Massachusetts CDL Passenger cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection covers six core areas: engine compartment, cab and controls, lights and reflectors, walk-around exterior, brake check, and passenger compartment/emergency equipment.

CDL pre-trip items include: engine oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, belt condition and tension, hoses, and leaks under the vehicle.

Brake test sequence: with engine running and air pressure built, check for leaks with engine off, confirm warning buzzer/lamp activates below 60 psi, then confirm air builds from 85 to 100 psi within the manufacturer's time.

For air-brake equipped vehicles, the static leak test allows no more than 3 psi loss in one minute with brakes released and no more than 4 psi loss with brakes applied (single vehicle).

Tire inspection: minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch on front steer tires and 2/32 inch on all other tires; look for cuts, bulges, and exposed cord.

Lighting check requires verifying headlights (high/low), clearance and marker lamps, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lamps, backup lamps, and license plate lamp.

Emergency equipment on a passenger-carrying CMV: fire extinguisher (minimum 5 BC rating for buses), spare fuses, and warning triangles or reflective devices as required.

Bus-specific checks include passenger door operation, emergency exits (windows, roof hatches, rear door), aisle clear of obstructions, and seat security.

Passengers must be seated and the aisle kept clear before the bus moves; standees are permitted only where the vehicle is designed and placarded for them.

Baggage must be stored in racks or compartments so it cannot shift into the aisle or block emergency exits; nothing may obstruct the aisle or doorway.

The driver is responsible for confirming the number of passengers aboard before departure and after each stop, especially with school-age or impaired riders.

When unloading at a stop, set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, and activate hazard/red flashing lights as appropriate.

Wheelchair securement requires four-point tie-downs plus a lap and shoulder belt for the occupant; the lift must be fully stowed before moving.

Do not permit hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or unauthorized items aboard; passengers carrying such items must be refused transport.

Loading and unloading at night or in low visibility requires interior lighting on and reflective devices placed behind the vehicle when stopped on a roadway.

Passenger count reconciliation after each stop prevents leaving a passenger behind; a sweep of the bus interior is required before securing the vehicle.

Before departure, brief passengers on emergency exits, fire extinguisher location, and the procedure for evacuation.

Evacuation decision rule: evacuate when fire, hazardous materials, or a life-threatening hazard exists; otherwise keep passengers aboard and call for help.

Fire evacuation: stop, set parking brake, shut off engine, evacuate upwind and away from the vehicle, then call 911 and account for all passengers.

Emergency exit types on a bus include side windows, roof hatches, rear door, and emergency door; each must be operable and unobstructed.

If a passenger becomes ill or injured, stop in a safe location, render first aid within your training, and summon EMS; document the incident.

Passenger misconduct handling: do not physically restrain passengers; stop the vehicle safely and request law enforcement assistance.

When a passenger is left behind or unaccounted for, stop, secure the vehicle, search the interior, and notify dispatch immediately.

Emergency equipment checks include first aid kit, fire extinguisher charge and pin, and reflective triangles; verify each at pre-trip.

Stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; total stopping distance increases with speed and load.

Speed management: reduce speed before curves, downgrades, and in work zones; posted limits are maximums, not targets, for a loaded bus.

Following distance for a CMV should be at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second; a 40-foot bus needs about 5 seconds.

Use engine braking and lower gears on long downgrades; continuous service brake application causes brake fade and overheating.

Night driving: dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.

Skid recovery: release the brakes, steer in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard braking until control is regained.

Backing a bus requires a spotter whenever possible; if no spotter, get out and check the area before backing, and back only when necessary.

Distracted driving: hands-free is not risk-free; scanning mirrors and instruments should be brief and frequent, not prolonged.

Right turns: swing wide enough to keep rear wheels clear of the curb, but do not cross into an opposing lane; check right mirror through the turn.

Left turns: pull into the intersection and turn just left of center; watch the left rear wheels and the tail swing.

Lane changes require mirror checks, a head check, and a signal for at least 100 feet before the maneuver in most situations.

Tail swing: the rear of a long bus can swing out opposite the direction of the turn; allow extra clearance at curbs, poles, and parked vehicles.

At intersections, stop behind the stop line or crosswalk; on a red light, a right turn on red is permitted only after a full stop and yield, where not prohibited.

Passenger stops: signal early, stop within 12 inches of the curb where practical, and recheck mirrors before pulling back into traffic.

Railroad crossings and drawbridges require stopping when signals activate; never proceed until the way is clear and the signal permits.

Freeway merging: use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed, signal, and merge without forcing other drivers to brake.

Buses carrying passengers must stop at all railroad-highway grade crossings, even when no train is visible, unless the crossing is exempt and posted.

Stop between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail; do not stop on the tracks or within the crossing area.

Before crossing, turn off all noise-producing devices (radio, fans), open the window if needed, and listen for a train.

Look both ways twice: check the track in both directions, then recheck before moving; trains can approach faster than they appear.

Never shift gears while crossing the tracks; select the proper gear before the crossing and maintain steady speed across.

If the vehicle stalls on the tracks, evacuate passengers immediately and move them away from the tracks, then call 911 and the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.

Flashing red lights, gates, or a flagger require a full stop; never drive around a lowered gate or through an activated signal.

Approach crossings at a speed that allows a stop; downshift before the crossing and do not stop on the tracks for traffic ahead.

Property-carrying CDL drivers generally follow the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

The 30-minute break rule requires a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.

Passenger-carrying drivers operate under the 10-hour driving limit and 15-hour on-duty window, with 8 consecutive hours off duty to reset.

The 60/70-hour rule limits on-duty time to 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days; a 34-hour restart resets the cycle.

Drivers must keep a record of duty status (ELD or paper log) and retain supporting documents; falsifying logs is a serious violation.

Fatigue countermeasures: scheduled breaks, adequate sleep before the trip, and rotating driving duties; caffeine and cold air are not substitutes for rest.

Adverse driving conditions may extend certain limits by up to 2 hours but never permit driving after the maximum driving time.

Report any accident, citation, or out-of-service order to the carrier; the carrier must maintain driver qualification files.

After any crash, stop immediately, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and activate hazard warning lights.

Protect the scene: place reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle, at least 10 feet for a bus, and warn approaching traffic.

Check for injuries and render first aid within your training; call 911 for EMS, fire, or police as needed.

Exchange information: names, addresses, license numbers, plate numbers, insurance, and carrier information with other involved parties.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic; moving can worsen injuries.

Report the crash to the carrier immediately and complete required written reports; crashes involving injury, death, or tow-away require reporting to the state.

If hazardous materials are involved, keep people away, stay upwind, and notify emergency responders of the hazard.

Preserve evidence: do not discuss fault, avoid admitting liability, and document the scene with notes and photos if safe.

Massachusetts requires a CDL with the appropriate passenger (P) endorsement to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.

School bus drivers in Massachusetts need a School Bus (S) endorsement, a CORI/background check, and completion of state-approved school bus training.

Massachusetts uses a point system; accumulating 12 points within 2 years can result in license suspension, and CDL holders face stricter thresholds.

Massachusetts OUI (operating under the influence) laws apply to commercial drivers; a CDL holder with a BAC of 0.04 or higher is over the limit.

Massachusetts law requires seat belt use and child passenger restraints; the driver is responsible for ensuring passengers are properly restrained where required.

The state's Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Massachusetts requires commercial vehicles to stop at railroad crossings and obey all posted weight and height restrictions on state highways.

Reportable crashes in Massachusetts must be reported to the Registry of Motor Vehicles when there is injury, death, or property damage above the state threshold.

Inspection order: start at the driver's seat and controls, move to the engine compartment, then exterior walk-around, then brake test, then passenger area.

Engine compartment checks: oil, coolant, power steering, washer fluid, belts, hoses, and battery securement.

Exterior walk-around covers lights, tires, wheels, rims, mud flaps, mirrors, and body damage.

Brake check includes air pressure build-up, static leak test, and parking brake test before moving.

Interior check includes seats, seat belts, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

Final check: verify all gauges read normal, warning lamps are off, and the vehicle is ready for service.

Passengers must be seated and aisle clear before movement.

Baggage must not block aisles or exits.

Wheelchair securement uses four-point tie-downs and occupant belts.

Count passengers before departure and after each stop.

Refuse hazardous or unauthorized items aboard.

Set parking brake and hazard lights during unloading.

Sweep the bus before securing it.

Evacuate for fire, hazmat, or life-threatening hazard.

Otherwise keep passengers aboard and call for help.

Evacuate upwind and away from the vehicle.

Account for all passengers after evacuation.

Brief passengers on exits before departure.

Do not physically restrain passengers; call law enforcement.

Check emergency equipment at pre-trip.

Total stopping distance = perception + reaction + braking.

Following distance: one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second.

Dim high beams within 500 feet oncoming, 200 feet following.

Use engine braking on downgrades to avoid brake fade.

Reduce speed before curves and work zones.

Skid recovery: release brakes and steer where you want to go.

Back only when necessary; use a spotter.

Right turns: swing wide but stay in your lane.

Left turns: turn just left of center, watch tail swing.

Signal at least 100 feet before a lane change.

Tail swing goes opposite the turn direction.

Stop behind the stop line at intersections.

Right turn on red only after a full stop and yield.

Match traffic speed when merging on freeways.

Buses carrying passengers must stop at all crossings unless exempt.

Stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail.

Turn off noise devices and listen.

Look both ways twice before crossing.

Never shift gears on the tracks.

If stalled, evacuate passengers immediately.

Never drive around a lowered gate.

Property-carrying: 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour window.

Passenger-carrying: 10-hour driving limit, 15-hour window.

30-minute break after 8 cumulative driving hours.

60/70-hour rule over 7/8 consecutive days.

34-hour restart resets the cycle.

Adverse conditions may add up to 2 hours.

Falsifying logs is a serious violation.

Stop, set parking brake, hazards on.

Place reflective triangles behind the vehicle.

Check for injuries and call 911.

Exchange information with other parties.

Do not move injured persons unless in danger.

Report to carrier and state as required.

Preserve evidence and avoid admitting fault.

Passenger (P) endorsement needed for 16+ passengers.

School bus (S) endorsement plus CORI and training.

12 points in 2 years can suspend a license.

CDL OUI limit is 0.04 BAC.

Move Over law applies to emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Reportable crashes go to the RMV.

Obey posted weight and height restrictions.