IN 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 purpose

A pre-trip inspection confirms brakes, steering, tires, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, and safety equipment work before the bus carries riders. Defects found must be corrected before dispatch.

Air brake leak test

With the engine off and brakes released, pressure loss must not exceed 3 psi in one minute. With the brakes applied, loss must not exceed 4 psi in one minute.

Low air pressure warning

The warning buzzer or light must activate before air pressure falls below 60 psi. The spring parking brake should apply automatically between 20 and 45 psi.

Tire tread minimums

Front steering tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread depth. All other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Bulges, cuts, or exposed cord make the vehicle out of service.

Bus brake check at stops

With the parking brake set, pull lightly against the brake with the transmission in drive, then reverse. The bus must not move. This confirms the parking brake holds.

Vehicle inspection report rule

A driver reviews and signs the previous inspection report before driving and notes defects. The carrier must repair any safety-related defect before dispatching the vehicle.

Cargo tiedown strength rule

Cargo must be secured so it cannot shift or fall. When tiedowns secure the load, their combined working load limit must be at least 1.5 times the cargo weight.

Aisle and exit clearance

Baggage, boxes, and standing riders may not block the aisle, stairwell, or any emergency exit door or window. Exits must open fully without obstruction.

Standee limits

Standing riders are allowed only in buses designed and posted for standing. Never exceed the manufacturer's rated capacity of seated plus standing riders.

Prohibited baggage items

Passenger carriers may not carry labeled hazardous materials except small personal-use quantities. Gasoline, propane cylinders, and fireworks must never be loaded in baggage bays.

Carry-on stowage

Carry-on bags go under the seat or in an overhead rack so they cannot become projectiles in a sudden stop. Heavy items are placed low and forward of the rear axle.

Departure door check

Before moving, confirm all doors and baggage bay doors are closed and latched, and the lift or ramp is stowed and locked. A door ajar warning should be absent.

Following distance for buses

Use at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length, plus one second under 40 mph. Above 40 mph add another second. A 40-foot bus at 55 mph needs about 6 seconds.

Rear wheel offtracking

A bus's rear wheels track inside the front wheels in a turn, so the rear cuts the corner. Check the inside mirror and clear the turn before completing it.

Tail swing

When pulling away from a curb, the rear of the bus swings opposite the direction of the turn. Check both mirrors before releasing the brake to move.

Downgrade brake control

Select a lower gear before starting a descent rather than riding the brakes. Engine braking plus intermittent brake application prevents brake fade and heat buildup.

Mirror scan interval

Scan both mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and before every lane change, turn, and stop. Buses have large blind spots directly behind and along both sides.

Loaded bus handling

A loaded bus has a higher center of gravity and longer stopping distance than an empty one. Reduce speed in curves and allow more room for smooth, gradual stops.

Stop alignment procedure

Signal early, check the right mirror, and stop with the front door aligned to the curb. Do not stop in an intersection, on a crosswalk, or too far from the curb.

Parking brake before door

Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park before opening the door. The door interlock should prevent the bus from moving with the door open.

Re-entering traffic from stop

Signal, check the left mirror and blind spot, and yield to traffic already in the lane. A bus pulling out from a stop does not have an automatic right of way.

Wheelchair securement

Stop, set the brake, and confirm the area is clear before deploying the lift or ramp. Secure wheelchairs with four-point tiedowns plus lap and shoulder belts.

Standee movement rule

Do not start or stop abruptly while riders are standing or moving in the aisle. Wait until riders are seated or holding a stanchion before moving the bus.

Leaving the driver's seat

Never leave the seat with riders aboard unless the parking brake is set, the transmission is in park or neutral, and the engine is off or the key removed per policy.

Bus fire response

Stop, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and evacuate riders through the nearest safe exit away from traffic and fire. Call 911 and do not open a suspected engine fire.

Emergency exit types

Bus emergency exits include the rear door, side windows marked as exits, and roof hatches. Know how many exits the bus has and how each one opens.

Warning device placement

Place reflective triangles at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle on a two-lane road. On a divided highway or curve, place them up to 500 feet back.

Passive railroad crossing stop

At a crossbuck-only crossing, stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail, look both ways, open the door or window to listen, and proceed only when clear.

Stalled on railroad tracks

Evacuate everyone immediately and move at least 100 feet away from the tracks. Then call the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing and 911.

11-hour driving limit

After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive no more than 11 hours before another 10-hour off-duty period is required.

14-hour on-duty window

A driver may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty. Off-duty breaks taken during the window do not extend it.

Passenger carrier 15-hour rule

A passenger carrier may not require or permit driving after 15 hours on duty, or after 8 consecutive hours without a 30-minute break, following 8 hours off duty.