KS CDL Passenger key terms

The area on all sides of a school bus where children are close enough to be hidden from the driver's view, generally extending about 10 feet around the vehicle.

Any area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly or through the mirrors, requiring a head check or mirror adjustment before moving.

A curved mirror mounted on the bus that widens the field of view to show the sides and front bumper area, though objects appear smaller and farther away.

A mirror aimed at the front bumper and the ground just ahead of the bus, used to spot children who walk in front of the hood.

The hinged sign that swings out from the left side of a school bus to warn traffic to stop while children load or unload.

The warning lamps on a school bus that signal traffic in both directions to stop because children are entering or leaving the bus.

The yellow lamps a school bus driver activates before stopping to alert following and oncoming traffic that a stop is about to occur.

The arm at the front of the bus that swings out to keep students from walking too close to the front bumper as they cross.

The procedure of stopping, setting the parking brake, activating warning lights, and supervising students as they board, with the driver counting each one.

The area beside the bus where students get off, which must be clear of traffic and hazards before the door is opened.

The practice of counting students as they board or leave to confirm that no child remains on the bus or is unaccounted for.

A walk through the bus at the end of a route to look for students who fell asleep or were left behind, done before the bus is parked.

The S endorsement added to a CDL that allows a driver to operate a school bus carrying students, requiring separate knowledge and skills tests.

The P endorsement on a CDL that permits driving vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver.

Commercial Driver's License, the credential required to operate large or heavy vehicles on public roads, issued after written and skills testing.

The number of people a vehicle is designed to seat or carry, which determines whether a passenger endorsement is required.

The systematic check of lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, emergency equipment, and other items a driver performs before driving the bus.

The check completed after a route to confirm no students remain aboard, the bus is secure, and any defects are recorded and reported.

A test of the air brake system, including static leakage and low-pressure warning checks, performed during the pre-trip inspection.

The mechanical brake set to hold the bus in place while stopped, required whenever students are loading or unloading.

A door, window, roof hatch, or other opening designed for rapid evacuation of the bus in an emergency, which must be checked and kept clear.

A practice exercise in which students learn to leave the bus quickly and safely through designated exits under driver direction.

A portable device carried on the bus for fighting small fires, which must be charged, mounted securely, and checked during inspection.

A place where tracks cross the road, requiring the bus driver to stop, open the door, listen, and look before proceeding.

A designated location where students board or leave the bus, chosen for visibility, safe sight distance, and separation from traffic.

The gap kept between the bus and the vehicle ahead, allowing time to stop safely, which must be increased in poor weather.

The loss of stopping power that occurs when brakes overheat from repeated or prolonged use, such as on long downgrades.

Adjusting speed to road, weather, traffic, and load conditions so the bus can stop within the distance the driver can see.

The routine of scanning the flat, convex, and crossover mirrors to monitor traffic, students, and the bus's own position.

Placing the bus in the proper part of the lane, keeping space on the sides and allowing room for turns and stops.

The wide arc a long bus makes when turning right, requiring the driver to check mirrors and keep the rear wheels from striking the curb.

A diamond-shaped warning sign on a vehicle carrying dangerous goods, telling the bus driver to keep a safe distance and avoid stopping nearby.

The maximum number of passengers a bus may legally carry, based on seat size and design, used to assign routes and loads.

The short instructions given to riders about seat belts, exits, and conduct before a trip begins.

Operating the bus while attention is diverted by phones, conversation, or other tasks, which is especially dangerous with students aboard.

Planning rest, duty hours, and breaks so the driver stays alert, since drowsiness impairs judgment as much as alcohol.