Michigan CDL Passenger key terms

A required check of the bus before each trip that covers brakes, lights, tires, emergency equipment, mirrors, and passenger items so defects are found and corrected before passengers are carried.

A written record completed after each trip or daily inspection that lists any defects found on the bus and is reviewed by the carrier so repairs are made before the vehicle is used again.

Items carried on the bus for use in a crisis, such as a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, reflective triangles, and spare fuses, all of which must be present and in working order.

A portable device mounted within reach of the driver that is checked for proper pressure, seal, and mounting during inspection and used only on small fires to allow evacuation.

Warning devices carried on the bus that are placed behind and ahead of a stopped vehicle on a highway to alert approaching traffic, especially after a breakdown or crash.

A power-operated platform that raises and lowers a passenger in a wheelchair between the bus floor and ground level; it must be inspected for smooth operation, secure latches, and adequate clearance.

The process of fastening a wheelchair to the bus floor with tiedowns and using a lap and shoulder belt so the chair cannot move during travel, braking, or a crash.

A marking on the floor near the driver that shows where standing passengers may not pass; no passenger may stand forward of it while the bus is moving.

A passenger who rides while standing in the area behind the standee line; standees are allowed only when the bus is designed for them and the aisle and exits remain clear.

The clear walking path between seats that lets passengers reach exits and move inside the bus; it must be kept free of luggage, legs, and other obstructions at all times.

The maximum number of seated and standing passengers the bus is designed and licensed to carry, which the driver must not exceed because overloading harms handling and evacuation.

Carrying more passengers than the bus is designed for, which can reduce braking and steering control and make it harder for people to reach exits in an emergency.

The process of letting passengers get on the bus at a stop, during which the driver watches the step, keeps the door clear, and ensures passengers are seated or holding a handrail before moving.

The process of passengers getting off the bus; the driver should stop fully, watch the door and step, and make sure no one is caught or left in the doorway before pulling away.

The designated area at a stop where the bus pulls completely out of traffic to load and unload passengers, reducing the chance that people step into moving lanes.

A short set of instructions given before or during a trip that tells riders where emergency exits are, how to use them, and what to do if an evacuation is ordered.

A door, window, roof hatch, or other marked opening designed for rapid escape from the bus; it must be labeled, unobstructed, and operable from inside without special tools.

A lever or handle near an emergency door that unlatches it when normal power or controls fail; the driver should know its location and how to explain its use to passengers.

A hinged opening in the bus roof that serves as an alternate escape route if doors are blocked or the bus is upright; it must be checked for free movement during inspection.

The organized removal of passengers from a bus during an emergency; the driver directs it, keeps order, and moves people to a safe distance away from traffic and fire.

The steps taken when fire is discovered on a bus: stop safely, shut off the engine, get everyone off, move them upwind and away, and call emergency services before attempting any firefighting.

Actions at a crash site that protect the injured and other traffic, such as setting out warning devices, calling for help, and keeping passengers from wandering into lanes.

Giving required information after a crash to police and the carrier, including time, location, vehicles, injuries, and witnesses, without admitting fault or discussing blame.

An electronic system that prevents wheels from locking during hard braking so the driver can keep steering; the pedal may pulse and a dash light shows a fault.

A loss of stopping power caused by overheated brakes, often after repeated or prolonged use on downgrades; the driver should slow down, use a lower gear, and let brakes cool.

The space kept between the bus and the vehicle ahead; it should increase with speed, bad weather, heavy loads, or poor visibility so the driver has time to stop smoothly.

Recognizing and responding early to risks such as pedestrians, stopped traffic, or slick pavement by slowing, changing lanes, or braking in a controlled way rather than swerving sharply.

A place where a road and railroad tracks meet at the same level; a bus driver must stop, look, and listen before crossing unless a police officer or flagger directs otherwise.

A crossing signal that warns of an approaching train with lights, bells, or gates; when activated, the driver must stop and wait until the train passes and the signals stop.

A non-powered crossing warning such as a crossbuck sign, pavement marking, or stop line; the driver must treat it as a cue to stop, look, and listen carefully.

Reading, typing, or sending a message on a handheld device while driving; it is prohibited for commercial drivers and takes the eyes and mind off the road.

Holding or operating a mobile phone with the hand while driving; commercial drivers are restricted to hands-free use and must not reach for or dial a device in a moving bus.

Any activity that takes attention from driving, including phones, eating, adjusting controls, or talking to passengers; it is a major cause of crashes and is avoided by focusing on the road.

A rider whose behavior threatens safety or order; the driver should stay calm, avoid confrontation, stop the bus if needed, and request help or removal rather than argue.

The driver's ongoing attention to how passengers behave and move in the bus, including enforcing safety rules and watching for standing, aisle blockage, or exit tampering.