IL CDL Passenger flashcards

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

Pre-trip inspection

A systematic check of the bus before driving that covers brakes, steering, tires, lights, horn, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and passenger communication equipment.

Tire tread minimums

For commercial vehicles, front tires need at least 4/32 inch tread and other tires at least 2/32 inch; reject tires with exposed cord, bulges, or deep cuts.

Emergency exit check

Before driving, confirm each marked emergency exit opens from inside, is unobstructed, and its release method is known; blocked or inoperable exits make the bus unsafe.

Post-trip inspection

After the run, check tires, lights, fluid leaks, body damage, and the passenger area; report defects and complete the vehicle condition report required by the carrier.

Loading zone safety

Stop only in a safe, designated area; set the parking brake, secure the transmission, and prevent movement before opening the door for passengers.

Capacity limit

Never carry more passengers than the bus is designed to seat or stand; count passengers when capacity or children make the total uncertain.

Wheelchair securement

Use a four-point tie-down for the wheelchair and the occupant restraint system for the passenger, following the equipment manufacturer's instructions before moving.

Unattended passenger check

After unloading, inspect the bus for sleeping passengers, children, and belongings; never leave passengers unattended without carrier-approved safety checks.

Four-second following rule

Under favorable conditions, stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle ahead; add more time for rain, snow, darkness, heavy traffic, or a loaded bus.

Mirror scan interval

Check mirrors every five to eight seconds and scan twelve to fifteen seconds ahead so you can detect passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic hazards early.

Illinois Move Over law

When approaching stopped emergency, law-enforcement, or maintenance vehicles with lights on, change lanes if safe or slow down and pass cautiously.

Wiper headlight rule

Illinois requires headlights when windshield wipers are used because of precipitation; use low beams in fog, rain, or snow to improve visibility.

Emergency exit release

Each emergency exit has a specific release, such as a door handle, window latch, or roof hatch; learn the method before driving and keep the exit clear.

Bus emergency shutdown

In an emergency, stop safely, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, turn on hazard lights, and prevent the bus from rolling before evacuating.

Roof hatch use

A roof hatch can be an exit when the bus is upright and doors are blocked; follow the marked operating instructions and help passengers climb out safely.

Evacuation assembly point

After leaving the bus, move passengers away from traffic, fire, and fuel to a safe assembly point, count them, and call 911.

Railroad crossing stop

A passenger-carrying CMV must stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail unless exempt, look and listen, then cross without shifting gears.

Crossing clearance

Before entering a railroad crossing, confirm the entire bus can clear the tracks; never stop on the tracks or rely only on gates and lights.

Stalled on tracks

If the bus stalls on a crossing, evacuate passengers immediately, move them away from the tracks, and call 911 and the railroad.

Evacuation direction

Evacuate to the side away from traffic when possible and keep passengers upwind and uphill from fire, fuel, or hazardous spills.

Handheld phone ban

CMV drivers may not use a handheld mobile phone or text while driving; Illinois also bans handheld phone use by drivers generally.

Aisle obstruction

Baggage, equipment, or standees must not block the aisle, doorwell, or emergency exits; passengers may not ride in spaces not designed for occupancy.

Fueling with passengers

Do not fuel a bus with passengers on board; have them leave or follow the carrier's approved procedure before fueling begins.

Unauthorized hazardous items

Passengers may not bring flammable, explosive, or otherwise dangerous items aboard; refuse such items and follow the carrier's reporting procedure.

CMV BAC limit

In Illinois, a CDL holder operating a CMV commits an offense at 0.04% blood alcohol concentration or higher, a lower threshold than the 0.08% non-CMV limit.

Four-hour alcohol rule

A CDL driver must not use alcohol within four hours before driving or being on duty, and may not possess or use alcohol while on duty.

Test refusal penalty

Refusing a required alcohol or drug test can disqualify the CDL and remove the driver from safety-sensitive duty under federal rules.

DUI CDL penalty

A first DUI conviction in a CMV generally disqualifies the CDL for one year; a second major offense can result in lifetime disqualification.

Passenger hazmat limit

Passenger-carrying vehicles may not carry hazardous materials in the passenger area, and placarded hazardous materials loads are not allowed on buses.

Hazmat endorsement

The hazardous materials endorsement is separate from the passenger endorsement and is required to drive a vehicle carrying placarded quantities.

Hazmat incident response

Isolate the area, keep people upwind and uphill, call 911 and CHEMTREC, and do not touch spilled material or breathe vapors.

Hazmat classes

Hazard classes include explosives, gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, toxic and infectious substances, radioactive material, corrosives, and miscellaneous hazardous materials.