Safe Driving Practices for Passenger Vehicles
This domain tests speed management, following distance, lane use, turns, mountain driving, and railroad-crossing rules for passenger-carrying vehicles. Colorado's mountain passes and winter conditions make brake management and traction questions especially relevant.
Following and speed
- Use at least a four-second following distance. Add more in rain, snow, darkness, or heavy traffic.
- Adjust speed for curves, visibility, passenger comfort, and the distance needed to stop a loaded bus.
- On downgrades, select a lower gear before the descent and use engine braking. Do not ride the brakes; brake fade can leave you without stopping power.
Railroad crossings
A bus carrying passengers must stop at railroad crossings unless the crossing is exempt or controlled by a police officer or flagger. Stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail, open the door or window, listen, and look both ways. Close the door and cross without shifting gears or stopping on the tracks.
Turns, lanes, and weather
- Account for off-tracking in turns and check both mirrors throughout.
- In winter, follow Colorado chain and traction rules and reduce speed before ice or snow.
- Avoid distractions: no handheld phone or texting. If passengers distract you, pull over safely.
Worked example
You are driving 30 passengers on a two-lane road and approach a marked railroad crossing with flashing lights that are not flashing. No gate or flagger is present. You must still stop 15 to 50 feet before the rail, open a door or window, listen, look both ways, and cross only when clear. The absence of active warning does not cancel the passenger-bus stop requirement.
Traps that cost marks
Rolling through a crossing, failing to open a door or window, shifting gears while crossing, following too closely, and using continuous braking on a long descent. Another common error is turning too sharply and letting the rear wheels hit the curb because you did not allow for off-tracking.