Michigan CDL Passenger flashcards

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

Standee line

A 2-inch line across the bus floor just behind the driver's seat; standees must stay behind it, and a bus must have one before it may legally carry standees.

Emergency exit marking

Every emergency exit needs a red "Emergency Exit" sign, must open from inside and outside, and triggers a buzzer at the driver's seat when opened.

Fire extinguisher check

The extinguisher must be fully charged, mounted, and within easy reach of the driver; the inspector checks the gauge and seal during the pre-trip inspection.

Air brake leak test

With the engine off and the parking brake released, hold the service brake one minute; air loss must stay at or below 3 psi on a bus alone or 4 psi on a combination.

Bus interior inspection

Confirm seats and handrails are secure, the aisle and stairwells are clear, doors close and seal, and windows and roof hatches operate freely.

Designated stop loading

Riders may board or leave only at authorized stops; at any other location they may exit only in an emergency, and never into traffic.

Door-closing check

Before closing the doors, check both mirrors and the step area; after closing, confirm the doors seal with nothing and no one caught in them.

Passenger count

Count riders each time they load or unload and recheck at the end of the trip; an unaccounted rider means stopping and searching the bus.

Secure before moving

Set the parking brake before opening doors, and move only after riders are seated or behind the standee line and the doors are closed.

End-of-trip walk-through

Walk the full bus after the last stop to find sleeping riders, children, and lost items; never leave anyone locked inside the vehicle.

Clear aisle rule

Aisles, stairwells, and exit paths must stay clear at all times; baggage and riders may not block access to any service door or emergency exit.

Handling an unruly rider

Stop at a safe place, secure the bus, call dispatch and police, and avoid physically confronting the rider; removal happens only with assistance.

Standee restrictions

Standees are allowed only on buses with a standee line, and they may not stand forward of it, in stairwells, or anywhere they block an exit.

Wheelchair tie-downs

Wheelchairs must be secured with the tie-downs and the occupant's belt fastened before the bus moves, with the aisle left clear.

Prohibited rider actions

Riders may not open emergency exits, hang out of windows, throw objects, smoke, or ride in baggage compartments; stop the bus if they persist.

Evacuation sequence

Stop off the road, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, take the keys, call 911 and dispatch, then evacuate riders away from traffic and fire.

Evacuation assembly point

Lead riders at least 100 feet from the bus and roadway, farther from fire, upwind of smoke, and count them at the assembly point.

Forced exit through windows

If doors will not open, use the emergency release; otherwise break a marked emergency window with the escape tool and help riders down safely.

Bus fire response

Get everyone off and away first; fight only a small fire that is not spreading, aiming the extinguisher at the base of the flames.

Post-crash scene protection

Place warning devices within 10 minutes: about 10 feet from the vehicle and 100 and 200 feet toward approaching traffic, and warn other drivers.

Injured rider handling

Do not move seriously injured riders unless fire or another life-threatening hazard forces it; give first aid within your training and wait for EMS.

Following distance rule

Allow one second per 10 feet of bus length, plus one second above 40 mph; a 40-foot bus at 55 mph needs about 6 seconds.

ABS operation

Antilock brakes prevent wheel lockup so you can steer while braking hard; hold steady pressure and never pump the pedal, even on slippery roads.

ABS warning lamp

A lamp that stays on means the antilock feature may not work, though normal brakes do; report it and continue only if brakes perform normally.

Snub braking

On long downgrades, brake firmly until speed drops about 5 mph, then release; this controls speed without overheating drums or fading the brakes.

Brake lag

Air brakes respond about 0.4 to 0.6 seconds after the pedal is pressed, so total stopping distance includes perception, reaction, lag, and braking distance.

Backing a bus

Back only when necessary, check behind the bus before moving, use both mirrors or a spotter, and never back where riders are standing.

Railroad crossing stop distance

A bus carrying passengers must stop 15 to 50 feet from the nearest rail before crossing, unless an exemption is officially posted at that crossing.

Crossing listening check

At the crossing, turn off the radio and fans, open the driver's window, look both ways along the tracks, and listen before proceeding.

Crossing without shifting

Select a gear low enough to cross both tracks without shifting, and never shift gears while any part of the bus is on the tracks.

Stuck on the tracks

Evacuate everyone, move at least 100 feet away and toward the approaching train at an angle, then call 911 with the crossing number.

Towing and fueling rule

Never tow a bus with riders aboard, fuel a bus with riders aboard, or push another vehicle while riders are on the bus.