Hours of Service, Regulations, and Cargo/Bus Operations
Hours of Service, Regulations, and Cargo/Bus Operations
This domain tests the rule set around passenger-carrying operations: driving limits, on-duty time, records, and secure carriage of baggage. The exam expects you to apply the limits, not just recite them.
Core rules
- Passenger-carrier hours of service: you may drive up to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty; you may not drive after 15 hours on duty; and you must stay within the 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day limit.
- A 34-hour restart resets the 60/70-hour cycle if your carrier uses it. Keep accurate records of duty status and retain supporting documents as required.
- Do not count only driving time. On-duty time includes loading, waiting at terminals, and other work for the carrier.
- Secure baggage and cargo so it cannot shift, block an aisle or exit, or injure passengers. Do not carry hazardous materials in the passenger compartment unless the operation is specifically authorized and compliant.
- Know your CDL, passenger endorsement, medical certification, and vehicle inspection reporting responsibilities. Report crashes and defects as required by your carrier and the state.
- Follow railroad-crossing and school-bus loading rules where they apply; passenger safety rules are not suspended by schedule pressure.
Worked example
A driver has been on duty 13 hours and has driven 8.5 hours. The next terminal is 45 minutes away. The driver may continue: the 15-hour on-duty window leaves 2 hours, and the 10-hour driving limit leaves 1.5 hours. The 45-minute trip fits both limits. If the driver had already been on duty 15 hours, the answer would be no, even with driving time remaining.
Traps
Treating the 10-hour driving limit as a 10-hour total work limit. Forgetting the 15-hour on-duty window. Assuming a 30-minute break is required for passenger carriers. Using the 34-hour restart incorrectly. Carrying unsecured baggage or prohibited hazmat because it is only a passenger bus.