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IN CDL Passenger practice questions

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Question 1Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Before a passenger-carrying vehicle leaves the terminal, the driver must complete a pre-trip inspection. Which item is part of the required interior check?

  1. Verify the emergency exit doors open and close properly Correct answer.
  2. Check the fifth-wheel jaw is locked around the kingpin
  3. Measure the trailer's rear underride guard height
  4. Confirm the cargo bay tie-downs are rated for the load

Explanation

The pre-trip inspection for a passenger vehicle covers interior safety items, including emergency exits, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and seat security. Emergency exits must be functional because passengers rely on them during an evacuation. Cargo tie-downs, fifth-wheel jaws, and underride guards belong to cargo/trailer inspections, not the passenger-compartment check.

Question 2Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A bus driver is inspecting the service door before departure. Which condition should cause the driver to place the bus out of service?

  1. The door fails to close fully and the warning buzzer stays silent Correct answer.
  2. The door handle requires slightly more force than usual to release
  3. The door opens and closes smoothly with the engine running
  4. The door glass shows a small manufacturer's inspection decal

Explanation

A service door that will not fully close, especially without a warning alert, is a safety defect because passengers could fall out or the door could open while moving. The driver must not operate the bus until the defect is corrected. A decal, normal operation, or a slightly stiff handle are not out-of-service conditions.

Question 3Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During a pre-trip inspection, how should the driver test the bus's emergency exits?

  1. Tap each exit lightly and listen for a rattle
  2. Confirm each exit is locked to prevent unauthorized opening
  3. Open each exit and confirm the alarm sounds and the exit operates freely Correct answer.
  4. Check that each exit is painted with a reflective label

Explanation

Emergency exits must be tested by actually opening them to confirm they operate freely and that the alarm or warning device works. This verifies passengers could escape in an emergency. Locking exits or merely tapping them would not confirm function, and a reflective label alone does not prove the exit opens.

Question 4Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver notices the bus's fire extinguisher gauge needle rests in the red zone. What is the correct action?

  1. Note the reading on the trip log and depart on schedule
  2. Move the extinguisher to the rear of the bus and continue
  3. Replace or recharge the extinguisher before carrying passengers Correct answer.
  4. Shake the extinguisher and continue the route

Explanation

A gauge needle in the red zone means the extinguisher is not properly charged and may fail when needed. It must be replaced or recharged before the vehicle carries passengers. Shaking, logging, or relocating the unit does not restore its charge.

Question 5Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the pre-trip brake check on a passenger bus?

  1. To verify the brake system builds and holds air pressure with no leaks Correct answer.
  2. To confirm the parking brake can hold the bus on a grade
  3. To measure the thickness of the brake pedal pad
  4. To check that the brake lights flash in a pattern

Explanation

The pre-trip air brake check confirms the system builds pressure, holds it with the engine off, and shows no excessive leak rate. This ensures the brakes will function during the trip. Pedal pad thickness and light flash patterns are not the purpose of the air-brake leak check.

Question 6Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver is checking tire condition on a passenger bus before a run. Which finding requires correction before departure?

  1. Tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure
  2. Tread depth of 6/32 inch on the drive tires
  3. A tire with a visible bulge on the sidewall Correct answer.
  4. Even wear across the tread of the steer tires

Explanation

A sidewall bulge indicates internal cord damage and a high risk of blowout, so the tire must be replaced before the trip. Adequate tread depth, correct inflation, and even wear are all acceptable conditions. Any structural damage such as a bulge or cut is an out-of-service defect.

Question 7Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

When checking the bus's mirrors during the pre-trip inspection, the driver should confirm which of the following?

  1. The mirrors are secure and provide the required fields of view Correct answer.
  2. The mirrors are adjusted to show the driver's own face
  3. The mirrors are folded in to reduce wind resistance
  4. The mirrors are tinted dark to reduce glare

Explanation

Mirrors must be securely mounted and adjusted to give the required view of the sides, rear, and blind areas around the bus. A loose or misadjusted mirror limits the driver's ability to monitor passengers and traffic. Folding or excessively tinting mirrors would defeat their purpose.

Question 8Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A passenger bus has a wheelchair lift. What must the driver verify about the lift before transporting a passenger who uses a wheelchair?

  1. The lift's hydraulic fluid was changed within the last year
  2. The lift operates through its full cycle and the safety interlock prevents driving with the lift deployed Correct answer.
  3. The lift is painted with high-visibility striping
  4. The lift platform is stored in the raised position

Explanation

The lift must be cycled to confirm it operates smoothly through the full range, and the interlock must prevent the bus from moving while the lift is deployed. This protects the passenger during boarding and alighting. Paint, fluid history, and storage position do not confirm safe operation.

Question 9Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver finds that the passenger seats are not securely fastened to the floor. What is the correct response?

  1. Continue the trip but ask passengers to avoid the loose seats
  2. Report the defect and remove the bus from service until the seats are secured Correct answer.
  3. Place a warning cone next to the loose seats
  4. Reduce speed by 10 mph for the entire trip

Explanation

Seats that are not firmly anchored can tear loose in a crash or sudden stop, injuring passengers. The defect must be reported and repaired before the bus carries passengers. Warnings, cones, or speed reduction do not correct a structural safety defect.

Question 10Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Which item is specifically required in the passenger compartment of a bus for emergency medical response?

  1. A first aid kit Correct answer.
  2. A spare fan belt
  3. A tire pressure gauge
  4. A container of engine coolant

Explanation

A first aid kit is required emergency equipment in the passenger compartment so minor injuries can be treated promptly. Spare belts, gauges, and coolant are maintenance items, not passenger emergency medical supplies.

Question 11Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver is inspecting the bus's lighting before a night trip. Which lighting defect must be corrected before departure?

  1. A slightly dimmer marker light on the right side
  2. A burned-out left rear turn signal Correct answer.
  3. A minor crack in a clearance light housing
  4. A small scratch on the headlight lens

Explanation

A burned-out turn signal prevents other drivers from seeing the bus's intended movement and must be repaired before departure. Scratches, minor dimming, and small housing cracks do not necessarily prevent the light from functioning, but a non-working signal is a clear defect.

Question 12Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

When checking the bus's steering during the pre-trip inspection, the driver should look for which condition?

  1. A steering wheel cover that matches the interior
  2. More than the allowed free play in the steering wheel Correct answer.
  3. A horn button located on the steering wheel hub
  4. A steering column that tilts to several positions

Explanation

Excessive free play in the steering wheel indicates worn steering components and must be corrected before operation. Steering wheel covers, tilt features, and horn placement are comfort or convenience features, not steering safety checks.

Question 13Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A bus driver smells a strong odor of fuel in the passenger compartment during the pre-trip inspection. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Spray air freshener to mask the odor and continue
  2. Drive only at lower speeds to reduce the smell
  3. Open the windows and depart on schedule
  4. Remove the bus from service and have the source of the fuel odor inspected Correct answer.

Explanation

A fuel odor indicates a possible leak that creates a serious fire hazard, so the bus must be taken out of service and inspected. Masking the odor or reducing speed does not eliminate the leak. Passenger safety requires correcting the source before operating.

Question 14Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Which of the following is the primary reason the driver must check the bus's stop arm and flashing red lights before a school-related passenger run?

  1. They are used only when the bus is parked overnight
  2. They are required only on charter buses
  3. They improve fuel economy during stops
  4. They warn traffic to stop so students can cross safely Correct answer.

Explanation

The stop arm and flashing red lights signal other traffic to stop so students can cross the road safely when boarding or leaving the bus. They must be functional before any run where they may be used. They are not fuel-saving devices or overnight parking features.

Question 15Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During a pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, the driver checks the exhaust system. Which finding is a defect that must be corrected?

  1. Visible exhaust leaks near the passenger floor area Correct answer.
  2. Exhaust components are secure with no leaks
  3. Exhaust pipes are routed away from the passenger compartment
  4. The exhaust system is mounted with the specified hangers

Explanation

Exhaust leaks near the passenger compartment allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin, creating a serious health hazard. The system must be secure and leak-free, with proper routing away from passengers. Secure mounting and correct routing are the desired conditions.

Question 16Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver is about to begin a trip and notices the bus's air pressure warning buzzer and light do not activate when pressure is low. What should the driver do?

  1. Turn up the radio to compensate for the missing warning
  2. Proceed because the brakes still work
  3. Pump the brakes repeatedly during the trip to maintain pressure
  4. Report the defect and do not operate the bus until it is repaired Correct answer.

Explanation

The low-air-pressure warning is a critical safety device that alerts the driver before braking ability is lost. If it does not work, the bus must be removed from service until repaired. The brakes may seem functional, but without the warning the driver could lose braking power unexpectedly.

Question 17Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

What is the correct way to check the bus's parking brake during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. Check that the brake pedal feels firm when pressed
  2. Set the brake and confirm it holds the bus when gently accelerated against it Correct answer.
  3. Confirm the parking brake light bulb is the correct color
  4. Listen for a click when the lever is moved

Explanation

The parking brake should be tested by setting it and gently accelerating to confirm it holds the vehicle. This verifies the brake can prevent the bus from rolling. Listening for a click, checking pedal feel, or verifying bulb color does not confirm holding power.

Question 18Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver inspecting a bus notices the rear emergency door's warning buzzer sounds continuously even when the door is fully closed. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. The buzzer is working as designed and can be ignored
  2. The door switch or latch is misadjusted and needs repair Correct answer.
  3. The horn button is stuck
  4. The bus's battery is fully charged

Explanation

A continuous buzzer with the door closed indicates the door switch or latch is not registering the closed position, which could also mean the door is not fully secured. The defect should be repaired before operating. Ignoring it could mask a door that is not latched.

Question 19Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Which check confirms the bus's windshield wipers will function during a trip?

  1. Verify the wiper arms are painted to match the bus
  2. Confirm the wiper blades are black in color
  3. Operate the wipers and confirm they clear the windshield and return to the park position Correct answer.
  4. Check that the washer fluid reservoir cap is tight

Explanation

Wipers must be operated to confirm they clear the glass and park correctly; otherwise visibility in rain could be lost. Blade color, reservoir cap tightness, and paint matching do not prove the wipers work. The functional test is the only reliable check.

Question 20Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A bus driver is checking the passenger aisle and stepwell before departure. Which condition is a safety hazard that must be corrected?

  1. Step edges marked with high-contrast strips
  2. A handrail mounted at the specified height
  3. An aisle clear of luggage and debris
  4. A loose floor mat bunched in the stepwell Correct answer.

Explanation

A bunched floor mat in the stepwell can cause passengers to trip when boarding or exiting and must be removed or secured. Proper handrails, a clear aisle, and marked step edges are all correct safety conditions. Trip hazards in the stepwell are especially dangerous for boarding passengers.

Question 21Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Why must the driver verify that the bus's emergency roof hatch opens from the inside?

  1. To allow passengers to escape if the bus overturns or doors are blocked Correct answer.
  2. To reduce interior noise at highway speed
  3. To provide ventilation during normal driving
  4. To allow luggage to be loaded from above

Explanation

Roof hatches provide an alternate escape route if the bus overturns or the doors cannot be used. The driver must confirm they open from inside so passengers can evacuate. Ventilation, luggage loading, and noise reduction are not the reason for the emergency function check.

Question 22Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver finds that the bus's speedometer is inoperative during the pre-trip inspection. How should the driver proceed?

  1. Use a GPS app on a phone as a permanent replacement
  2. Estimate speed by following other traffic
  3. Do not operate the bus until the speedometer is repaired Correct answer.
  4. Drive only on roads with posted speed limits

Explanation

An inoperative speedometer prevents the driver from knowing the vehicle's speed and is a required instrument defect that must be repaired before operation. Following traffic, using a phone, or relying on posted limits does not substitute for a working speedometer.

Question 23Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the bus's horn. Which result indicates the horn is functioning properly?

  1. A continuous tone that cannot be stopped
  2. A faint click heard only inside the bus
  3. A sound that only works when the engine is off
  4. A clear, audible sound when the horn button is pressed Correct answer.

Explanation

The horn must produce a clear, audible warning when the button is pressed so the driver can alert others to danger. A faint click, an uncontrollable continuous tone, or operation only with the engine off all indicate a defect. The horn is a required safety device.

Question 24Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver is inspecting the bus's suspension and finds a broken leaf spring. What is the correct action?

  1. Continue the trip and schedule repair at the next terminal
  2. Tie the broken spring with wire and continue
  3. Reduce the passenger load and continue
  4. Remove the bus from service until the spring is replaced Correct answer.

Explanation

A broken leaf spring affects vehicle control and load support and is an out-of-service defect. The bus must not carry passengers until the spring is replaced. Deferring repair, reducing load, or wiring the spring does not restore safe suspension function.

Question 25Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

Which of the following best explains why the driver must check the bus's backup alarm and rear visibility aids before a run?

  1. They replace the need for a spotter
  2. They improve the bus's fuel efficiency
  3. They are required only for vehicles over 40 feet
  4. They help the driver detect people behind the bus while reversing Correct answer.

Explanation

Backup alarms and rear visibility aids warn people behind the bus and help the driver detect them while reversing, reducing the risk of striking a pedestrian. They do not save fuel or replace a spotter. Their function is to protect people in the blind area behind the vehicle.

Question 26Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, the driver finds that the emergency exit door does not open fully because of a broken hinge. What is the correct action?

  1. Report the defect after completing the trip
  2. Ask a passenger to hold the door open during emergencies
  3. Remove the door from service and place the bus out of service until repaired Correct answer.
  4. Note the defect and continue the trip if the main door works

Explanation

Emergency exits must be fully functional before the bus is placed in service. A broken hinge prevents the door from opening properly, creating a serious safety hazard. The driver must place the bus out of service until the defect is repaired.

Question 27Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

When inspecting the bus's fire extinguisher during the pre-trip inspection, which condition indicates it is ready for use?

  1. The safety pin is removed for quick access
  2. The extinguisher is mounted in the rear luggage compartment
  3. The extinguisher is less than five years old
  4. The pressure gauge needle is in the green operating range Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire extinguisher is ready for use when its pressure gauge indicates the correct operating range. The gauge shows whether the extinguisher is properly charged. Mounting location and age alone do not confirm readiness.

Question 28Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the bus's service door. Which finding requires correction before departure?

  1. The door seal is intact and prevents water entry
  2. The door closes but the warning light on the dashboard stays on Correct answer.
  3. The door opens and closes smoothly with the control
  4. The door has a smooth edge without sharp protrusions

Explanation

A warning light that stays on when the door is closed indicates a problem with the door monitoring system. The driver must ensure the door is properly closed and the warning system functions correctly. Operating with a faulty warning light could lead to an unsafe door condition.

Question 29Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

When checking the bus's air brake system during the pre-trip inspection, the driver should perform which test to confirm the system is functioning properly?

  1. Release the parking brake and check that the bus rolls freely
  2. Pump the brake pedal rapidly and check that the pressure increases
  3. Apply the brakes and listen for a continuous hissing sound
  4. With the engine running, build air pressure and check that it holds steady without dropping Correct answer.

Explanation

The air brake system must build and hold pressure without leaking. A steady pressure reading after building air confirms the system is not leaking. A continuous hissing sound or pressure drop indicates a leak that must be repaired.

Question 30Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, the driver notices that the passenger seats have torn upholstery with exposed metal edges. What is the correct action?

  1. Remove the bus from service until the seats are repaired or replaced Correct answer.
  2. Report the defect after the trip is completed
  3. Cover the torn area with tape and continue the trip
  4. Ask passengers to avoid sitting in the affected seats

Explanation

Torn upholstery with exposed metal edges can cause injury to passengers, especially during sudden stops. The bus must be removed from service until the seats are repaired or replaced to ensure passenger safety. Temporary fixes like tape are not acceptable.

Question 31Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

When inspecting the bus's stop arm and flashing red lights before a school trip, the driver should verify which of the following?

  1. The stop arm is painted yellow and the lights are white
  2. The stop arm extends fully and the red lights flash when activated Correct answer.
  3. The stop arm and lights operate only when the bus is in motion
  4. The stop arm retracts automatically when the door opens

Explanation

The stop arm must extend fully and the red lights must flash to warn other drivers when students are loading or unloading. These are required safety features for school bus operations. The driver must confirm they work before starting the trip.

Question 32Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver finds that the bus's backup alarm does not sound when the bus is placed in reverse. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Place the bus out of service until the backup alarm is repaired Correct answer.
  2. Continue the trip but avoid reversing
  3. Use the horn to warn others when reversing
  4. Ask a passenger to act as a spotter when reversing

Explanation

The backup alarm is a critical safety device that warns pedestrians and other vehicles when the bus is reversing. If it does not function, the bus must be placed out of service until repaired. Avoiding reversing or using alternative warnings does not meet safety requirements.

Question 33Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

A driver is inspecting a bus equipped with a wheelchair lift. The lift operates but the audible warning signal does not sound when the lift is in motion. What is the correct interpretation of this finding?

  1. The warning signal is optional if the lift moves slowly
  2. The warning signal is only required for school buses
  3. The lift must be repaired before transporting a passenger who uses a wheelchair Correct answer.
  4. The lift is safe to use if the driver watches carefully

Explanation

An audible warning signal is required when a wheelchair lift is in operation to alert others that the lift is moving. If the signal does not sound, the lift is defective and must be repaired before use. The driver cannot compensate for the missing warning by watching carefully.

Question 34Passenger transport vehicle inspection and safety

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver checks the bus's emergency roof hatch. The hatch opens from the inside but does not lock securely when closed. What is the correct action?

  1. The hatch must be repaired so it locks securely to prevent accidental opening Correct answer.
  2. The hatch is only required to open from the outside
  3. The hatch is acceptable if it opens from the inside
  4. The hatch can be secured with tape until the next maintenance

Explanation

An emergency roof hatch must open from the inside for escape and lock securely when closed to prevent accidental opening during travel. A hatch that does not lock securely is a safety hazard and must be repaired. Temporary fixes like tape are not acceptable.

Question 35Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A passenger boards your bus carrying a large suitcase and asks where to put it. Where must the baggage be secured on a passenger-carrying commercial vehicle?

  1. In the aisle beside the passenger's seat so it stays visible
  2. Wedged between the seat and the side wall of the bus
  3. On the passenger's lap with the seat belt routed over it
  4. In a designated baggage compartment or area secured against movement Correct answer.

Explanation

Baggage on a passenger vehicle must be stored in a designated baggage area or compartment and secured so it cannot shift during normal driving, braking, or a sudden maneuver. A loose object in the passenger compartment can become a projectile that injures riders.

Question 36Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

Before departing a terminal with passengers aboard, what is the driver's responsibility regarding the aisle?

  1. Allow small bags in the aisle if the owner holds them
  2. Permit coolers in the aisle if the bus is not full
  3. Keep the aisle clear of baggage and obstructions Correct answer.
  4. Let passengers store items in the aisle during short trips

Explanation

The aisle and emergency exits must remain clear at all times so passengers can move and evacuate quickly. Baggage left in the aisle blocks egress and can trip riders during a sudden stop.

Question 37Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A rider in a wheelchair is about to board your bus. What must be secured before the vehicle moves?

  1. Nothing, provided the rider holds the handrail
  2. The wheelchair and its occupant with the approved tiedown and belt system Correct answer.
  3. The wheelchair with a single strap across the frame
  4. Only the wheelchair's own brakes

Explanation

A wheelchair and its occupant must both be secured using the vehicle's approved tiedown and occupant restraint system before the bus moves. Securing only the chair or only the person leaves the other free to move in a crash or hard stop.

Question 38Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

You are loading passengers and notice a rider standing in the stairwell as you prepare to pull away. What is the correct action?

  1. Ask the rider to be seated or properly positioned before moving Correct answer.
  2. Sound the horn to warn the rider and continue
  3. Allow standing in the stairwell if the trip is short
  4. Proceed slowly so the rider can keep balance

Explanation

Passengers must be seated or otherwise properly positioned before the bus moves; standing in a stairwell is especially dangerous because a door or step hazard is present. The driver should not move until the rider is safely positioned.

Question 39Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

How should carry-on baggage be handled for a passenger seated in an emergency exit row of a motorcoach?

  1. Stacked on the floor in front of the exit
  2. Placed on the passenger's lap during travel
  3. Tied to the seat frame beside the exit
  4. Stowed so it does not block the exit or the aisle Correct answer.

Explanation

Items near an emergency exit must be stowed so they do not block the exit, the aisle leading to it, or the exit's operating handle. An obstructed exit can prevent or delay evacuation in an emergency.

Question 40Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A passenger wants to bring a small propane cylinder aboard for a camping stove. What is the correct response?

  1. Allow it if it is stored in the baggage compartment
  2. Allow it if the cylinder is sealed and new
  3. Refuse it because hazardous materials are prohibited aboard Correct answer.
  4. Allow one cylinder per passenger as carry-on

Explanation

Compressed flammable gases such as propane are hazardous materials and are not permitted in the passenger compartment or baggage of a commercial passenger vehicle. The driver must refuse such items regardless of packaging or quantity.

Question 41Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

When loading baggage into the luggage compartment of a motorcoach, what is the most important securement practice?

  1. Distribute and restrain items so they cannot shift during travel Correct answer.
  2. Load all items on one side to speed unloading
  3. Place the heaviest items on top so they are easy to reach
  4. Leave the compartment loosely packed so doors close easily

Explanation

Baggage must be distributed and restrained so it cannot slide or shift, which could affect vehicle handling or damage the compartment doors. Heavy items should be placed low and the load secured against movement.

Question 42Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A passenger asks to bring a small pet aboard in a carrier. Under typical passenger-carrier rules, what should the driver do?

  1. Allow it only if the carrier is secured and the carrier's policy permits service or carry-on animals Correct answer.
  2. Refuse all animals without exception
  3. Allow the pet to ride unrestrained on the floor
  4. Allow any pet on the seat beside the owner

Explanation

Animal carriage is governed by the carrier's policy and applicable rules, including provisions for service animals. A permitted animal must be contained or secured so it does not interfere with the driver or other passengers.

Question 43Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

What is the primary reason for counting and confirming passengers after a stop before continuing?

  1. To ensure no passenger is left behind or unaccounted for Correct answer.
  2. To decide whether the bus is full enough to depart
  3. To collect additional fares from boarding riders
  4. To verify the seating chart matches the ticket list

Explanation

A passenger count confirms that everyone who boarded is still aboard and that no one has been left at a stop or wandered off. It is a core duty of the driver in protecting passenger safety.

Question 44Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

You are assisting a passenger with limited mobility to board using the lift. When should the lift be operated?

  1. While the bus is slowly rolling to save time
  2. While another employee holds the door open
  3. Only when the vehicle is stopped and secured Correct answer.
  4. Whenever the passenger signals readiness

Explanation

A wheelchair lift must only be operated when the vehicle is stopped and secured, with the parking brake set. Operating a lift while the vehicle moves risks the passenger falling or the lift mechanism being damaged.

Question 45Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

During a pre-trip inspection, you notice the emergency exit window latch is stuck and the window will not open. What should you do?

  1. Ask passengers to avoid that side of the bus
  2. Remove the bus from service until the exit is repaired Correct answer.
  3. Tape the window shut and continue the route
  4. Depart and note it for the next scheduled maintenance

Explanation

A non-functioning emergency exit makes the vehicle unsafe and it must be removed from service until repaired. Emergency exits must be operable so passengers can evacuate quickly.

Question 46Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

Before opening the passenger door at a stop, what should the driver confirm?

  1. That the engine is still in gear
  2. That the radio is turned off
  3. That the headlights are on high beam
  4. That the bus is stopped close enough to the curb for safe boarding and alighting Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver should stop close to the curb so passengers can board and exit without stepping into traffic or over a gap. Positioning the vehicle properly before opening the door is a key loading safety step.

Question 47Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A passenger is carrying a large framed picture that will not fit in the overhead rack. What is the safest handling?

  1. Lean it against the emergency exit door
  2. Lay it across two seats in the aisle row
  3. Stow it in the baggage compartment if it fits and can be secured Correct answer.
  4. Have the passenger hold it upright in the aisle

Explanation

Oversized items that cannot be safely stowed in the passenger compartment should go in the baggage compartment if they fit and can be secured. Items must never block the aisle or an exit.

Question 48Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

What is the correct way to secure a wheelchair tiedown strap in a transit bus?

  1. Hook it to the wheelchair's armrest
  2. Clip it to the occupant's belt
  3. Loop it around the wheelchair's wheel spokes
  4. Attach it to the approved frame anchor points per the tiedown instructions Correct answer.

Explanation

Tiedowns must attach to the wheelchair frame at the manufacturer's approved anchor points, following the securement system instructions. Attaching to weak components can fail in a crash.

Question 49Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

A rider refuses to fold a stroller that is blocking the aisle. What is the appropriate driver action?

  1. Require the stroller to be folded and stowed before moving Correct answer.
  2. Continue the trip and route around the stroller
  3. Allow it if the rider stands next to it
  4. Ask another passenger to hold the stroller

Explanation

The driver must ensure the aisle stays clear, which means the stroller must be folded and stowed before the vehicle moves. Allowing an unfolded stroller to remain in the aisle creates a serious evacuation and trip hazard.

Question 50Loading and securing passengers, baggage, and cargo

How does proper load securement in a passenger vehicle's cargo area affect vehicle handling?

  1. It reduces the need for pre-trip inspections
  2. It has no measurable effect on handling
  3. It prevents shifting that could destabilize the vehicle during turns or braking Correct answer.
  4. It increases the vehicle's top speed

Explanation

A shifting load changes weight distribution and can destabilize the vehicle, especially in turns or hard braking. Securing cargo keeps the load in place and preserves predictable handling.