Massachusetts CDL School Bus Test flashcards

31 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Danger zone size

The area within 10 feet of the school bus on all sides. It includes the front bumper area, both sides, and the rear, and is where students are most at risk of being struck by the bus.

Crossing in front of bus

Students who must cross the road should cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus, wait for the driver's hand signal, and walk, not run, across the roadway.

Stop arm use

The stop arm and red flashing lights are used when students load or unload and must cross the roadway. They are not used when students stay off the roadway at a school driveway.

Post-trip child check

After every route, the driver walks to the rear of the bus and checks every seat to confirm no student remains aboard. This check is required and must be documented.

Air brake leak limit

With the engine off and full pressure, air loss should not exceed 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle or 4 psi per minute for a combination vehicle. A larger leak is an out-of-service defect.

Steering tire tread

Front steering tires on a school bus must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth. Other tires require at least 2/32 inch. Check for cuts, bulges, and proper inflation.

Railroad crossing stop distance

A school bus must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail, set the parking brake, open the door or window, and look and listen before crossing.

Stalled on tracks

If the bus stalls on the tracks, evacuate students immediately and move them at least 100 feet from the tracks, in the direction of an approaching train, then call for help.

Never shift on tracks

Select the proper gear before crossing the tracks and do not shift while on them. Shifting can cause a stall or loss of control on the crossing.

Evacuation decision

Evacuate only when staying aboard is more dangerous than leaving, such as fire, fuel leak, hazardous spill, or a bus stopped in a dangerous position on a crossing.

Evacuation assembly distance

Move evacuated students at least 100 feet from the bus and away from traffic. Position them upwind of a fire and account for every student before releasing them.

Massachusetts bus speed limit

A Massachusetts school bus may not exceed 40 mph on any roadway, including highways, unless a lower speed limit is posted. The lower posted limit always applies.

Divided highway stop rule

On a divided highway with a median or barrier, only traffic on the bus's side must stop for the red lights. The driver must not require cross-traffic to stop.

Backing at loading zone

Backing at a loading zone is prohibited. If backing is unavoidable, use a spotter, sound the horn, and never back while students are outside the bus.

Four-second following rule

A school bus should keep at least a four-second following distance under normal conditions. Add one second for rain, snow, ice, darkness, or heavy traffic.

Progressive shifting

Upshift at the lowest rpm that maintains power, and downshift before the engine lugs on a climb. Select a lower gear before descending a steep grade.

Right turn off-tracking

Swing wide on right turns so the rear wheels do not off-track over the curb or into the danger zone. Watch the right convex mirror through the entire turn.

Brake first, then steer

When a hazard appears, brake first and then steer. A loaded bus has a high center of gravity, and hard steering while braking risks a rollover.

Tire blowout response

Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the bus straight, ease off the accelerator, and brake gently once control is regained. Do not brake hard or steer abruptly.

Skid recovery

Steer in the direction of the skid, release hard braking, and avoid abrupt steering. On ice, reduce speed before the skid begins rather than correcting after it starts.

Hydroplaning speed

Hydroplaning can begin at speeds above roughly 35 mph on wet pavement. Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking until the tires regain contact with the road.

Aisle and exit clearance

The aisle, stepwells, and emergency exits must remain clear at all times. Nothing may be stored in front of an exit or where it can block evacuation.

Weight distribution rule

Keep heavy items low and between the axles. Do not exceed the bus's gross vehicle weight rating or any axle weight rating, and never block the driver's view.

Passenger securement

Students must remain seated while the bus is moving. Seat belts are used where equipped, and students may not move about the bus during travel.

Low-air warning check

The low-air warning must activate by 60 psi. A failed warning, failure to build pressure, or an excessive leak places the bus out of service.

Parking brake test

The parking brake must hold the bus on a grade. Test it before each trip and set it whenever the bus is stopped for loading or unloading students.

DVIR reporting

Any defect affecting safe operation is recorded on the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report and reported to the operator before the next trip. The driver may refuse to drive an unsafe bus.

Eleven-hour driving limit

A commercial driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window. The 30-minute break applies after 8 cumulative driving hours.

Fatigue warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyes, drifting, missing signs, and slow reactions signal fatigue. The driver must stop in a safe place and rest rather than push through.

Commercial alcohol limit

A commercial driver may not operate a school bus with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher, or within 8 hours of consuming alcohol. Impairment is prohibited at any level.

Thirty-four-hour reset

The 60/70-hour on-duty limit is reset by 34 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must track on-duty time even when operating under a short-haul exception.