LA CDL Passenger study materials
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LA CDL Passenger practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before a passenger-carrying trip, a California driver should inspect the interior of the bus primarily to confirm that:

  1. the two-way radio is fully charged
  2. the fare box is stocked with change
  3. seating and handholds are secure and undamaged Correct answer.
  4. the destination sign shows the correct route

Explanation

The pre-trip interior inspection focuses on passenger safety equipment and conditions, including seats, stanchions, handrails, and emergency exits. Fare boxes, signage, and radio charge levels are operational concerns rather than passenger-safety inspection items.

Question 2Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

During the pre-trip walk-around of a passenger bus, the driver notices the emergency exit door will not latch firmly. The correct action is to:

  1. place the bus out of service until the latch is repaired Correct answer.
  2. assign a passenger to hold the door closed
  3. tape the door shut and begin the route
  4. continue the trip and report it at the end of the shift

Explanation

A door that will not latch is a defect that can allow a passenger to fall out or the door to swing open in motion, so the vehicle must not be used until it is repaired. Improvised fixes such as tape or a passenger monitor do not correct the safety defect.

Question 3Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When checking the tires on a passenger vehicle before departure, the driver should pay particular attention to:

  1. tread depth, sidewall condition, and inflation Correct answer.
  2. the brand name molded on the sidewall
  3. whether the wheels were recently rotated
  4. the color of the valve stem caps

Explanation

Tire inspection covers tread depth, cuts or bulges in the sidewall, and proper inflation, all of which affect traction and blowout risk with passengers aboard. Cosmetic details and maintenance history do not tell you whether the tires are safe right now.

Question 4Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A California driver of a passenger vehicle must ensure passengers are seated or standing in designated areas because:

  1. unsecured passengers can be thrown and injured during sudden stops or turns Correct answer.
  2. it is required only on freeways
  3. it keeps the aisle clear for the fare collector
  4. it reduces the amount of fuel the vehicle uses

Explanation

Passengers who are not in seats or designated standing areas with handholds can be thrown into fixtures during braking or swerving. The rule exists to prevent injury, not to save fuel or to serve a fare collector.

Question 5Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before loading passengers, the driver should verify that the wheelchair securement area is:

  1. covered with a protective tarp
  2. reserved for the driver's personal items
  3. locked in the folded position
  4. clear of luggage and ready for use Correct answer.

Explanation

The securement area must be unobstructed so a wheelchair user can be positioned and tied down safely. Blocking it with luggage or equipment defeats the purpose of the securement system.

Question 6Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When a bus is equipped with a lift or ramp, the pre-trip check should confirm that:

  1. the lift or ramp deploys and stows properly and the interlock works Correct answer.
  2. the lift operates only when the engine is off
  3. the lift is painted to match the bus
  4. the lift has never been used

Explanation

The lift or ramp must cycle through deployment and stowage and the vehicle interlock must prevent movement while it is extended. Cosmetic condition or prior use does not establish that the equipment will work for a passenger who needs it.

Question 7Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before pulling away from a stop where passengers have just boarded, the driver should:

  1. turn off the interior lights
  2. check mirrors and blind spots and confirm passengers are settled Correct answer.
  3. accelerate quickly to merge with traffic
  4. sound the horn twice

Explanation

A driver must confirm through mirrors and direct observation that boarding passengers are clear of the doors and seated or holding on before moving. Rapid acceleration can throw standing passengers, and horn use is not a substitute for observation.

Question 8Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Cargo or luggage carried in the passenger compartment of a bus must be:

  1. placed on the rear seats only
  2. secured so it cannot shift or block an exit Correct answer.
  3. stacked in the aisle for easy access
  4. left unsecured so passengers can move it

Explanation

Items in the passenger compartment must be restrained so they cannot slide, strike passengers, or obstruct aisles and emergency exits. Storing luggage in the aisle is a common and serious hazard.

Question 9Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is about to begin a trip and finds the fire extinguisher gauge reading in the red zone. The proper response is:

  1. ignore it because extinguishers are rarely needed
  2. use the extinguisher to test it and then depart
  3. note it on the paperwork and depart on schedule
  4. replace or recharge the extinguisher before carrying passengers Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire extinguisher reading in the red zone may not discharge, so it must be replaced or recharged before the vehicle carries passengers. An out-of-service extinguisher leaves the bus without required fire protection.

Question 10Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

During the pre-trip inspection, the driver should test the service brakes by:

  1. driving at highway speed and braking hard
  2. pumping the pedal repeatedly while parked
  3. relying on the last driver's report
  4. checking for air pressure buildup or pedal firmness and no warning buzzer Correct answer.

Explanation

A brake check confirms that air pressure builds to the required level or that the hydraulic pedal feels firm and does not sink, with no low-pressure warning. The check is done at low speed or while stationary, not by a high-speed test.

Question 11Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A passenger bus has a broken interior light over the rear step. Before operating at night the driver should:

  1. tell passengers to use a flashlight
  2. close off the rear door permanently
  3. ignore it because exterior lights are what matter
  4. have the light repaired so the step is visible Correct answer.

Explanation

Interior lighting over steps and aisle areas is needed so passengers can see where they are stepping at night. A dark step is a fall hazard and should be repaired rather than worked around.

Question 12Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When loading a passenger who uses a wheelchair, the driver should first:

  1. position the bus close to the curb and deploy the lift or ramp Correct answer.
  2. leave the chair on the sidewalk
  3. have other passengers lift the chair aboard
  4. ask the passenger to transfer to a seat

Explanation

The driver positions the vehicle close to and parallel with the curb, sets the brake, and deploys the lift or ramp so the passenger can board safely. Passengers should not be asked to lift a wheelchair or transfer against their wishes.

Question 13Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver notices that a passenger is standing in the stairwell while the bus is moving. The driver should:

  1. ignore it because adults are responsible for themselves
  2. ask the passenger to move to a seat or designated standing area Correct answer.
  3. brake sharply to emphasize the danger
  4. continue and address it at the next terminal

Explanation

The driver is responsible for passenger safety and should direct the passenger to a safe location, using the PA or a stop if needed. Sharp braking would create the very hazard the driver is trying to prevent.

Question 14Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When checking the emergency exits during the pre-trip inspection, the driver should confirm that:

  1. each exit opens freely and its warning device functions Correct answer.
  2. the exits are blocked by advertising panels
  3. the exits are locked to prevent unauthorized use
  4. the exit windows are painted over

Explanation

Emergency exits must open from inside without special tools, and the exit warning buzzer or light must alert the driver if an exit is opened. Locking exits or covering windows defeats their purpose.

Question 15Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before a trip in rainy conditions, the driver should verify that the windshield wipers and defroster work because:

  1. they are checked only during annual inspections
  2. they are needed only for the driver's comfort
  3. they reduce the need to use mirrors
  4. poor visibility endangers every passenger aboard Correct answer.

Explanation

Wipers and defrosters keep the windshield clear so the driver can see the road and passengers. Visibility equipment is a safety system, not a comfort feature, and it must be checked before every trip.

Question 16Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is loading passengers at a stop and a rider asks to bring a large, heavy box aboard. The driver should:

  1. allow it in the aisle so the rider can watch it
  2. ask another passenger to hold it
  3. refuse or require it to be stowed where it cannot block the aisle or exits Correct answer.
  4. place it on the rear step

Explanation

Large items must be stowed so they cannot block the aisle, obstruct exits, or become projectiles. Allowing a heavy box in the aisle or on a step creates a serious hazard for all passengers.

Question 17Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

The driver of a passenger van notices the rearview mirror is loose and vibrates while driving. The correct action is:

  1. rely on the side mirrors only
  2. adjust the mirror once and continue
  3. remove the mirror entirely
  4. tighten or repair the mirror mount before the trip Correct answer.

Explanation

A mirror that will not hold its adjustment prevents the driver from monitoring the passenger compartment and surrounding traffic. It should be tightened or repaired before departure rather than worked around.

Question 18Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When securing a wheelchair in a bus, the driver should attach the tie-downs to:

  1. the passenger's seat belt
  2. the wheelchair's footrests
  3. the armrests of the wheelchair
  4. the wheelchair frame at the designated securement points Correct answer.

Explanation

Tie-downs attach to the wheelchair frame at the manufacturer's designated securement points so the chair is held firmly. Attaching to armrests, footrests, or the passenger's belt can damage the chair or fail to restrain it.

Question 19Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is assigned a bus with a cracked passenger window that has jagged edges inside the passenger compartment. The driver should:

  1. report it and refuse the vehicle until it is repaired Correct answer.
  2. ask maintenance to look at it after the shift
  3. seat passengers away from it and go
  4. cover it with tape and run the route

Explanation

Jagged glass in the passenger compartment can cut riders and indicates structural damage that must be repaired. Taping over it or seating passengers elsewhere does not remove the hazard.

Question 20Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before departing, a driver should confirm the passenger stop-request system works because:

  1. it is used to open the luggage bay
  2. it controls the fare collection
  3. it is required only on long routes
  4. it allows passengers to signal for a safe stop Correct answer.

Explanation

The stop-request cord or button lets passengers tell the driver they need to get off, so the driver can stop safely at the next stop. A failed system can cause passengers to miss their stop or stand prematurely.

Question 21Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver who finds the air pressure warning buzzer sounding continuously after start-up should:

  1. drive slowly until pressure builds
  2. ignore it because the buzzer is a nuisance
  3. keep the bus out of service and report the defect Correct answer.
  4. pump the brake pedal until it stops

Explanation

A continuous low-air warning indicates the air brake system is not building adequate pressure, which can lead to brake failure. The vehicle must not be driven with passengers until the system is repaired.

Question 22Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is loading a passenger with a service animal and a passenger with a stroller at the same stop. To keep the securement area usable, the driver should:

  1. ask the service animal to ride in the aisle
  2. require the stroller to be folded or stowed so it does not occupy the securement area Correct answer.
  3. deny boarding to the passenger with the stroller
  4. place the stroller in front of the emergency exit

Explanation

The securement area must remain available for wheelchair users, so a stroller should be folded or stowed out of that space. Blocking the area or an exit with a stroller creates a hazard and may deny access to a passenger who needs the securement.

Question 23Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver observes that the rear door of the bus closes on a passenger's coat as the bus pulls away. The best practice to prevent this is to:

  1. monitor the door area in the mirror and confirm the doorway is clear before moving Correct answer.
  2. ask passengers to hold the door open
  3. accelerate faster so the door closes firmly
  4. rely on the door interlock to stop the bus

Explanation

The driver must watch the doorway in the mirrors and confirm it is clear before moving; interlocks are a backup, not a substitute for observation. Dragging a passenger is a serious injury risk that observation prevents.

Question 24Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

During the pre-trip inspection a driver finds the bus first-aid kit is missing several required items. The correct action is:

  1. restock the kit or obtain a replacement before carrying passengers Correct answer.
  2. note the shortage and depart on time
  3. borrow supplies from a passenger
  4. skip the kit because it is rarely used

Explanation

Required first-aid supplies must be present and complete before the vehicle carries passengers. A shortage should be corrected or the vehicle replaced, not deferred to keep the schedule.

Question 25Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is preparing to transport a group of school children and notices the bus has no functioning interior PA system. The driver should:

  1. have the PA repaired or use an approved alternative before departure Correct answer.
  2. depart and shout instructions over engine noise
  3. turn up the radio to compensate
  4. ask a teacher to relay all instructions

Explanation

A working PA lets the driver give safety instructions and manage behavior in a full bus. Without it, the driver cannot reliably communicate with passengers, so it should be repaired or an approved alternative arranged before departure.

Question 26Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, the driver should check the passenger seats and stanchions to confirm that:

  1. seat backs recline to the fully flat position
  2. seat cushions are soft and the aisle carpet is clean
  3. seat frames are secure and handholds are firmly attached Correct answer.
  4. seat belts are color-matched to the upholstery

Explanation

Pre-trip inspection focuses on safety hardware, not appearance. Loose seat frames or handholds can break free and injure passengers during braking or a collision, so any looseness must be documented and repaired before the bus carries riders.

Question 27Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before a bus leaves the terminal, the driver should verify that the emergency exit doors and windows are:

  1. unobstructed and able to open from the inside Correct answer.
  2. sealed with tape to stop wind noise
  3. labeled only on the exterior of the bus
  4. locked from the outside to prevent theft

Explanation

Emergency exits must open freely from inside the passenger compartment and must not be blocked by seats, cargo, or equipment. If a passenger cannot operate the exit in an emergency, the exit is useless regardless of how well the bus runs.

Question 28Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is assigned a bus whose aisle is partially blocked by a folded wheelchair that was left on board. Before starting the route, the driver should:

  1. place it on the rear step platform
  2. leave it there if it is strapped down
  3. ask the first boarding passenger to hold it
  4. move it to a secure storage area off the aisle Correct answer.

Explanation

The aisle and exit paths must stay clear so passengers can move to exits quickly during an emergency. A loose or stored wheelchair in the aisle is an obstruction and must be removed to a designated secure location before departure.

Question 29Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

When checking the tires on a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection, the driver should look for:

  1. tread depth, sidewall damage, and proper inflation Correct answer.
  2. the brand names matching on each axle
  3. valve stem caps that match in color
  4. tire shine and even dust coverage

Explanation

Tire condition directly affects braking and steering with a full load of passengers. Low tread, cuts, bulges, or improper pressure can lead to a blowout, so these are the items the driver must confirm before departure.

Question 30Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is about to load passengers and notices the bus is parked with its rear end extending into a traffic lane. The safest action is to:

  1. reposition the bus so it is fully clear of the lane Correct answer.
  2. load quickly so the bus is exposed for less time
  3. leave the hazard lights off to avoid confusion
  4. have passengers board from the traffic side

Explanation

Passengers boarding and alighting are exposed to traffic, so the bus must be positioned to protect them. Repositioning so the vehicle is out of the travel lane keeps riders away from moving vehicles during loading.

Question 31Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

While loading passengers, a driver sees a rider carrying an open container of a hot beverage toward the door. The best practice is to:

  1. require the rider to sit on the rear bench
  2. take the cup and set it on the dashboard
  3. refuse boarding until the drink is covered or finished Correct answer.
  4. allow boarding but ask the rider to walk slowly

Explanation

Open hot liquids can spill on other passengers or the driver during sudden stops and can distract the driver. Company policy and safe practice call for the drink to be covered or finished before boarding so the risk of burns and slips is removed.

Question 32Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is helping a passenger board with a walker. To reduce the risk of a fall on the steps, the driver should:

  1. have another passenger carry the walker up the steps
  2. ask the passenger to fold the walker and carry it while climbing
  3. stand by and offer an arm or assistance while the passenger uses the handrail Correct answer.
  4. let the passenger board alone to preserve independence

Explanation

Passengers using mobility aids are at higher risk on steps, and the driver should offer assistance while the passenger keeps one hand on the handrail. The driver stays positioned to steady the rider without taking over the walker mid-climb.

Question 33Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

Before moving a bus away from a stop, the driver should check the interior mirror and monitor to confirm that:

  1. the fare box has been emptied
  2. the radio is tuned to the dispatch channel
  3. all passengers are seated or holding a secure handhold Correct answer.
  4. the destination sign is illuminated

Explanation

Passengers who are still standing or walking when the bus accelerates can fall and be injured. Confirming that riders are seated or holding a handhold before pulling away is a core loading-safety step.

Question 34Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is preparing to transport passengers in a bus equipped with a rear emergency door. During the pre-trip inspection, the driver should confirm that the door:

  1. opens only with a key held by the driver
  2. opens freely, latches securely, and sounds its alarm when opened Correct answer.
  3. stays slightly ajar to relieve pressure
  4. is chained shut to prevent accidental opening

Explanation

A rear emergency door must open from inside without a key, latch firmly when closed, and trigger its warning alarm when opened. This confirms both that the exit works in an emergency and that the alarm will alert the driver if it is opened in motion.

Question 35Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver finds that the bus interlock permits the vehicle to move with the wheelchair lift still deployed. The correct action is to:

  1. have a passenger watch the lift through the rear window
  2. remove the bus from service until the interlock is repaired Correct answer.
  3. operate the bus but keep speed under 15 mph
  4. deploy the lift only at the first stop

Explanation

The interlock is designed to prevent the bus from moving while the lift is out, protecting passengers on the lift and anyone nearby. A faulty interlock is a mechanical defect that must be repaired before the bus carries passengers.

Question 36Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

During the pre-trip inspection, a driver notices that the bus has a strong smell of diesel fuel near the rear engine compartment. The driver should:

  1. add fuel treatment at the next stop
  2. note the odor and continue if no leak is visible
  3. tag the bus out of service and report the fuel smell Correct answer.
  4. open the windows and proceed on the route

Explanation

A strong fuel odor signals a possible leak and a serious fire risk, especially near hot engine components. The bus must be taken out of service and reported so a mechanic can inspect it before passengers board.

Question 37Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is loading a passenger who uses a wheelchair onto a bus with a lift. Before raising the lift platform, the driver should confirm that:

  1. other passengers have moved to the front of the bus
  2. the passenger's brakes are set and the platform safety barrier is raised Correct answer.
  3. the passenger is holding the handrail on the bus wall
  4. the bus engine is running at high idle

Explanation

The wheelchair brakes keep the chair from rolling during the lift cycle, and the raised barrier prevents the chair from rolling off the platform edge. Both checks must be completed before the platform moves.

Question 38Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is assigned a bus whose passenger seats have been rearranged so that the last row blocks part of the rear emergency exit path. The driver should:

  1. place a sign on the blocked exit
  2. allow passengers to sit there but warn them
  3. operate the route if the exit still opens partway
  4. restore the seating to a configuration that keeps the exit clear Correct answer.

Explanation

Seating must not intrude on the clear space needed to reach and operate an emergency exit. The driver should have the seating returned to an approved layout before carrying passengers rather than operating with a compromised exit.

Question 39Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver is about to depart with a full load when a passenger reports that a seat near the middle of the bus is loose and rocks when sat on. The driver should:

  1. tell the passenger to sit still and continue the route
  2. move the passenger to another seat and note the seat for repair after the trip Correct answer.
  3. place a warning cone on the seat and depart
  4. ask the passenger to switch seats only if the bus brakes hard

Explanation

A loose seat can tear free in a sudden stop or collision and injure its occupant and nearby riders. Taking the seat out of service and reporting it keeps passengers safe while allowing the trip to continue if other seating is available.

Question 40Vehicle inspection, loading, and passenger safety before driving

A driver must decide whether a bus with a malfunctioning passenger stop-request bell can safely complete a route where every stop is a posted, regularly scheduled stop. The best reasoning is:

  1. the bell can be replaced by the driver honking at each stop
  2. the bell must work because passengers may need to request a stop between posted locations Correct answer.
  3. the bell matters only on routes with more than 20 stops
  4. the bell is unnecessary because the driver stops at every posted stop anyway

Explanation

Stop-request systems let passengers signal the driver at locations that are not automatically served, and a failure can cause a rider to be carried past the stop. Even on a posted-stop route, the driver cannot assume every passenger's intended stop is served automatically, so the defect should be reported and repaired.

Question 41Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

Under California law, which passengers may stand in the aisle of a bus operating on a route where standing is permitted?

  1. Only passengers traveling fewer than five stops
  2. Passengers who are able to maintain a handhold and do not block the aisle or exits Correct answer.
  3. Only passengers who have paid the full fare
  4. Only passengers under the age of 18

Explanation

Where standing is allowed, passengers must be able to secure themselves with a handhold and must not obstruct the aisle or any exit. A driver may refuse to move the bus until the aisle and exits are clear of obstructions.

Question 42Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

A passenger carrying several large shopping bags boards and sets them in the aisle beside the seat. What is the driver's proper course of action?

  1. Charge an additional fare for the bags
  2. Tell the passenger to hold the bags on their lap only at the next stop
  3. Allow the bags because the passenger is seated
  4. Require the items be secured so the aisle stays clear before moving Correct answer.

Explanation

The aisle must remain unobstructed so passengers and emergency egress are not impeded. The driver should require that the items be stowed or held securely before putting the bus in motion.

Question 43Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

What is the primary purpose of keeping the aisle and exit paths clear on a passenger bus?

  1. To protect the floor covering from wear
  2. To allow rapid evacuation and safe passenger movement Correct answer.
  3. To make cleaning faster at the end of the shift
  4. To simplify fare inspection

Explanation

Clear aisles and exits allow passengers to move safely while the bus is in motion and to evacuate quickly in an emergency. Obstructions turn a minor incident into a serious one.

Question 44Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

A passenger using a wheelchair is waiting at a stop where the bus is not equipped with a lift or ramp. What must the driver do?

  1. Wave the passenger off and continue the route
  2. Board the passenger only if a companion carries the wheelchair
  3. Advise the passenger of the next accessible trip or route without boarding Correct answer.
  4. Stop and physically lift the passenger aboard with help from riders

Explanation

A driver cannot board a wheelchair user without an accessible vehicle, and manual lifting is not an acceptable substitute. The driver should provide information about accessible service rather than leave the passenger without options.

Question 45Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

When a bus is stopped to load or unload passengers at a curb, the driver should position the vehicle so that:

  1. The front bumper touches the curb to prevent rolling
  2. The rear door aligns with a fire hydrant for quick access
  3. Passengers can step directly to the curb without entering the traffic lane Correct answer.
  4. The bus blocks the crosswalk to discourage jaywalking

Explanation

Proper curb positioning lets passengers board and alight directly onto the sidewalk rather than into moving traffic. Stopping in or near a travel lane exposes passengers to being struck.

Question 46Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

Before opening the doors to let passengers off, what should the driver check?

  1. That the bus is fully stopped and it is safe on the door side Correct answer.
  2. That the radio is on the correct channel
  3. That the farebox is locked
  4. That the interior lights are dimmed

Explanation

Doors should only be opened once the bus is completely stopped and the driver has confirmed it is safe for passengers to step out on the door side. Opening doors while still moving or into a hazard can cause falls or strikes.

Question 47Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

A standee refuses to move out of the doorway area, saying they are only riding two stops. How should the driver respond?

  1. Proceed anyway since the ride is short
  2. Ask the passenger to move clear of the door and not move until it is clear Correct answer.
  3. Let the passenger hold the door handle during the trip
  4. Allow standing in the doorway if the bus stays under 25 mph

Explanation

Doorways must remain clear so doors can open fully and passengers can exit without obstruction, regardless of trip length. The driver should not move the bus until the doorway is clear.

Question 48Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

Which practice best ensures passengers have adequate time to be seated or secured before the bus moves from a stop?

  1. Closing the doors while passengers are still finding seats
  2. Ringing the bell twice before pulling out
  3. Accelerating gently as soon as the last foot clears the step
  4. Waiting until boarding passengers are seated or holding a secure handhold Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver should allow boarding passengers to reach a seat or a secure handhold before moving, which prevents falls from sudden acceleration. A brief pause is the accepted practice at every stop.

Question 49Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

A passenger asks to be let off between stops at a location with no curb or sidewalk. What is the safest response?

  1. Let the passenger off in the traffic lane
  2. Discharge the passenger at the next designated stop Correct answer.
  3. Stop immediately where requested to be helpful
  4. Open the door only partway to discourage the request

Explanation

Passengers should be discharged at designated stops where they can exit onto a safe surface. Letting someone off between stops, especially into a traffic lane, creates serious risk.

Question 50Loading and unloading passengers (stops, standees, aisle and exit access)

How should a driver handle a passenger who is intoxicated and unsteady on their feet at boarding?

  1. Refuse boarding if they cannot ride safely and arrange assistance Correct answer.
  2. Board them and assign them a seat near the door
  3. Let them stand in the aisle holding a strap
  4. Board them only if another passenger watches them

Explanation

A driver may deny boarding to a passenger who cannot ride safely, and should seek appropriate assistance rather than putting the rider and others at risk. An unsteady passenger who cannot secure themselves is a fall hazard.