CDL School Bus flashcards

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

CDL required threshold

A CDL is required to operate a CMV with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or more, a towed unit over 10,000 lb, or a vehicle designed for 16 or more passengers including the driver.

Passenger endorsement

The P endorsement is required for any CMV designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, and it is a prerequisite for the school bus endorsement.

School bus endorsement

The S endorsement requires a P endorsement, a knowledge test on school bus operation, and a skills test performed in a school bus, including loading and unloading procedures.

Hazmat endorsement

The H endorsement requires a TSA security threat assessment, a knowledge test, and is not issued until the threat assessment clears; it cannot be added to a CLP.

Tank endorsement

The N endorsement applies to tank vehicles rated at 1,000 gallons or more and requires a separate knowledge test beyond the general CDL knowledge tests.

Doubles/triples endorsement

The T endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailers and requires a knowledge test; it is not required for a single trailer.

Air brake restriction

The L restriction is removed only by passing the air brake knowledge test and performing the air brake inspection during the skills test in an air-brake-equipped vehicle.

Interstate age minimum

Interstate CMV drivers must be at least 21 years old; intrastate drivers may be 18 or older if the state allows, but 18-20 year olds may not drive interstate CMVs.

School bus danger zone

The danger zone is the area within 10 feet around the school bus; students must be loaded and unloaded so they never cross the danger zone unchecked.

Railroad crossing procedure

A school bus must stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail, open the service door and driver's window, and check both directions before crossing.

Eight-light system

Amber warning lights are used before the stop, and red lights with the stop arm are used when stopped; red lights are not used at railroad crossings.

Trailer shut-off valves

On doubles and triples, the shut-off valve on each trailer must be closed except on the rear trailer, whose valve stays open to supply air.

Converter dolly

A converter dolly couples a second trailer to the first; it must be checked for secure coupling, and the rear trailer swings out and off-tracks more.

Liquid surge

Liquid surge causes forward and backward movement in a tank; the higher the center of gravity and the less liquid in the tank, the greater the surge effect.

Baffled tank

Baffles slow surge but do not stop it; smooth bore tanks have no baffles and produce the strongest surge, so brake and turn gently.

Placard threshold

Placards are required for 1,001 lb or more aggregate gross weight of a hazard class, and for any amount of certain materials such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3, and 6.1 PG I.

Shipping paper

The shipping paper must accompany the shipment, and emergency response information must be carried with it; never smoke or use a phone near a hazmat loading area.

Skills test parts

The CDL skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection (pre-trip), basic vehicle control, and on-road driving; all three must be passed.

Pre-trip inspection

The pre-trip inspection must cover the engine compartment, the exterior of the vehicle, and the in-cab items; the candidate must identify and explain each item checked.

Basic vehicle control

Basic vehicle control includes straight-line backing, offset backing, and alley docking; the candidate must stay within the marked boundaries.

On-road evaluation

The on-road portion evaluates lane control, turns, intersections, railroad crossings, curves, and speed control; an automatic failure occurs on a critical error.

Automatic failures

Automatic failures include running a red light, striking a curb or object, failing to yield, failing to check mirrors, and causing an accident.

School bus skills test

The school bus skills test must be taken in a school bus and includes loading and unloading students and the railroad crossing procedure.

CLP holding period

A CLP must be held for at least 14 days before the skills test; the CLP is valid for 180 days and may be renewed.

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations include excessive speeding (15 mph or more over the limit), reckless driving, improper lane changes, following too closely, and any violation causing a fatality.

Two serious violations

A CDL holder convicted of two serious traffic violations in three years is disqualified for 60 days; three or more in three years is a 120-day disqualification.

DUI disqualification

A first conviction for DUI, refusal to submit to a BAC test, or leaving the scene of an accident results in a one-year CDL disqualification; a second conviction is a lifetime disqualification.

CMV BAC limit

Driving a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher is a violation; a CDL holder is subject to this lower limit, not the 0.08% non-CMV limit.

Conviction reporting

A CDL holder convicted of a traffic violation in any vehicle, including a personal vehicle, must notify the employer within 30 days.

Felony disqualification

A CDL is disqualified for one year for a first violation and permanently for a second violation of using a CMV in the commission of a felony.

Employer record checks

The employer must be notified of any conviction and must obtain a motor vehicle record annually for each driver; drivers must report convictions to the state within 30 days.

Safety-sensitive removal

A driver disqualified for 60 days or more must be removed from safety-sensitive functions; a driver with a lifetime disqualification is permanently barred from CMV operation.