the wheelchair's own brakes only

Explanation

Wheelchairs must be secured with an approved tie-down system, and the occupant must use a separate seat belt or restraint. Wheelchair brakes alone cannot hold a chair during normal vehicle motion or a crash.

Question 26Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger bus is required to have a standee capacity posted. What does that number represent?

  1. The total number of doors on the bus
  2. The maximum number of standing passengers the bus may carry Correct answer.
  3. The maximum number of seated passengers the bus may carry
  4. The maximum luggage weight allowed

Explanation

The standee capacity is the maximum number of standing passengers the vehicle is rated to carry safely. It is separate from the seated capacity and is based on available floor space and vehicle design.

Question 27Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

As a bus approaches a stop, what should the driver do regarding passengers who intend to get off?

  1. Ask exiting passengers to jump from the moving bus
  2. Announce the stop and wait until passengers are seated or clear of the aisle before opening the door Correct answer.
  3. Open the door while the bus is still rolling to save time
  4. Keep the door closed until all boarding passengers have paid

Explanation

The driver should give notice of the stop and bring the bus to a full stop before opening the door. Passengers should be allowed to rise and move to the exit only when it is safe, reducing falls.

Question 28Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger wants to board a bus while carrying a large, heavy item that blocks the aisle. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Allow the item if the passenger holds it on their lap
  2. Refuse the item because it blocks the aisle or exit Correct answer.
  3. Allow the item if it is placed in the aisle
  4. Allow the item if the passenger pays extra fare

Explanation

Items that block the aisle, doorways, or emergency exits may not be carried aboard. The driver must refuse such items to keep egress routes clear.

Question 29Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

When may a passenger be permitted to stand forward of the standee line on a bus?

  1. Only during rush hour
  2. Only when the driver gives verbal permission
  3. Never, unless the vehicle is specifically designed to allow it Correct answer.
  4. Whenever the bus is not full

Explanation

The standee line marks the forward limit for standing passengers. Passengers may not stand forward of that line unless the bus is designed to permit it, because that area is needed for the driver's view and control.

Question 30Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A driver is loading passengers at a stop and the bus is not yet at the curb. What is the safest practice?

  1. Open the door and let passengers step across the gap
  2. Wave passengers across the traffic lane
  3. Open the door only if traffic is light
  4. Pull fully to the curb before opening the door Correct answer.

Explanation

The bus should be pulled close to the curb before the door is opened so passengers do not step into traffic or across a gap. Loading away from the curb exposes riders to moving vehicles.

Question 31Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

What must the driver confirm about the aisle before departing a stop with passengers aboard?

  1. That the aisle is clear of standing passengers, bags, and other obstructions Correct answer.
  2. That the aisle lights are turned off
  3. That all windows are closed
  4. That the radio is turned down

Explanation

A clear aisle is required so passengers and the driver can move safely and so emergency evacuation is possible. Bags, bodies, or other obstructions in the aisle must be removed before the bus moves.

Question 32Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger appears unsteady and is having trouble finding a seat as the bus prepares to depart. What should the driver do?

  1. Depart immediately to stay on schedule
  2. Tell the passenger to hold the stanchion while the bus accelerates
  3. Ask the passenger to stand near the door
  4. Wait until the passenger is safely seated or braced before moving Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver should give the passenger time to reach a seat or a secure handhold before moving. Departing while a rider is unsteady risks a fall.

Question 33Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

What is the purpose of the standee line painted on the floor of a bus?

  1. To mark where luggage should be stored
  2. To indicate where the driver should stand
  3. To show the forward limit for standing passengers Correct answer.
  4. To mark the fare payment zone

Explanation

The standee line shows the most forward point where standing passengers are allowed. Keeping standees behind it protects the driver's operating area and forward visibility.

Question 34Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A bus with a lift is loading a wheelchair passenger, and another passenger steps onto the lift platform. What should the driver do?

  1. Raise the lift faster to finish quickly
  2. Continue raising the lift slowly
  3. Lower the lift to the ground and proceed anyway
  4. Stop the lift and ask the other passenger to step off before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

The lift must be operated only when the platform is clear of anyone other than the wheelchair and its occupant. The driver should stop and clear the platform before continuing.

Question 35Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger with a service animal wants to board a bus. What is the correct action?

  1. Allow the service animal to board with the passenger Correct answer.
  2. Deny boarding to the animal
  3. Require the animal to ride in the luggage compartment
  4. Charge an additional fare for the animal

Explanation

Service animals must be permitted to accompany their handler on transit vehicles. They may not be excluded or required to ride in luggage areas.

Question 36Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

When a bus is equipped with a stop-request system, what is the driver's responsibility regarding passenger stops?

  1. Honor requested stops and give passengers time to exit safely Correct answer.
  2. Stop only when the driver chooses
  3. Skip stops when running behind schedule
  4. Require passengers to shout their stop

Explanation

Drivers must honor stop requests and give passengers time to rise and exit safely at the designated stop. Skipping requested stops endangers passengers who are already moving to the door.

Question 37Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

What is the maximum number of passengers a bus may carry in total?

  1. The posted seated capacity plus the posted standee capacity Correct answer.
  2. Whatever number fits at the stop
  3. The posted seated capacity only
  4. Twice the number of seats

Explanation

Total capacity equals the seated capacity plus the standee capacity. Carrying more than the combined rating overloads the vehicle and compromises safety.

Question 38Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A driver is helping a passenger board with a walker. Where should the walker be placed once the passenger is seated?

  1. Stowed so it does not block the aisle or exits Correct answer.
  2. In the aisle beside the seat
  3. On the steps by the door
  4. In front of the driver's seat

Explanation

Mobility aids must be stowed out of the aisle and away from exits once the passenger is seated. Leaving them in walkways creates trip and evacuation hazards.

Question 39Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A passenger refuses to sit down on a bus that requires all passengers to be seated while moving. What should the driver do?

  1. Proceed once the bus reaches highway speed
  2. Refuse to move the bus until the passenger complies Correct answer.
  3. Ask another passenger to hold the standing passenger
  4. Allow the passenger to stand in the doorway

Explanation

On a bus that requires seated passengers, the driver must not move until all riders are seated. Proceeding with a standing passenger violates the seating requirement and endangers the rider.

Question 40Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A driver observes a standee leaning against the rear door while the bus is in motion. Why is this a safety concern?

  1. It reduces the standee count
  2. It may trigger the door to open and the passenger could fall out Correct answer.
  3. It improves the bus's balance
  4. It helps the passenger exit faster

Explanation

Leaning on a door can cause it to open or fail, and the passenger could fall out of the moving bus. Standees must hold approved handholds and stay clear of doors.

Question 41Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

During loading, a passenger asks to stand in the stairwell of a bus with front steps. What is the correct response?

  1. Allow it if the bus is crowded
  2. Refuse, because steps are not a permitted standing area Correct answer.
  3. Allow it only on the lower step
  4. Allow it if the passenger holds the rail

Explanation

Stairwells and steps are not approved standing areas and must remain clear. A passenger standing there could fall during movement or block emergency egress.

Question 42Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

What should a driver do if a passenger's luggage blocks the rear emergency exit?

  1. Leave it because the front door is available
  2. Allow it if the bus is not full
  3. Ask the passenger to move the luggage so the exit is clear Correct answer.
  4. Tie the luggage to the exit handle

Explanation

Emergency exits must remain unobstructed at all times. The driver should have the luggage relocated so the exit can be used in an emergency.

Question 43Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

A bus passenger using a wheelchair declines the tie-down but wants to remain in the wheelchair. What is the driver's proper course of action?

  1. Place the wheelchair in the aisle unsecured
  2. Require the wheelchair to be secured with the tie-down before moving Correct answer.
  3. Allow the wheelchair to ride unsecured
  4. Ask the passenger to transfer to a seat and leave the chair loose

Explanation

An occupied wheelchair must be secured with the approved tie-down before the bus moves. An unsecured wheelchair can shift or tip during normal driving or a crash.

Question 44Loading and unloading passengers, including standee and seating rules

When a bus is loading at a terminal, in what order should the driver generally handle the tasks?

  1. Open the door, then set the parking brake
  2. Set the parking brake and secure the bus, then open the door for boarding Correct answer.
  3. Open the door before the bus has fully stopped
  4. Keep the engine running in gear while boarding

Explanation

The bus should be fully stopped and secured with the parking brake before the door is opened for boarding. This prevents the bus from rolling while passengers are entering.

Question 45Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

Before a trip, the driver should point out emergency exits to passengers because:

  1. riders who know where exits are can leave faster in a crisis Correct answer.
  2. only the driver is ever permitted to open them
  3. passengers must sign a form listing each exit
  4. the exits must stay locked while the bus is moving

Explanation

Passengers who have been shown the exits can move to them quickly and help others during an evacuation. Federal rules require the driver to brief riders on exit locations before departure.

Question 46Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

Which item is required emergency equipment on a passenger-carrying commercial vehicle?

  1. A tire pressure gauge
  2. A fire extinguisher Correct answer.
  3. A tow chain
  4. A spare alternator

Explanation

Passenger vehicles must carry a properly charged fire extinguisher, along with emergency reflective triangles and spare fuses where applicable. The other items are maintenance tools, not required emergency equipment.

Question 47Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

The primary purpose of a passenger briefing on emergency exits is to:

  1. satisfy insurance paperwork
  2. collect seating preferences
  3. familiarize riders with exit locations and operation Correct answer.
  4. explain the fare policy

Explanation

The briefing tells riders where the exits are and how to operate them so they can act without hesitation in an emergency. Fare and seating matters are unrelated to safety.

Question 48Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

If a fire breaks out in the passenger compartment while the bus is moving, the driver should first:

  1. open the engine cover to inspect it
  2. speed up to reach a station
  3. continue to the next scheduled stop
  4. stop the bus and evacuate passengers Correct answer.

Explanation

The priority is to stop safely and get passengers off the vehicle away from the fire. Continuing to drive keeps people exposed to smoke and flames.

Question 49Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

After evacuating passengers from a burning bus, the driver should move them to a location that is:

  1. upwind and well away from the vehicle Correct answer.
  2. on the roadway behind the bus
  3. inside the bus shelter next to the bus
  4. directly beside the rear bumper

Explanation

Smoke and flames travel with the wind, so passengers should gather upwind and at a safe distance. Staying close to the bus or downwind exposes them to toxic smoke.

Question 50Passenger safety and emergency procedures (emergency exits, evacuation, fire)

When assisting passengers off a bus with a high floor and no usable door, the safest approach is to:

  1. send them out one at a time without guidance
  2. have them jump from the window
  3. use the emergency exit and help each person down Correct answer.
  4. lower them by their wrists from the roof

Explanation

Using a designated emergency exit and physically assisting each passenger down reduces falls and injuries. Jumping or being dropped from height causes injuries.