LA CDL Passenger key terms

A required walk-around check of the bus before driving, covering brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, and passenger items, done to catch defects that could cause a breakdown or crash.

A test where you build air pressure, shut off the engine, and watch the gauge to confirm leakage stays within limits, proving the brake system holds pressure before you carry passengers.

The time the compressor needs to raise the gauge from about 85 to 100 psi at normal engine speed; excessive time signals a weak compressor or a leak that must be fixed before driving.

A buzzer and light that activate when system pressure drops below roughly 60 psi, warning that brakes may soon apply or fail; you must stop and not continue until pressure recovers.

Parking and emergency brakes held applied by heavy springs and released by air pressure, so they set automatically when air pressure is lost, stopping the bus if you ignore the warning.

A test in which you apply the parking brake, shift to a low gear, and gently pull against it to confirm the bus does not move, verifying the brake holds on a grade.

A system that rapidly releases and reapplies brake pressure at individual wheels to prevent lockup, helping you keep steering control during hard stops on slippery or uneven pavement.

The total distance traveled from perceiving a hazard to a full stop, combining perception, reaction, and braking distance; it grows sharply with speed and with a loaded, heavy bus.

The gap you keep behind the vehicle ahead, measured in seconds; commercial buses need at least one second per ten feet of vehicle length plus extra time for speed, weather, and load.

The buffer of empty space you maintain around the bus on all sides so you have room and time to react, steer, or stop when another driver makes a mistake.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot developing risks, such as merging cars, pedestrians, or stopped traffic, early enough to adjust speed or lane position smoothly.

Driving so that you avoid crashes despite other people's errors, by anticipating problems, yielding when needed, and choosing speed and position that leave an escape route.

The correct response to a slide, which is to stop braking, ease off the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want the front of the bus to go until traction returns.

Loss of tire contact with the pavement because water builds up under the tires, causing steering and braking to feel light and unresponsive; slow down in heavy rain to prevent it.

Conditions such as fog, rain, snow, or darkness that shorten how far you can see and be seen, requiring lower speed, headlights on, and a longer following distance.

Drowsiness and slowed reactions caused by driving after dark, when vision is limited and the body expects sleep; manage it with rest breaks and avoid long overnight runs without recovery time.

The time your eyes need to readjust after oncoming headlights or bright lights wash out your view; avoid staring at them and slow down until you can see the lane again.

A place where the road crosses train tracks; buses must stop before the tracks, look and listen, and cross only when there is room on the far side to clear completely.

A bridge whose span opens for water traffic; buses must stop before the draw, check that the span is down and the warning signals are off, then cross without stopping on the movable section.

A passenger who rides while standing, allowed only where the bus is designed for it and only if the person can hold a handrail; standees may not block the aisle or stand forward of the line.

The clear path along the floor of the bus that must stay free of bags, legs, and luggage so passengers and the driver can move quickly, especially during an evacuation.

A door, window, roof hatch, or other marked opening meant for fast escape; it must be unobstructed, clearly labeled, and shown to passengers during the safety briefing.

The orderly removal of riders from a bus in an emergency, done by stopping safely, securing the vehicle, opening exits, and directing passengers away from traffic and fire.

The technique of aiming a charged extinguisher at the base of a small fire while keeping an escape route open; it is for containing a fire long enough to evacuate, not for fighting a large blaze.

The short talk or announcement before departure that covers seat belts if equipped, emergency exits, and rules such as staying seated, so riders know what to do if something goes wrong.

The area where passengers board or leave the bus; you must stop close to the curb, set the parking brake, and watch for riders who slip or step into traffic.

The rule that a bus carrying passengers must stop before railroad tracks, open the door or window to listen, and proceed only when the way is clear and the far side has room.

The hazard of a large bus swinging wide or cutting a right turn close to the curb, where a cyclist or pedestrian can be trapped; check mirrors and turn slowly to prevent it.

The tendency of the rear wheels of a long bus to follow a tighter path than the front wheels, so the back end can strike a curb or vehicle unless you swing wide and check mirrors.

Choosing and holding the correct lane for your route, speed, and turns, staying centered in the lane, and avoiding unnecessary lane changes that expose passengers to risk.

Selecting a safe speed for the road, load, and weather rather than just the posted limit, slowing early for curves, stops, and ramps so passengers stay safe and comfortable.

Acts a commercial driver may not do, such as using a hand-held phone while driving, driving under the influence, or allowing unauthorized riders, which can lead to disqualification.

The duty to operate safely and legally, including securing passengers and cargo, refusing to drive an unsafe bus, and reporting crashes, defects, and hours-of-service accurately.

Limits on driving and on-duty time, with required rest breaks, designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes; passenger carriers must track and record them accurately.

Making sure riders are seated or braced and that bags, wheelchairs, and luggage are stowed and tied down so nothing shifts and injures someone during a stop or turn.