ME CDL School Bus flashcards

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

Pre-trip inspection purpose

To verify the bus is safe to operate before each trip by checking brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, and emergency equipment. Defects found must be reported and corrected before driving.

Static air leak test

With the engine off and the system fully charged, observe the gauge for one minute. A single vehicle should lose no more than 3 psi; a combination vehicle no more than 4 psi.

Low-air warning threshold

The low-air warning buzzer and light must activate before air pressure drops below 60 psi. If the warning does not work, the bus must not be driven.

Steering free play limit

With the engine running and wheels straight, steering wheel free play must not exceed 10 degrees, about 2 inches at a 20-inch wheel, on a power-steering equipped bus.

Belt deflection check

Press the midpoint of a v-belt span; deflection should be no more than 3/4 inch. Cracked, frayed, or glazed belts must be replaced before operation.

GOAL when backing

Get Out And Look. When the driver cannot see clearly behind the bus, stop, exit, and check the area before backing. A spotter must remain visible in the mirrors.

Following distance rule

Allow one second per 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds under 40 mph, plus one extra second above 40 mph. A 40-foot bus needs 4 seconds below 40 mph.

Total stopping distance

The sum of perception distance, reaction distance, brake lag distance, and braking distance. Air brakes add roughly 0.4 to 0.6 second of brake lag at highway speed.

Skid recovery technique

Release pressure from the brake and steer in the direction the rear of the bus is sliding. Do not brake hard during recovery; once the bus straightens, resume controlled braking.

Hydroplaning onset

Tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road, starting around 35 mph on wet pavement. Under-inflated or worn tires make hydroplaning more likely.

School bus danger zone

The area within 10 feet of the bus in all directions, where students are most at risk of being struck. Drivers must account for every student in this zone.

Night driving beam rule

Use low beams when following another vehicle within 200 feet and when meeting oncoming traffic within 500 feet. High beams are for open road with no nearby traffic.

Stop arm use

Extend the stop signal arm and activate red flashing lights before students exit at a school bus stop, except where law exempts the stop or students do not cross the road.

Ten-foot crossing rule

Students must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see them. The driver signals them to cross only after confirming traffic has stopped.

Student count procedure

The driver counts students as they exit and again when they reach the safe area. The count must match before the bus is moved.

Before moving after unloading

Confirm all students are clear of the danger zone, retract the stop arm, deactivate the red lights, and check mirrors before releasing the parking brake.

Dropped item near bus

A student must never retrieve an item that falls near or under the bus. The driver or another adult secures the area and retrieves it after students are safe.

Boarding procedure

Students board one at a time, use the handrails, and go directly to a seat. The driver confirms all are seated before moving the bus.

When to evacuate

Evacuate for fire, hazardous-material spill, danger of being struck, or an unsafe position such as on railroad tracks. Otherwise staying aboard may be safer.

Evacuation sequence

Stop the bus, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, activate hazard lights, then evacuate through the safest exit away from traffic or fire.

Post-evacuation accounting

After evacuation, count students and use a roster where possible. The driver stays with students until released to a responsible authority.

Bus emergency exits

Exits include the rear emergency door, side emergency windows, roof hatches, and the service door. Drivers must know how each operates on their assigned bus.

Evacuation assembly distance

Students should move at least 100 feet from the bus and, on a roadway, off the traveled way and upwind of any fire or spill.

Fire versus spill direction

For a fire, evacuate upwind and away from the bus. For a hazardous-material spill, evacuate upwind and uphill to avoid vapors.

Hijacking response

The driver's priority is to stop safely, secure the bus, and notify dispatch and law enforcement. Do not confront a violent passenger.

Mandatory crossing stop

School buses must stop at all railroad-highway grade crossings, whether or not a train is visible, unless the crossing is legally exempted and clearly marked.

Crossing stop position

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Open the service door, turn off radio and fans, and look and listen both ways.

Clearing the tracks

Never start across a crossing unless there is enough space on the far side to clear the tracks completely. A bus should never stop on the tracks.

Stall on tracks

Evacuate students immediately and move them at least 100 feet away, in the direction of an approaching train's path, then call for help.

No shifting on crossing

Select the proper gear before the crossing and maintain speed through it. A school bus must not shift gears while crossing the tracks.

Daily maintenance checks

Each day check tires, lights and reflectors, brakes, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit. Defects affecting safety require out-of-service status.

School bus tire tread minimum

Front tires require at least 4/32 inch of tread; other tires require at least 2/32 inch. Sidewall cuts or bulges require removal from service.

Emergency equipment readiness

The fire extinguisher must be charged and mounted accessibly, and the first-aid kit stocked and within the driver's reach. Missing or expired equipment must be replaced.