Massachusetts CDL Passenger flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Pre-trip inspection areas
- Six core areas: engine compartment, cab and controls, lights and reflectors, exterior walk-around, brake check, and passenger compartment with emergency equipment.
- Air brake leak test
- With brakes released, no more than 3 psi loss in one minute; with brakes applied, no more than 4 psi loss for a single vehicle.
- Tire tread minimums
- Front steer tires need at least 4/32 inch tread depth; all other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Inspect for cuts, bulges, and exposed cord.
- Bus emergency equipment
- A passenger-carrying CMV must carry a fire extinguisher rated at least 5 BC, spare fuses, and warning triangles or reflective devices as required.
- Passenger securement rule
- Passengers must be seated with the aisle clear before the bus moves; baggage must not shift into the aisle or block any emergency exit.
- Wheelchair tie-down requirement
- A wheelchair occupant needs four-point tie-downs securing the chair plus a lap and shoulder belt for the occupant before the vehicle moves.
- Passenger count reconciliation
- The driver confirms the number aboard before departure and after each stop, and sweeps the interior before securing the vehicle to prevent leaving anyone behind.
- Unloading at a stop
- Set the parking brake, place the transmission in neutral or park, activate hazard or red flashing lights as appropriate, and recheck mirrors before pulling out.
- Evacuation decision rule
- Evacuate when fire, hazardous materials, or a life-threatening hazard exists; otherwise keep passengers aboard and call for help.
- Fire evacuation steps
- Stop, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, evacuate upwind and away from the vehicle, call 911, and account for every passenger.
- Bus emergency exit types
- Side windows, roof hatches, rear door, and emergency door. Each must be operable and unobstructed at all times during service.
- Passenger misconduct response
- Do not physically restrain a passenger; stop the vehicle in a safe location and request law enforcement assistance.
- Total stopping distance
- Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; it increases with vehicle speed and load.
- Following distance rule
- Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one second; a 40-foot bus needs about 5 seconds.
- Downgrade braking technique
- Use engine braking and lower gears on long downgrades; continuous service brake application causes brake fade and overheating.
- High beam dimming distances
- Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
- Skid recovery procedure
- Release the brakes, steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, and avoid hard braking until control is regained.
- Right turn technique
- Swing wide enough to keep the rear wheels clear of the curb but do not cross into an opposing lane; check the right mirror throughout the turn.
- 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.
- Lane change signal distance
- Signal at least 100 feet before a lane change in most situations, then check mirrors and make a head check before moving.
- Right turn on red
- Permitted only after a full stop and a yield to traffic and pedestrians, where not otherwise prohibited by posted signs.
- Railroad crossing stop rule
- A bus carrying passengers must stop at all railroad-highway grade crossings, even when no train is visible, unless the crossing is exempt and posted.
- Railroad stop distance
- Stop between 15 and 50 feet before the nearest rail; never stop on the tracks or within the crossing area.
- Stalled on tracks
- Evacuate passengers immediately and move them away from the tracks, then call 911 and the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.
- Crossing gear rule
- Never shift gears while crossing the tracks; select the proper gear before the crossing and maintain steady speed across.
- Passenger-carrying HOS limits
- Passenger-carrying drivers follow a 10-hour driving limit and 15-hour on-duty window, with 8 consecutive hours off duty to reset.
- 30-minute break rule
- A break of at least 30 minutes is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without an interruption of that length.
- 60/70-hour rule
- On-duty time is limited to 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days; a 34-hour restart resets the cycle.
- Post-crash scene protection
- Stop, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, activate hazards, and place reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle to warn traffic.
- Post-crash information exchange
- Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, plate numbers, insurance, and carrier information with other involved parties.
- Massachusetts passenger endorsement
- Massachusetts requires a CDL with a passenger (P) endorsement to operate a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
- Massachusetts CDL OUI limit
- A CDL holder in Massachusetts is over the limit at a BAC of 0.04 or higher, lower than the standard limit for non-commercial drivers.