California CDL Passenger Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Standee line placement

A line on the floor of a bus, no more than 2 inches behind the driver's seat, marking the forward limit for standing passengers. No passenger may stand ahead of it while the bus is moving.

Emergency exit alarm

An audible or visual device that signals when an emergency exit is opened. It must be checked during the pre-trip inspection and must work from both inside and outside the bus.

Low air pressure warning

A buzzer or light that must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. Below that level, the spring brakes will eventually apply and the bus cannot be safely driven.

Spring brake application range

On an air-brake bus, the parking spring brakes must apply automatically when system pressure falls to between 20 and 45 psi, stopping the vehicle.

ABS warning light rule

If the yellow ABS light stays on after start-up, the antilock system has a fault. Normal braking remains, but the fault must be reported and repaired.

Braking with ABS

Press the brake pedal firmly and hold steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes, because pumping prevents the antilock system from cycling and maintaining steering control.

Railroad crossing stop distance

A passenger bus must stop at every railroad crossing between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the door, listen, look both ways, then proceed.

Stalled on the tracks

Evacuate passengers immediately and move them at least 100 feet away, toward the approaching train side, so they are visible to the crew, then call 911.

Hazmat on passenger buses

Passenger-carrying vehicles may not carry hazardous materials in the passenger compartment, and placarded amounts are prohibited aboard a bus carrying passengers.

Evacuation decision rule

Evacuate only when staying aboard is more dangerous, such as fire, fuel spill, hazardous materials, or being stopped in a live traffic lane.

Evacuation head count

Assign passengers to lead and assist at exits, check the bus front to back, then assemble everyone at least 100 feet upwind and count them against the passenger list.

Fire extinguisher rating

A passenger bus must carry a charged, mounted extinguisher rated at least 5 BC. Use it only on small fires after passengers are evacuated and 911 is called.

Off-track turning

On a long bus, the rear wheels track inside the front wheels during a turn. Swing wide and check the outside mirror so the rear tires clear the curb.

Following distance for buses

Use at least a 4-second gap below 40 mph, and add one second for each 10 mph above 40, because a loaded bus needs more distance to stop.

Backing a passenger bus

Use a spotter or get out and check behind the bus. Passengers must be seated and the door closed before backing, and the driver must check both mirrors continuously.

Night stopping distance

Drive so you can stop within the distance your headlights light. Low beams show about 100 feet and high beams about 350 feet, so speed must match visibility.

Dimming high beams

Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle, to avoid blinding the other driver.

Mountain descent gear

Before a downgrade, select the gear you would use to climb it and use the retarder or engine brake. Do not ride the service brakes, which causes fade.

Escape ramp use

If brakes fade on a steep grade, steer into the designated escape ramp rather than the shoulder. Warn passengers to brace before entering the ramp.

Hydroplaning response

On wet pavement, slow down, avoid hard braking and sharp turns, and do not use cruise control. Tires can lose contact with the road at highway speed.

Pre-trip three parts

The CDL pre-trip inspection covers the engine compartment, the exterior walk-around, and the in-cab controls and brake checks, in that order.

Bus emergency exits

Typical exits are the front door, rear door, lift-out or break-out side windows, and roof hatches. Each must open from inside and outside and must be kept clear.

Tire tread minimums

Front tires need at least 4/32 inch tread and all other tires at least 2/32 inch. Recapped tires are not allowed on the front of a bus carrying passengers.

Loading and unloading brake

Set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and shut off the engine before opening the door to load or unload passengers.

Passenger count purpose

Counting passengers boarding and leaving, and keeping a list on charter trips, supports evacuation and post-crash accounting and prevents leaving a passenger behind.

Post-crash first steps

Stop, secure the scene, check for injuries, call 911, and evacuate only if there is fire, fuel, or traffic danger. Do not move injured people unless in immediate danger.

Warning device placement

Place reflective triangles or flares within 10 feet of the vehicle on the traffic side and about 100 feet behind, or 200 feet on a divided highway.

SR-1 report

In California, a driver in a crash causing injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage must report to DMV within 10 days on form SR-1.

Passenger endorsement

A California P endorsement is required to drive a bus carrying 10 or more passengers including the driver. It requires a knowledge test, skills test, and fingerprint background check.

Intrastate hours limit

California intrastate drivers generally may drive 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty, within a 15-hour on-duty window, and need a 30-minute break after 8 driving hours.

Fatigue remedy

The only real remedy for fatigue is rest. Caffeine, open windows, and loud music do not restore alertness, so a tired driver must stop and sleep.

Carrier insurance minimum

A California charter passenger carrier with 16 or more passengers must carry at least $5,000,000 in liability insurance and display the carrier's name on the vehicle.