ME CDL Passenger flashcards

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

Pre-trip inspection timeframe

The inspection must be completed within the 24 hours before driving, and the driver must certify completion on the daily vehicle inspection report.

Seven-step inspection method

A sequence covering vehicle overview, engine compartment, cab checks, walk-around, lights, signal and brake checks, and a final brake test.

Steering free play limit

With the engine off, the steering wheel should move no more than about 10 degrees, roughly 2 inches at a 20-inch wheel, before the front wheels respond.

Air brake leak test

With the engine off and parking brake released, hold the brake for one minute; loss should not exceed 3 psi for a single vehicle or 4 psi for a combination.

Low-air warning threshold

The 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.

Tire tread minimums

Front tires need at least 4/32 inch of tread depth, and all other tires need at least 2/32 inch; sidewalls must be free of cuts and bulges.

Emergency exit briefing

Before each trip the driver must announce the location of emergency exits and explain how to use them, not just once per day.

Hazmat evacuation distance

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

Standee prohibition

Standees are prohibited on highways and when the bus carries more passengers than it has seating capacity, unless carrier policy and local law allow it.

Railroad crossing for buses

A bus carrying passengers must stop at a railroad crossing, open the door, listen, and look both ways before proceeding.

Required bus equipment

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

Seat belt duty

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

Head count before departure

The driver must confirm all passengers are seated or standing in approved locations before moving, and a head count prevents leaving someone behind.

Baggage stowage rule

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

Securing mobility devices

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

Leaving the driver's seat

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

Unloading procedure

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

Refusing disruptive passengers

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

Brake fade control

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

Total stopping distance

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

Air pressure build rate

The system must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle; slower buildup indicates the system needs service.

Governor cut-in and cut-out

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

Retarder on slick surfaces

On ice or snow, disable the retarder to avoid loss of traction on the drive wheels; use it cautiously on wet pavement.

Proper hand position

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

Backing a bus

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

11-hour driving limit

A driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty before a new driving period may begin.

14-hour window

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

30-minute break rule

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

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.

Record of duty status

A driver must keep a log for each 24-hour period, showing duty status changes to the nearest 15 minutes and total hours in each status.

Conviction notification

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.