Passenger Stops, Boarding, and Alighting Procedures
This domain tests safe stopping, boarding, and alighting. The exam focuses on stopping position, brake and door procedure, passenger monitoring, and pulling away only when everyone is clear.
Stopping and boarding
- Signal early, slow smoothly, and stop with the door close to the curb without stopping in a crosswalk, intersection, or over a puddle.
- Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral or park according to procedure before opening the door.
- Open the door only when it is safe; watch the boarding area, assist passengers who need it, and keep track of who is aboard.
Alighting and departure
- Let passengers exit without rushing. Watch for passengers who cross in front of the bus; wait until they are clear of the bus's path.
- Close the door, check mirrors and blind spots, and make sure passengers are seated or secure before moving.
- At night, use interior lighting so passengers can see steps and handrails.
Worked example
A passenger exits and walks toward the front of the bus to cross the street. Reasoning: the passenger is in the driver's blind spot. The driver must keep the bus stopped until the passenger is clear and visible, not merely until the door closes.
Traps
- Pulling away while the door is still closing.
- Stopping in a crosswalk or too far from the curb.
- Forgetting the parking brake during a long boarding stop.
- Assuming an alighting passenger will stop at the curb.