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CDL Passenger Endorsement study materials
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CDL Passenger Endorsement practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection of a bus, you check the fire extinguisher and confirm that it is:

  1. empty of pressure so it will not rupture
  2. stored in a locked outside compartment
  3. fully charged and securely mounted Correct answer.
  4. wrapped in a cover and stowed in the luggage bay

Explanation

A required fire extinguisher must be fully charged, in good working order, and mounted where the driver can grab it quickly. An extinguisher that is empty or locked away cannot be used when a fire starts.

Question 2Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

When you inspect the first aid kit on a passenger vehicle, you should make sure that it is:

  1. complete and kept in its designated location Correct answer.
  2. stored in the driver's personal luggage
  3. checked only by a mechanic once a year
  4. sealed with tape so nothing falls out

Explanation

A required first aid kit must contain all of its supplies and stay in the place where the carrier expects it to be carried. Missing supplies or a misplaced kit means it will not be ready when a passenger is injured.

Question 3Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Before you begin a trip with passengers, the aisle of the bus must be:

  1. covered with loose floor mats for grip
  2. used for storing oversized luggage
  3. blocked with a rope so riders stay seated
  4. clear of baggage and other objects Correct answer.

Explanation

The aisle has to stay open so riders can reach their seats and get to the exits quickly in an emergency. Items left in the aisle also create a tripping hazard while the bus is moving.

Question 4Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

What should you check about the passenger seats during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. That every seat is folded flat
  2. That the seats are secure and have no broken parts Correct answer.
  3. That the seat covers match the interior
  4. That each seat is numbered in order

Explanation

Seats must be fastened down and free of broken frames, springs, or cushions so they hold passengers safely. A loose or damaged seat can fail during braking or a crash.

Question 5Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

How do you check the passenger entry door during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Test it only after the bus is moving
  2. Open and close it to see that it works smoothly and seals Correct answer.
  3. Confirm that it can only be locked from the outside
  4. Leave it open so the bus stays cool

Explanation

The entry door must open and close properly and seal against the body so it does not rattle open or let in weather. Checking it at the curb, before passengers board, is the safe time to find a problem.

Question 6Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

When should the mirrors on a passenger vehicle be adjusted?

  1. While the bus is moving
  2. Before you begin driving the vehicle Correct answer.
  3. Only when a passenger asks
  4. Only after dark

Explanation

Mirrors must be set so the driver can see down both sides and behind the bus, and that adjustment is made before the vehicle moves. Adjusting mirrors while driving takes your eyes off the road.

Question 7Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

How often must a driver inspect a passenger-carrying vehicle?

  1. Before each trip Correct answer.
  2. Only after a passenger complains
  3. Only when the vehicle changes drivers
  4. Once a month

Explanation

A pre-trip inspection is required before each trip so defects are found before passengers are on board. Waiting for a schedule or a complaint allows unsafe conditions to go unnoticed.

Question 8Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Emergency exits on a bus must be:

  1. locked while the bus is moving
  2. hidden behind curtains
  3. opened only by maintenance staff
  4. clearly marked and kept unobstructed Correct answer.

Explanation

Riders must be able to find and use an emergency exit without help, so each exit is marked and kept clear. Blocking or hiding an exit can trap passengers during a fire or crash.

Question 9Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

When you check an emergency roof hatch on a bus, you should confirm that it:

  1. is painted the same color as the roof
  2. opens and closes freely from inside the bus Correct answer.
  3. can only be opened with a special tool
  4. is sealed shut with tape

Explanation

A roof hatch is an escape route, so it must open and close properly from inside the passenger area. A hatch that sticks or needs a tool may not be usable in an emergency.

Question 10Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Handrails and stanchions in the passenger area should be checked to make sure they are:

  1. painted to match the seat fabric
  2. securely attached and free of sharp edges Correct answer.
  3. loose enough to flex with the riders
  4. removed when the bus is full

Explanation

Standing passengers depend on the handrails, so they must be firmly mounted and smooth to the touch. A loose or sharp rail can give way or cut a hand during sudden braking.

Question 11Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

What should you check about the passenger windows before a trip?

  1. That they all stay locked shut
  2. That they carry no markings at all
  3. That they operate and emergency windows are marked Correct answer.
  4. That the glass is covered with tinting

Explanation

Windows that open and close give ventilation and, in an emergency, an escape route. Windows designated as emergency exits must be marked so riders can find them fast.

Question 12Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

What should you look for when checking the tires of a bus?

  1. Only the pressure in the spare
  2. Inflation, tread depth, and damage Correct answer.
  3. Only that the tires are clean
  4. That the hubs are freshly greased

Explanation

Tires carry the whole vehicle, so each one is checked for correct inflation, adequate tread, and cuts, bulges, or exposed cords. A tire that fails at highway speed can cause a loss of control with passengers aboard.

Question 13Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Rust streaks coming from the wheel nuts or lug nuts on a bus usually mean that the fasteners are:

  1. brand new
  2. over-greased
  3. loose and need attention Correct answer.
  4. correctly torqued

Explanation

Rust trails around the nuts show that the nuts have been moving against the wheel, which points to loose or stretched fasteners. The wheel must be checked and the nuts torqued before the bus is driven.

Question 14Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

How do you test the parking brake during a bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. Apply it while the bus is at highway speed
  2. Check it only with the engine off and the wheels blocked
  3. Set it, then gently try to pull forward in low gear Correct answer.
  4. Release it and let the bus roll downhill

Explanation

With the parking brake set, gentle power in low gear should not move the bus; if it does, the brake needs adjustment. The test is done slowly and in a safe area so the bus cannot run away.

Question 15Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

While walking around the bus, you notice fresh puddles under the engine area. What should you do?

  1. Wipe it up and start the trip
  2. Assume it is air conditioner water
  3. Ignore it, since buses always drip fluid
  4. Report the leak before driving Correct answer.

Explanation

A fresh puddle can be fuel, oil, coolant, or brake fluid, and any of these can lead to a breakdown or a fire. The driver should find out what is leaking and report it before the bus carries passengers.

Question 16Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Which emergency equipment should be on board and checked during a bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. An extra fuel can and a flashlight
  2. A tool kit and a tow chain
  3. A spare tire and a jack
  4. Spare fuses, warning reflectors, and a fire extinguisher Correct answer.

Explanation

Passenger vehicles are required to carry spare electrical fuses (unless the bus has circuit breakers), reflective warning devices, and a fire extinguisher, along with a first aid kit. These items let the driver warn traffic and handle small emergencies.

Question 17Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Why should you test the interior lights during the inspection of a passenger vehicle?

  1. So passengers can see the aisle and exits Correct answer.
  2. So the bus looks brighter at night
  3. So the driver can read the newspaper
  4. So the exterior lights stay on

Explanation

Interior lighting lets riders find their seats and locate the emergency exits if the bus loses power or stops in the dark. It is a safety item, not a comfort feature.

Question 18Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Checking the suspension system of a bus includes looking at the:

  1. springs, spring hangers, and air bags Correct answer.
  2. mirrors and sun visor
  3. windshield wipers and washers
  4. horn and backup alarm

Explanation

The suspension check covers leaf springs, spring hangers, shackles, U-bolts, and air bags, looking for cracks, missing parts, and leaks. A broken suspension part can shift the axle and make the bus uncontrollable.

Question 19Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

When checking the steps at the passenger entry door, you should make sure they are:

  1. secure and free of broken parts Correct answer.
  2. painted with a bright color
  3. covered with a loose rubber mat
  4. wider than the aisle

Explanation

Riders step on the stairwell every time they board or leave, so the steps must be solid with no cracks, rot, or missing pieces. A broken step can cause a fall onto the curb or the roadway.

Question 20Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

On a bus equipped with an emergency exit warning alarm, how do you check that it works?

  1. Turn on the four-way flashers
  2. Press the brake pedal and watch the gauge
  3. Sound the horn and listen for a reply
  4. Open the exit with the engine running and listen Correct answer.

Explanation

The alarm is wired to sound when an emergency exit is opened, warning the driver that passengers may be exiting. Testing it while the engine is running lets you confirm both the exit and the alarm work.

Question 21Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

On an air-brake equipped bus, the low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure in the tank drops below:

  1. 60 psi Correct answer.
  2. 30 psi
  3. 90 psi
  4. 110 psi

Explanation

The warning must activate before pressure falls below 60 psi so the driver has time to stop safely before the spring brakes apply. A warning that comes on later leaves too little reserve braking.

Question 22Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

In a dual air brake system, after the compressor cuts in, pressure should build from 85 to 100 psi within:

  1. 45 seconds Correct answer.
  2. 5 minutes
  3. 15 seconds
  4. 2 minutes

Explanation

The compressor must raise pressure from 85 to 100 psi within about 45 seconds at normal engine speed. A slower build-up points to a weak compressor or a leak that must be repaired before the trip.

Question 23Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Steering wheel play of more than about how many degrees is considered a defect?

  1. 10 degrees Correct answer.
  2. 30 degrees
  3. 5 degrees
  4. 45 degrees

Explanation

Loose play of more than about 10 degrees at the rim, roughly two inches on a 20-inch wheel, means the steering gear or linkage is worn. That much free play makes the bus hard to steer precisely and must be inspected.

Question 24Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

You start the bus and the ABS warning light stays on. This means:

  1. the brakes are fully released
  2. the parking brake is still set
  3. the air pressure is too high
  4. the ABS is not working Correct answer.

Explanation

The ABS lamp should go out shortly after the engine starts; if it stays on, the anti-lock system has a fault and needs service. The bus may still have normal brakes, but the wheels can lock during a hard stop.

Question 25Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

When checking the exhaust system on a bus, you should look and listen for leaks at the:

  1. seats and handrails
  2. tires and wheels
  3. mirrors and wipers
  4. manifold, muffler, and pipes Correct answer.

Explanation

Exhaust leaks at the manifold, muffler, or pipes can let carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment. The system is checked for cracks, rust holes, loose clamps, and unusual noises.

Question 26Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

During the walk-around portion of a pre-trip inspection, how should the baggage compartment doors on a passenger vehicle be checked?

  1. They should be closed and latched securely. Correct answer.
  2. They should be removed during warm weather.
  3. They should be able to be opened from the driver's seat.
  4. They should be left slightly open for ventilation.

Explanation

Baggage and cargo compartment doors must be fully closed and latched before the vehicle moves. A door that is unlatched can swing open in traffic and spill luggage onto the roadway, and it can also let cargo shift into the path of other vehicles.

Question 27Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

What must a driver do with the vehicle inspection report written at the end of the previous trip?

  1. Review it and sign it after checking any repairs. Correct answer.
  2. Keep it at home in a personal file.
  3. Hand it to the first passenger who boards.
  4. Discard it as soon as the new trip begins.

Explanation

The driver must look over the last inspection report before operating the vehicle and sign it, noting that any defects listed have been repaired or that repairs are not needed. This confirms that a known safety defect was not carried over into the new trip.

Question 28Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

During the interior inspection, the aisle floor of a passenger vehicle should be:

  1. clear of loose objects and obstructions. Correct answer.
  2. covered with a mat that hides worn spots.
  3. waxed so passengers can slide into their seats.
  4. left open so luggage can be stacked between the seats.

Explanation

The aisle is the emergency path passengers use to reach the exits, so it must be free of boxes, bags, and debris at all times. Covering or blocking the aisle creates a trip hazard and slows evacuation in an emergency.

Question 29Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

While checking the passenger area, you find a seat cushion torn open with the metal frame showing. What should you do?

  1. Ignore it because the seat is at the back of the bus.
  2. Let passengers use it but warn them about the frame.
  3. Report the defect and keep the seat out of service until it is repaired. Correct answer.
  4. Push the cushion back in place and cover it with tape.

Explanation

A seat with a torn cushion and exposed frame can injure passengers and must be reported and taken out of service. The driver may not carry passengers in a seating position that has an unrepaired safety defect.

Question 30Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

During the walk-around, you notice oil leaking from the center of a wheel hub on the bus. This most likely indicates:

  1. the lug nuts are overtorqued.
  2. the brake drum is too hot.
  3. the tire is overinflated.
  4. a leaking wheel oil seal. Correct answer.

Explanation

Oil wheel hubs are sealed at the center; oil escaping there points to a failed hub seal, which can lead to bearing damage and wheel-end failure. The defect must be reported and corrected before the vehicle is operated.

Question 31Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

With a fully charged air system, the engine off, and the brakes released, air pressure should not drop more than:

  1. 10 psi in one minute.
  2. 3 psi in one minute. Correct answer.
  3. 1 psi in five minutes.
  4. 15 psi in one minute.

Explanation

A static leakage test is performed with a fully charged system, the engine off, and the brakes released; the allowable loss is less than 3 psi in one minute. A larger drop signals an air leak that must be fixed before the trip.

Question 32Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

Before leaving the terminal, how should a wheelchair lift on a bus be checked?

  1. Raised to the halfway position and left there.
  2. Fully stowed and latched, and operated to confirm it works. Correct answer.
  3. Disconnected from the vehicle battery.
  4. Tested only when a wheelchair passenger is aboard.

Explanation

The lift must be cycled during the pre-trip inspection to confirm it operates, and it must be fully stowed and latched before the bus moves. An unlatched lift can deploy in motion and strike a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Question 33Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

During the pre-trip inspection, you find a crack in the windshield that runs through the area the wipers sweep on the driver's side. What is the correct action?

  1. Mark the crack with tape and continue the trip.
  2. Operate the bus if the crack is under six inches.
  3. Operate the bus but keep the defroster on high.
  4. Do not operate the bus until the windshield is replaced. Correct answer.

Explanation

A crack in the wiper sweep area on the driver's side blocks the driver's view and is a defect that takes the vehicle out of service. It cannot be cleared by the defroster or masked with tape, and length does not make a crack in the swept area acceptable.

Question 34Vehicle Inspection and Pre-Trip Checks for Passenger Vehicles

You press the brake pedal on a bus with hydraulic brakes and it feels spongy and slowly sinks toward the floor while held. This means:

  1. air or a leak is present in the hydraulic system. Correct answer.
  2. the parking brake is still partly engaged.
  3. the brake fluid is overfull.
  4. the brakes are adjusting themselves normally.

Explanation

A pedal that feels spongy or fades downward under steady pressure points to air in the lines or a fluid leak, so the system cannot hold pressure. The vehicle must not be operated until the brake system is repaired.

Question 35Loading and Unloading Passengers

A bus that is designed to carry standing passengers has a standee line. Where must standing passengers stay while the bus is moving?

  1. On the entrance steps
  2. Ahead of the standee line
  3. Behind the standee line Correct answer.
  4. Anywhere in the aisle

Explanation

Federal safety rules require standing passengers to remain behind the standee line when the bus is moving. The line marks the forward limit of the standing area so the driver's view and access to the controls are not blocked.

Question 36Loading and Unloading Passengers

How should carry-on baggage be stowed on a passenger bus?

  1. On the entrance steps for quick unloading
  2. Stacked against the rear emergency door
  3. Left loose in the aisle where the driver can watch it
  4. Tied down so it cannot block the aisle or exits Correct answer.

Explanation

Baggage must be secured so it cannot block the aisle or any emergency exit. A blocked aisle or exit slows evacuation and can cause falls.

Question 37Loading and Unloading Passengers

When may passengers board or leave your bus?

  1. While the bus is still rolling slowly toward the curb
  2. Only after the bus has come to a complete stop Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the driver flashes the headlights
  4. As soon as the door handle is touched by a passenger

Explanation

Passengers must not get on or off until the bus is completely stopped in a safe position. Moving while someone is boarding or exiting can cause serious injury.

Question 38Loading and Unloading Passengers

Before starting a trip with passengers, what should you confirm about the emergency exits?

  1. They are locked from the outside to prevent theft
  2. They are covered to reduce glare
  3. They are sealed with tape
  4. They open freely and are not blocked Correct answer.

Explanation

Emergency exits must be unobstructed and easy to open so passengers can get out quickly. Locking, taping, or covering an exit can prevent evacuation.

Question 39Loading and Unloading Passengers

What should you do before each scheduled stop?

  1. Announce the stop so passengers can prepare Correct answer.
  2. Turn off the interior lights
  3. Ask passengers to move to the front while moving
  4. Speed up to save time

Explanation

Announcing each stop gives passengers, especially older or disabled riders, time to prepare to exit safely. It reduces falls and confusion at the door.

Question 40Loading and Unloading Passengers

After loading passengers, when should you start moving the bus?

  1. As soon as the last passenger has stepped onto the bus and paid
  2. When a passenger signals to go
  3. After the door is closed and riders are seated or secure Correct answer.
  4. Before the door is fully closed to save time

Explanation

Do not move until the door is closed and passengers are seated or holding securely. This prevents passengers from falling when the bus starts.

Question 41Loading and Unloading Passengers

A passenger tries to board carrying a can of gasoline. What should you do?

  1. Place the can in the baggage compartment
  2. Do not allow the can on the bus Correct answer.
  3. Let them board if the can is capped
  4. Store the can next to the driver

Explanation

Gasoline and similar hazardous materials are not allowed in the passenger area or baggage compartments. They create a serious fire risk on a bus.

Question 42Loading and Unloading Passengers

When loading or unloading passengers at night, what should you do?

  1. Ask passengers to use their own flashlights
  2. Turn on the interior lights and use proper lighting Correct answer.
  3. Dim the headlights and keep the door closed during the stop
  4. Turn off all exterior lights

Explanation

Interior lighting helps passengers see the steps and aisle, and proper exterior lighting makes the bus visible to other drivers. Good lighting reduces falls and traffic risks at night.

Question 43Loading and Unloading Passengers

Under what condition may passengers stand while the bus is moving?

  1. Whenever the scheduled trip is shorter than one hour in total
  2. If the bus has more seats than passengers
  3. Only if the bus is equipped with handrails or stanchions Correct answer.
  4. Only if the driver gives verbal permission

Explanation

Standing is allowed only when the bus is designed for it and has handholds for standing passengers. The standee line also limits how far forward passengers may stand.

Question 44Loading and Unloading Passengers

How should a wheelchair be secured before the bus moves?

  1. With one strap across the front wheels
  2. By asking the passenger to hold tightly to the handrail
  3. With a four-point tie-down and the brakes locked Correct answer.
  4. With the wheelchair facing the rear door

Explanation

A wheelchair must be secured with a four-point tie-down attached to the vehicle, and the wheelchair brakes should be set. This keeps the chair from shifting during normal driving or sudden stops.

Question 45Loading and Unloading Passengers

What restraint should be used for a passenger seated in a wheelchair?

  1. No belt is needed if the wheelchair is properly tied down
  2. A rope tied to the seat frame and checked by the driver before departure
  3. A vehicle lap and shoulder belt, not just the wheelchair belt Correct answer.
  4. Only the wheelchair lap belt

Explanation

The wheelchair occupant must use a lap belt and shoulder belt attached to the vehicle, separate from the wheelchair's own belt. The wheelchair tie-down secures the chair, not the person.

Question 46Loading and Unloading Passengers

Before operating a wheelchair lift, what should you do?

  1. Set the parking brake and shift to park or neutral Correct answer.
  2. Keep the bus in gear to hold it steady
  3. Ask the passenger to stand on the lift
  4. Leave the engine running at a high idle with the door open

Explanation

Set the parking brake and place the transmission in park or neutral before deploying the lift. Never move the bus while the lift is out.

Question 47Loading and Unloading Passengers

What should you do if a passenger's bags begin to block the aisle while the bus is moving?

  1. Tell passengers to step over the bags
  2. Move the bags to the front step
  3. Stop safely and have the bags moved out of the aisle Correct answer.
  4. Continue driving and fix the problem at the next terminal

Explanation

The aisle must stay clear so passengers can move and evacuate. Stop in a safe place and have the bags moved before continuing.

Question 48Loading and Unloading Passengers

Where should you stop to load or unload passengers?

  1. In the traffic lane nearest the bus stop so riders do not walk far
  2. At the curb or as far out of traffic as practical Correct answer.
  3. On a railroad crossing
  4. In an intersection

Explanation

Stop at the curb or as far out of the traffic lane as practical so passengers can board and exit safely. Stopping in traffic exposes passengers to moving vehicles.

Question 49Loading and Unloading Passengers

What should you do when stopped to load or unload passengers on a busy road?

  1. Leave the door open while driving away from the stop
  2. Turn off all lights to avoid glare
  3. Use hazard warning flashers or proper signals Correct answer.
  4. Wave traffic around the bus

Explanation

Hazard warning flashers or proper turn signals warn other drivers that the bus is stopped for passengers. This reduces the chance of a rear-end or passing collision.

Question 50Loading and Unloading Passengers

After finishing a trip, what check should you make before leaving the bus?

  1. Walk through the bus to look for sleeping riders or children Correct answer.
  2. Honk the horn to wake anyone
  3. Check only the fuel level
  4. Close all emergency exits from the outside and lock the doors

Explanation

A walk-through check helps ensure no passenger, especially a child or sleeping rider, is left on the bus. This is a critical safety step at the end of every trip.