ME CDL Passenger cheat sheet

A pre-trip inspection must be completed within the 24 hours before driving, and the driver must certify its completion on the daily vehicle inspection report.

Seven-step inspection method: (1) vehicle overview, (2) engine compartment, (3) cab checks, (4) walk-around inspection, (5) light checks, (6) signal/brake checks, (7) final brake test.

During the engine-off check, verify that the steering wheel has no more than 10 degrees of free play (about 2 inches at a 20-inch wheel) before the front wheels respond.

The engine compartment check covers engine oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, belts, hoses, and the automatic slack adjuster condition.

Bus-specific items: emergency exits must open freely from inside and outside, the emergency roof hatch must latch, and the fire extinguisher must be charged and secured.

The brake test sequence: with the engine running and air pressure above 100 psi, release the parking brake and confirm no movement; with the engine off, pump the brake and listen for air leaks.

The air brake leak test: with the engine off and the parking brake released, apply and hold the brake for one minute; loss should not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

The low-air warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi, and the spring brakes must fully engage by the time pressure falls to 20-45 psi.

The daily vehicle inspection report must list any defect affecting safety or resulting in a mechanical breakdown; the driver signs the report and the carrier must certify repairs before the vehicle is used again.

Before departure the driver must announce the location of emergency exits and explain how to use them; this briefing is required for each trip, not just once per day.

Standees are prohibited when the bus is operating on a highway or when the bus is carrying more passengers than it has seating capacity, unless the carrier's policy and local law allow it.

In a hazardous-material or fire emergency, evacuate passengers upwind and uphill, at least 100 feet from the vehicle, and keep them from re-entering.

The emergency roof hatch and side windows serve as alternate exits if the main door is blocked; passengers should be directed to the nearest usable exit.

A bus must carry a fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless the bus has circuit breakers), and a first aid kit as required by the carrier and applicable regulations.

When a bus is stopped for a railroad crossing, the driver must open the door, listen, and look both ways before proceeding; this applies to buses carrying passengers.

Passengers must not be allowed to stand in the stairwell, on the front steps, or in front of the standee line while the bus is moving.

If a passenger becomes ill or injured, stop in a safe location, notify dispatch, and render aid within the limits of your training; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

Seat belt use: the driver must be restrained at all times, and passengers must be informed of any seat belt requirement where the vehicle is so equipped.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers are seated or standing in approved locations before the bus moves; a head count before departure prevents leaving someone behind.

Baggage must be stowed so it cannot block the aisle, emergency exits, or the driver's view; carry-on items must be secured against shifting.

When loading at a stop, position the bus so the door is close to the curb, set the parking brake, and monitor the boarding area for hazards.

Passengers with disabilities: ramps and lifts must be deployed on level ground where possible, and the driver must secure mobility devices in the designated securement area.

Never leave the driver's seat with passengers aboard unless the parking brake is set, the transmission is in neutral or park, and the wheels are chocked if on a grade.

When unloading, account for all passengers, especially children and persons needing assistance; do not move the bus until the unloading area is clear.

Passengers who are disruptive or impaired may be denied boarding or removed at a safe stop, following carrier policy and local law.

The aisle and emergency exits must remain clear at all times; large items that cannot be stowed properly must be refused.

Brake fade occurs when brakes overheat; control it by using a lower gear and engine braking on long downgrades rather than riding the brakes.

On a downgrade, select a gear low enough that the engine governor or retarder holds the speed without continuous service braking; if speed climbs, stop and cool the brakes.

Perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance equals total stopping distance; at 55 mph a loaded bus needs roughly the length of a football field or more.

The proper hand position on the steering wheel is 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock; hand-over-hand steering is used for tight maneuvers.

Air brake system pressure must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle; if it builds slower, the system needs service.

Use the retarder or engine brake on slick surfaces with caution; on ice or snow, disable the retarder to avoid loss of traction on the drive wheels.

When backing, use a spotter whenever possible, check mirrors and blind spots, and back only when necessary; sound the horn if visibility is limited.

The governor cut-out pressure is typically around 120-125 psi and cut-in around 100 psi; consistent readings outside this range indicate a malfunction.

The 11-hour driving limit: a driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

The 14-hour window: a driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, regardless of breaks taken.

The 30-minute break requirement: after 8 cumulative hours of driving, a driver must take at least a 30-minute break from driving.

The 60/70-hour limit: a driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days; a 34-hour restart resets the cycle.

A driver must keep a record of duty status (log) for each 24-hour period, showing duty status changes to the nearest 15 minutes.

The CDL holder must notify the employer within one business day of any traffic conviction, and the employer must report certain convictions to the state.

A bus driver must carry the CDL, a current medical examiner's certificate, and any required endorsements; the medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months.

Cargo and baggage must be secured with tiedowns rated for the load; the working load limit of the tiedown system must meet the aggregate securement requirement.

The driver must inspect the load and securement within the first 50 miles of travel and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.

The air brake leak test: with the engine off and the parking brake released, apply and hold the brake for one minute; loss should not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

The low-air warning must activate before pressure drops below 60 psi, and the spring brakes must fully engage by the time pressure falls to 20-45 psi.

The daily vehicle inspection report must list any defect affecting safety or resulting in a mechanical breakdown; the driver signs the report and the carrier must certify repairs before the vehicle is used again.

The pre-trip inspection is not a substitute for the en-route inspection; the driver must check the load and securement within the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.

The seven-step inspection method applies to all commercial vehicles, including passenger buses, and must include the emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

The engine compartment check includes the power steering fluid, coolant, oil, and belts; a frayed belt or a leaking hose is an out-of-service defect.

During the walk-around, check tire tread depth (at least 4/32 inch on front tires, 2/32 inch on other tires), sidewall condition, and lug nut tightness.

The emergency exit briefing must be given before each trip, not just once per day, and must include the location and operation of all exits.

In a fire or hazmat emergency, evacuate upwind and uphill, at least 100 feet away, and account for all passengers before leaving the scene.

The emergency roof hatch and side windows are alternate exits; passengers should be directed to the nearest usable exit if the main door is blocked.

Standees are prohibited on highways and when the bus exceeds seating capacity, unless carrier policy and local law allow it.

The driver must be restrained at all times, and passengers must be informed of any seat belt requirement where the vehicle is so equipped.

If a passenger is injured, stop in a safe location, notify dispatch, and render aid within the limits of your training; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

The bus must carry a fire extinguisher, spare fuses (unless the bus has circuit breakers), and a first aid kit as required by the carrier and applicable regulations.

The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are seated or standing in approved locations before the bus moves; a head count before departure prevents leaving someone behind.

Baggage must be stowed so it cannot block the aisle, emergency exits, or the driver's view; carry-on items must be secured against shifting.

When loading, position the bus so the door is close to the curb, set the parking brake, and monitor the boarding area for hazards.

Ramps and lifts must be deployed on level ground where possible, and mobility devices must be secured in the designated securement area.

Never leave the driver's seat with passengers aboard unless the parking brake is set, the transmission is in neutral or park, and the wheels are chocked if on a grade.

When unloading, account for all passengers, especially children and persons needing assistance; do not move the bus until the unloading area is clear.

Passengers who are disruptive or impaired may be denied boarding or removed at a safe stop, following carrier policy and local law.

Perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance equals total stopping distance; at 55 mph a loaded bus needs roughly the length of a football field or more.

Air brake system pressure must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle; if it builds slower, the system needs service.

The governor cut-out pressure is typically around 120-125 psi and cut-in around 100 psi; consistent readings outside this range indicate a malfunction.

On a downgrade, select a gear low enough that the engine governor or retarder holds the speed without continuous service braking; if speed climbs, stop and cool the brakes.

On ice or snow, disable the retarder to avoid loss of traction on the drive wheels.

The proper hand position on the steering wheel is 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock; hand-over-hand steering is used for tight maneuvers.

When backing, use a spotter whenever possible, check mirrors and blind spots, and sound the horn if visibility is limited.

A driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

A driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, regardless of breaks taken.

After 8 cumulative hours of driving, a driver must take at least a 30-minute break from driving.

A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days; a 34-hour restart resets the cycle.

A driver must keep a record of duty status for each 24-hour period, showing duty status changes to the nearest 15 minutes.

The CDL holder must notify the employer within one business day of any traffic conviction, and the employer must report certain convictions to the state.

A bus driver must carry the CDL, a current medical examiner's certificate, and any required endorsements; the medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months.