Maryland CDL Passenger Test flashcards

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

Emergency exit check

During pre-trip inspection, each emergency exit must open, close, and latch from the inside, and its instructions and markings must be readable and unobstructed.

Seat security check

Seats must be fastened to the floor before the bus moves. A loose or broken seat is a safety defect that must be corrected before carrying passengers.

Standee line rule

On a transit-style bus, no passenger may stand forward of the white line beside the driver. Standing passengers must remain behind that line and hold a handrail.

Parking brake test

With the transmission in neutral, the parking brake must hold the vehicle on a grade. If it does not hold, the bus is not safe to operate until repaired.

Post-trip inspection report

At the end of the day the driver completes and signs a written post-trip report listing any defects found. The next driver reviews it before operating the vehicle.

Wheel and lug check

Inspect rims for cracks and missing lug nuts, and look for rust streaks around fasteners, which can indicate loose or shifting wheels.

Safe boarding position

Stop so passengers board and exit onto a sidewalk or shoulder, not into a traffic lane. If that is impossible, warn passengers and use four-way flashers.

Passenger count

Count passengers as they board and again as they exit. Recount before moving, because a passenger left aboard or standing in the aisle is easily injured.

Wheelchair tiedown

A wheelchair must be secured to the floor with the provided tiedown system, and the occupant must use a lap and shoulder belt where one is provided.

Door-open movement ban

Do not move the bus until boarding or exiting passengers are seated or holding a handrail and the doorway and aisle are clear of people.

Forgotten passenger check

Before securing the bus at a terminal or school, walk the aisle to the rear and check every seat for sleeping or forgotten passengers, especially children.

Aisle clearance rule

Baggage, boxes, and trash must never block the aisle or an exit. Load and unload baggage only while the bus is stopped and secured.

Pivot-point right turn

Approach a right turn in the proper lane and swing wide enough that the rear wheels clear the curb, watching the right mirror throughout the turn.

Bus following distance

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph, and add one second above 40 mph. A 40-foot bus needs four seconds at low speed.

Mirror scan interval

Scan the mirrors about every 5 to 8 seconds and always before a lane change or turn. Look ahead 12 to 15 seconds in city traffic.

Railroad crossing procedure

Stop if required, silence noise-producing devices, open a door or window to listen, and cross only when tracks are clear. Never stop on the tracks.

Rollover risk in curves

A loaded bus has a high center of gravity, so slow down before curves and ramps. Standing passengers are at the greatest risk if the bus rolls.

Hydroplaning conditions

Hydroplaning is more likely with worn tires, light loads, and standing water. Reduce speed and increase following distance when the road is wet.

Backing with a spotter

Use a spotter whenever possible. If none is available, get out and check behind the bus before backing, then back slowly using mirrors and any rear camera.

Downgrade gear use

Select a lower gear before a long downgrade and never coast in neutral. Engine braking helps control speed and prevents brake fade.

Disruptive passenger response

Do not fight or physically restrain a passenger. Stop at the next safe place, call dispatch or law enforcement, and write a report of the incident.

Evacuation decision

Evacuate when fire, hazardous materials, or a similar danger threatens the bus. Otherwise, keeping passengers aboard may be safer than moving them into traffic.

Evacuation exit order

Use the front door first. If it is blocked, use side windows, roof hatches, or rear exits, and help passengers with disabilities first or assign helpers.

Post-evacuation headcount

After evacuating, count passengers to account for everyone, move them away from traffic, and place reflectors or flares behind the bus.

Engine compartment fire

Stop, shut off the engine, and evacuate passengers. Use the extinguisher only on a small fire and stay upwind; do not fully open the engine cover if flames are present.

Passenger medical emergency

Stop safely, call emergency medical services, and give first aid within your training. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

Hazmat endorsement requirement

A driver transporting hazardous materials must hold a hazardous materials endorsement, and the vehicle must display the placards required for the material carried.

Reflector placement timing

Place emergency reflectors within 10 minutes of stopping. On a two-lane road place them at 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle.

Divided highway reflectors

On a divided highway, place one reflector 10 feet from the rear and two more 100 feet to the side of the vehicle, facing approaching traffic.

Hazmat spill response

Keep people upwind and uphill of a spill, forbid smoking or flares, and tell emergency responders the material name and placard number.

Crash information exchange

After a crash, give aid and identify yourself, then exchange name, address, license number, registration, and insurance information with the other driver.

Leaving the crash scene

A driver must not leave the scene of a crash until it is lawful to do so. Leaving a crash involving injury or death is a criminal offense.