Passenger Safety and Emergency Procedures
This domain tests your judgment when something goes wrong: fire, crash, medical emergency, or an unruly rider. The exam rewards a clear sequence and punishes heroics that put passengers at risk.
Core rules
- Give a brief safety orientation at the start of a trip: location of exits, extinguisher, and seat belts if equipped.
- Evacuation sequence: stop in a safe place, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, take the keys, turn on hazard lights, direct riders to the nearest usable exit, move them at least 100 feet away and upwind, account for everyone, then call 911.
- Fire: evacuate first. Fight only a small fire, with the extinguisher between you and the exit, using PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). Do not fully open a burning engine hood; it feeds the fire.
- Medical emergency: do not move a seriously injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire. Provide first aid within your training and wait for EMS.
- Unruly passengers: stop in a safe location, do not physically confront anyone, and request police or dispatch assistance.
- Disabled riders may need extra time and help; do not attempt to lift a person alone.
Worked example
Smoke comes from the engine compartment on a highway. The driver pulls onto the shoulder, sets the brake, shuts down, takes the keys, activates hazards, evacuates everyone through the front door away from the smoke, walks them upwind 150 feet, counts heads, and calls 911 before attempting anything with the extinguisher.
Traps that cost marks
Opening the hood wide on an engine fire; letting passengers stop to collect luggage; discharging an extinguisher while people are still in the aisle; leaving the scene to find help while riders remain aboard.