First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.
Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.
Question 1Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Before beginning a passenger run, you confirm the bus carries a single fire extinguisher and no placarded hazardous materials. Under the general federal equipment rule, what is the minimum rating for that extinguisher?
- 2 B:C
- 10 B:C
- No minimum rating is required as long as the extinguisher is mounted securely
- 5 B:C Correct answer.
Explanation
For a bus carrying no placarded hazardous materials, the general federal rule permits one extinguisher rated at least 5 B:C or two rated at least 4 B:C each. Because this bus carries only one, its minimum rating is 5 B:C.
Question 2Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
How should you check the main passenger entry door during a pre-trip inspection?
- Check only the glass and ignore the latches and seals
- Open and close it from both sides and confirm it latches securely Correct answer.
- Open it once from the outside and leave it open for the trip
- Ask a waiting passenger to operate the door while you watch from the curb
Explanation
The entry door is part of the passenger-carrying equipment you must demonstrate works: open and close it from inside and outside, confirm it latches fully, and look at the glass, seals, and handrails for damage. A door that will not latch or that has cracked glass is a defect to be corrected before passengers board.
Question 3Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Which warning devices must a passenger-carrying commercial bus carry for use if it breaks down on the road?
- Two red fusees and one flare pot
- Four 30-minute flares in a metal storage case
- Three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles Correct answer.
- One red flag and a flashlight with fresh batteries
Explanation
Buses must carry three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles, and they must be in good condition and stored where the driver can reach them. Flame-producing signals such as fusees and flares are not the required equipment for a passenger bus.
Question 4Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
On a bus that is permitted to carry standing passengers, how must the standee line be marked?
- Painted at the rear emergency exit and at least 3 inches wide
- 4 inches wide, painted 12 inches behind the driver's seat
- Marked with red reflective tape along the full length of the aisle
- 2 inches wide, no more than 6 inches behind the driver's seat Correct answer.
Explanation
Federal rules require a standee line at least 2 inches wide, placed no more than 6 inches behind the driver's seat, and no passenger may stand forward of it. Before moving, you confirm the line is visible and that nothing occupies the space ahead of it.
Question 5Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
While inspecting a 47-passenger bus, you find the rear emergency door will not open from the inside, although it opens normally from the outside. What is the proper action?
- Keep the bus out of service until the exit is repaired and re-inspected Correct answer.
- Tape a note on the door directing passengers to the front entrance
- Report the problem at the end of the shift on the next maintenance day
- Dispatch the bus and tell passengers to use the side windows in an emergency
Explanation
An emergency exit that cannot be opened from inside the passenger compartment is a serious defect, because that is the side passengers must operate it from during an emergency. The vehicle stays out of service until the exit is repaired and you have re-checked it yourself.
Question 6Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Your bus breaks down on the shoulder of a divided highway. Where should you place the three reflective triangles?
- 10 feet ahead, 100 feet ahead, and 200 feet behind the bus
- 10 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet behind the bus
- 100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet behind the bus
- 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the bus Correct answer.
Explanation
On a divided highway or one-way road, the triangles go behind the vehicle at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet in the direction of traffic, so approaching drivers get progressive warning. On a two-lane road the placements differ, with one device placed ahead of the vehicle for oncoming traffic.
Question 7Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
After you latch the rear emergency door during your pre-trip inspection, the audible alarm near the driver keeps sounding. What does this most likely indicate?
- The exit latch or alarm switch is out of adjustment Correct answer.
- The backup warning system has been triggered by the switch
- The door is still open, so the alarm will stop once the bus moves
- The alarm normally sounds whenever the engine is shut off
Explanation
Buses often have a buzzer or light that warns the driver when an emergency exit is not fully latched. If the alarm continues with the door visibly latched, the latch or its switch is misadjusted or faulty, and the defect must be corrected before you leave.
Question 8Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
A passenger boards with a large carry-on bag and sets it in the aisle beside a seat because the overhead rack is full. What should you do?
- Let it stay if the bus is not carrying standees
- Place it in front of the emergency exit so it is easy to grab
- Have the bag stowed in the baggage compartment before the bus moves Correct answer.
- Allow it in the aisle if the passenger holds it during the trip
Explanation
Aisles must stay clear so passengers can reach exits quickly, and baggage may not block an emergency exit. Carry-on items travel in the overhead rack or the baggage compartment, and the driver enforces this before pulling out.
Question 9Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Federal rules require buses to carry a first aid kit. During pre-trip inspection you find the case mounted securely but the seal broken and several items missing. What is the correct handling?
- Record the deficiency and have the kit restocked before carrying passengers Correct answer.
- Report it on the post-trip form only, since first aid supplies are optional
- Nothing, because the kit is mounted securely and the case is present
- Move the kit to the baggage compartment until the end of the trip
Explanation
The requirement is for a complete, accessible first aid kit, so a secure mount alone is not enough. Missing supplies are a defect: note it and get the kit restocked before the bus carries passengers.
Question 10Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Your bus has no circuit breakers protecting its electrical circuits. What does the pre-trip inspection require regarding fuses?
- A full box of every fuse size the manufacturer sells
- Spare fuses of each size and type used on the bus Correct answer.
- Only fuses for the headlight circuit, since that circuit fails most often
- Nothing, because buses are exempt from the spare fuse rule
Explanation
When a vehicle is not equipped with circuit breakers, the driver must carry spare fuses of each size and type used on that vehicle, and you confirm they are on board during the pre-trip inspection. If the bus has circuit breakers, the spare fuse requirement does not apply.
Question 11Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what must you confirm about the passenger seats?
- Every seat has armrests on both sides.
- Their upholstery matches the interior color scheme.
- Each seat reclines to at least three positions.
- They are securely mounted and undamaged. Correct answer.
Explanation
Seats must be securely fastened to the floor and free of broken frames or cushions that could injure passengers. A loose or damaged seat is a defect that must be corrected before the bus carries passengers.
Question 12Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
How must each emergency exit on a passenger bus be marked?
- With a white stencil painted outside only.
- With a red EXIT sign and instructions. Correct answer.
- With a yellow decal showing the company name.
- With green reflective tape along the floor.
Explanation
Emergency exits need a red illuminated exit sign and clear operating instructions so passengers can find and use them in an emergency. Missing or unreadable markings are a defect.
Question 13Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
What must you verify about the aisle of a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection?
- It is wide enough for two passengers to pass.
- It has handrails along its full length.
- It is carpeted from the front to the rear.
- It is clear and free of obstructions. Correct answer.
Explanation
The aisle must be kept clear so passengers can move to exits quickly; loose items or obstructions are removed during inspection. Carpet, width for two passengers, and full-length handrails are not federal pre-trip requirements.
Question 14Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
Your bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. What must you check during the pre-trip inspection?
- The lift matches the bus exterior color.
- The lift cycles fully and safety devices work. Correct answer.
- The lift controls are labeled in two languages.
- The lift can support twice the rated load.
Explanation
Operate the lift through a complete cycle and confirm the safety devices, such as the barrier and interlocks, function properly. A lift that does not work or is unsafe must be repaired before use.
Question 15Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
What must you confirm about the overhead luggage racks during a passenger bus pre-trip inspection?
- They are secure and free of loose items. Correct answer.
- They are labeled with the seat row numbers.
- They are padded with fire-resistant foam.
- They are rated for at least 100 pounds each.
Explanation
Overhead racks must be securely mounted so baggage cannot fall on passengers, and anything loose should be removed or stowed properly. Padding, a specific weight rating, and row labels are not inspection requirements.
Question 16Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection, how should you check the baggage compartment doors on a passenger bus?
- Confirm they are welded shut to prevent theft.
- Verify they open only with a master key.
- Check that they carry reflective warning stripes.
- Open and close them to test the latches. Correct answer.
Explanation
Baggage doors must latch securely so they do not open while the bus is moving; open and close each one and check the latch. A door that will not latch is a defect.
Question 17Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
What should you check about the driver's seat belt during a passenger bus pre-trip inspection?
- It has a shoulder pad with the company logo.
- It is the same color as the driver's seat.
- It fastens, adjusts, and releases properly. Correct answer.
- It retracts without any manual adjustment.
Explanation
The driver's seat belt must be fully operable: the latch should fasten, the belt should adjust, and the release should work. A seat belt defect must be corrected before operating the bus.
Question 18Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
How do you check an emergency exit window on a passenger bus?
- Confirm the window tint is uniform across the pane.
- Tap the glass to listen for a tight seal.
- Open it from the inside and check the latch. Correct answer.
- Verify it is locked and the key is in the office.
Explanation
Emergency exit windows must open from the inside using the release, and the latch must hold the window closed when it is not in use. Check that the exit markings are visible as well.
Question 19Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
While inspecting a 53-passenger bus, you find a passenger seat frame loose at the floor. What is the correct action?
- Tell passengers to avoid sitting in that seat.
- Remove the bus from service until the seat is repaired. Correct answer.
- Place a cone beside the seat and continue the run.
- Move that seat to the rear of the bus for the trip.
Explanation
A loose seat frame is a safety defect because the seat can break free in a crash or sudden stop. The bus must be repaired before carrying passengers; warning passengers or moving the seat does not correct the defect.
Question 20Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
The emergency roof hatch on your bus opens, but the latch will not hold it closed. What should you do?
- Tape the hatch closed and complete the trip.
- Ask a passenger to hold the hatch during the run.
- Keep the bus out of service until repaired. Correct answer.
- Drive only on routes with low speed limits.
Explanation
The roof hatch is an emergency exit and must open freely and latch securely; a hatch that will not stay closed is a defect. The bus should not carry passengers until the latch is fixed.
Question 21Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger-carrying bus, what must you confirm about the horn?
- It sounds only when the parking brake is set.
- It produces a continuous two-tone warning.
- It is louder than the engine at high idle.
- It sounds clearly and can be heard by others. Correct answer.
Explanation
The horn is a required safety device, so you must test it from the driver's seat and confirm it works. The sound should be clear and audible, not muffled or intermittent. A horn that fails to sound or is hard to hear is a defect that must be reported.
Question 22Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection, how should you check the windshield wiper and washer system on the bus?
- Turn on the wipers and washer and confirm the blades clear the glass. Correct answer.
- Check only that the wiper blades are parked at the bottom of the windshield.
- Confirm the wiper motor is disconnected so the blades cannot move.
- Run the wipers on high speed only and ignore the washer if rain is not forecast.
Explanation
You should operate the wipers and washer during the inspection and watch the blades move across the windshield. The blades must clear the glass without streaking or leaving large gaps, and the washer must spray. This confirms the driver will have a clear view in bad weather.
Question 23Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection, what must you confirm about the operating instructions at each emergency exit?
- They are stored in the driver's compartment for the driver only.
- They are printed only in English and no other language.
- They are posted at the exit and are legible to passengers. Correct answer.
- They are covered by a tinted film to reduce glare.
Explanation
Emergency exit operating instructions must be available where passengers can see them at the exit. During the inspection, confirm the instructions are present and readable, not hidden or covered. Passengers may need to operate the exit without the driver's help.
Question 24Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
On a bus equipped with a passenger stop-request system, what should you check during the pre-trip inspection?
- The driver can hear the signal only when the radio is off.
- Only the rear-most button works because passengers sit there.
- Each pull cord or button works and the signal resets. Correct answer.
- The signal remains on continuously from engine start to shutdown.
Explanation
A stop-request system lets passengers tell the driver when they need to get off. You should check that each pull cord or button activates the signal and that the signal can be reset. If any station fails, passengers may not be able to request their stop safely.
Question 25Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a bus with air brakes, you start the engine and observe the air pressure gauge. What should happen as the system builds pressure?
- Pressure remains at zero until the bus is moving above 20 mph.
- Pressure rises to the normal operating range and stops at governor cut-out. Correct answer.
- Pressure rises past the governor cut-out until the safety valve opens.
- Pressure drops steadily while the engine idles.
Explanation
The compressor should build air pressure to the normal operating range and then stop at the governor cut-out point. If pressure keeps rising past cut-out or fails to build, the system needs attention. A steady drop while idling can indicate a leak and is also a defect.
Question 26Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During your pre-trip inspection, how should you check the outside release on a rear emergency door?
- Break the glass and reach through to the inside handle.
- Use the ignition key to unlock the outside handle and leave it open.
- Operate the outside release and confirm the door opens from outside. Correct answer.
- Confirm the outside handle is painted red and cannot move.
Explanation
The outside release must allow someone outside the bus to open the emergency door. Operate the release and confirm the door opens freely, then close and secure it properly. Breaking the glass is not the normal check for the outside release.
Question 27Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection, what should you check about the bus's battery compartment?
- Batteries are secure, terminals are tight and clean, and there are no leaks. Correct answer.
- Batteries are filled to the top with electrolyte and left uncapped.
- Battery cables are disconnected so the bus cannot start.
- The compartment is sealed with no ventilation openings.
Explanation
The battery compartment inspection focuses on secure mounting and safe electrical connections. Batteries should be held firmly, terminals should be tight and free of heavy corrosion, and there should be no cracks or leaks. Loose batteries or damaged cables can cause a breakdown or electrical failure.
Question 28Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you verify about the mirrors?
- They are folded in to reduce the bus's width while parked.
- They are removed when the bus carries standing passengers.
- They show only the rear tires and not the sides of the bus.
- They are securely mounted, clean, and adjustable for required views. Correct answer.
Explanation
Mirrors must give the driver the views required for safe operation, including the sides and rear of the bus. Check that each mirror is firmly mounted, clean, and can be adjusted. Cracked or loose mirrors are defects because they reduce visibility.
Question 29Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection, you open an emergency exit window and find a crack in the glass even though the window still opens and latches. What is the correct action?
- Cover the crack with tape and complete the passenger run as scheduled.
- Record the crack after the run because the window still opens.
- Report the cracked exit window and keep the bus out of service until repaired. Correct answer.
- Use the window only for ventilation and keep the exit locked.
Explanation
An emergency exit window must be intact and ready for use in an emergency. Cracked glass can fail or injure someone and may interfere with a quick exit, so the defect must be reported. The bus should not be placed in service until the window is repaired or replaced.
Question 30Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a bus equipped with passenger seat belts, you find two seat belts are cut and frayed. What is the correct action?
- Report the damaged belts and keep those seats out of use until repaired. Correct answer.
- Cover the seats with tape and continue the passenger run.
- Ignore the damage if the seats are in the rear of the bus.
- Tie the cut ends together and allow passengers to use the seats.
Explanation
A cut or frayed seat belt may fail in a crash and cannot be used to secure a passenger. The defect must be reported and the affected seats kept out of service until the belts are repaired or replaced. The location of the seats in the bus does not make the damage acceptable.
Question 31Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what must you confirm about the onboard fire extinguisher?
- It is left loose in the baggage bay so the driver can grab it quickly.
- It is mounted with the safety pin removed and the nozzle taped shut.
- It is stored in the driver's door pocket and inspected only during annual service.
- It is mounted securely, fully charged, and the gauge reads in the green. Correct answer.
Explanation
A passenger bus fire extinguisher must be securely mounted in a accessible location, fully charged, and showing a gauge reading in the operable range. The safety pin and seal should be intact, and the nozzle should be clear. A loose, discharged, or altered extinguisher is not acceptable for passenger operation.
Question 32Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you verify about the main entry door?
- It opens, closes, and latches securely, with glass and seals intact. Correct answer.
- It stays slightly ajar while the bus is moving to provide ventilation.
- Its emergency release is taped over to prevent passenger operation.
- It is chained open so passengers can board without the driver's help.
Explanation
The main entry door is the primary passenger access and must operate smoothly from inside and outside, latch securely, and have intact glass and seals. It should not bind, and its emergency release must remain accessible and functional. Any defect affecting safe operation must be corrected before carrying passengers.
Question 33Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what must you confirm about the handrails and stanchions?
- They are painted with the route color but need not be attached.
- They are loose enough to absorb impact if the bus stops suddenly.
- They are removed so passengers can move through the aisle faster.
- They are securely fastened and free of sharp edges or loose fittings. Correct answer.
Explanation
Handrails and stanchions are passenger safety equipment and must be securely fastened to the bus structure. They should have no loose fittings, sharp edges, or damage that could injure a passenger. Missing or loose handholds increase the risk of falls while passengers board or move through the bus.
Question 34Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you check about the entry stepwell?
- That the step light is disconnected to avoid draining the battery overnight.
- That the step tread is secure, the well is clear, and the step light works. Correct answer.
- That it has a non-slip surface only when the bus is carrying no passengers.
- That it is deep enough to store luggage and packages during the trip.
Explanation
The stepwell must be clear of debris and obstructions so passengers can board and exit safely. The step tread should be secure and not cracked or worn smooth, and the step light should function. A defective step or blocked stepwell creates a tripping hazard during passenger loading.
Question 35Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a bus, how should you check the emergency exit alarm?
- Disconnect the alarm fuse so the test does not disturb the terminal.
- Press the test button once a year and rely on the dash warning lamp.
- Ask a passenger to hold the exit open while you listen from outside.
- Open each monitored exit and confirm its alarm sounds when unlatched. Correct answer.
Explanation
The emergency exit alarm or buzzer is intended to warn the driver when a monitored exit is unlatched. During the pre-trip inspection, each monitored exit should be opened or unlatched to confirm the alarm sounds. If an alarm does not work, the defect must be repaired before the bus is used to carry passengers.
Question 36Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, you find a front tire with a deep cut that exposes the cord. What is the correct action?
- Move that tire to a rear position and continue the trip.
- Remove the bus from service until the tire is replaced. Correct answer.
- Cover the cut with a boot and recheck it at the next terminal.
- Reduce speed to 45 mph and monitor the tire for overheating.
Explanation
A tire with cord or fabric exposed is structurally damaged and cannot be used on a passenger-carrying bus. The bus must be taken out of service and the tire replaced before passengers are carried. Moving the tire, covering the cut, or reducing speed does not make the defect safe.
Question 37Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, how should you test the parking brake?
- Set the parking brake, then gently try to move and confirm the bus holds. Correct answer.
- Release the parking brake and confirm the bus holds on a steep grade.
- Apply only the service brake and listen for an air leak at the rear wheels.
- Set the parking brake and confirm the bus still rolls freely on a level surface.
Explanation
The parking brake must hold the bus when it is set. With the bus stationary, set the parking brake and gently attempt to move; the bus should not roll. If it moves or the brake will not hold, the bus must be repaired before passenger operation.
Question 38Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what must you check about the defroster and passenger heater?
- That they operate only when the bus is moving faster than 20 miles per hour.
- That the defroster clears the windshield and the heater works without fumes. Correct answer.
- That the defroster blows cold air and the heater is shut off during summer months.
- That they are controlled only from the passenger seating area.
Explanation
The defroster must be able to keep the windshield clear for safe visibility, and the passenger heater must function properly. The heater must not produce fumes or exhaust odors inside the passenger compartment. Check the blowers and controls during the pre-trip inspection.
Question 39Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a bus equipped for wheelchair passengers, what must you confirm about the securement system?
- The securement area is blocked by luggage to keep the wheelchair from sliding.
- The tiedown straps are stored loosely so the passenger can attach them during the trip.
- Only the wheelchair brake is needed; the tiedown straps may be omitted.
- Tiedown straps and occupant restraints are present, undamaged, and properly anchored. Correct answer.
Explanation
A wheelchair securement system must include undamaged tiedown straps and occupant restraints that are properly anchored. The straps should be inspected for cuts, fraying, and missing hardware before passengers are carried. The securement area must also be clear so the wheelchair can be positioned and secured.
Question 40Pre-trip vehicle inspection and passenger-carrying equipment
During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus with air brakes, the system is fully charged and the engine is off. With the brakes released, pressure drops 3 psi in one minute. What is the correct interpretation?
- The leak exceeds the allowable limit, so the bus must be repaired before use. Correct answer.
- The leak is caused by the parking brake and can be ignored.
- This is acceptable as long as the low-air warning buzzer has not sounded yet.
- This is normal for a bus of this size; continue the inspection without further action.
Explanation
With a fully charged air system, engine off, and brakes released, leakage on a single vehicle should not exceed 2 psi in one minute. A 3 psi drop exceeds that limit and indicates a leak that must be found and repaired before the bus is used. The low-air warning buzzer is not a substitute for the leak test.
Question 41Loading and unloading passengers
While stopped on a roadway to load or unload passengers, a passenger-carrying CMV driver should:
- Turn off all exterior lights to avoid glare.
- Use the left turn signal only.
- Leave the headlights on high beam.
- Turn on the four-way hazard warning flashers. Correct answer.
Explanation
Hazard warning flashers alert approaching traffic that the bus is stopped and passengers may be entering or leaving. They should be used along with a safe, legal stopping position. Other lighting choices do not give the same warning to traffic.
Question 42Loading and unloading passengers
On a bus equipped with a standee line, passengers who are standing are permitted to stand:
- behind the standee line in the designated standing area. Correct answer.
- on the entrance steps while the bus is moving.
- forward of the standee line next to the driver.
- anywhere in the aisle as long as they hold onto a seatback for support.
Explanation
The standee line marks the forward limit for standing passengers. Passengers must remain behind that line in the area designed for standing so they do not block the driver's view or the aisle. Steps and aisles must stay clear while the bus is moving.
Question 43Loading and unloading passengers
Before moving a bus after loading passengers at a stop, the driver must first:
- collect all fares from every boarding passenger.
- turn off the interior lights.
- sound the horn twice to warn nearby traffic.
- confirm the doors are closed and passengers are secure. Correct answer.
Explanation
A bus must not move until the doors are closed and passengers are seated or standing in designated areas. This prevents passengers from being caught in the doorway or thrown off balance. Fare collection and horn use do not replace this safety check.
Question 44Loading and unloading passengers
When stopping to load or unload passengers on a street with a curb, the driver should stop:
- in the travel lane with the hazard flashers on.
- within a crosswalk so passengers do not have to walk as far to the sidewalk.
- opposite the stop across the street.
- as close to the curb as practical at a legal stopping point. Correct answer.
Explanation
Stopping close to the curb at a legal location reduces the distance passengers must walk in traffic. It also keeps the bus from blocking a travel lane or a pedestrian crossing. A crosswalk or the opposite side of the street is not a proper passenger stop.
Question 45Loading and unloading passengers
At night, while loading or unloading passengers at a scheduled stop, the driver should:
- keep interior lights on and use the hazard flashers. Correct answer.
- turn off interior lights so passengers can see outside.
- turn off the hazard flashers to avoid confusing motorists.
- use high-beam headlights continuously.
Explanation
Interior lights help passengers see steps and aisles, while hazard flashers make the stopped bus more visible to approaching traffic. High beams can blind other drivers and do not improve passenger safety at the stop. Both interior lighting and flashers support safe boarding and exiting.
Question 46Loading and unloading passengers
A passenger boards using a wheelchair. Before the bus leaves the stop, the driver must ensure that:
- the wheelchair and occupant are secured and the aisle and exits remain clear. Correct answer.
- the passenger transfers to a regular seat regardless of preference.
- the wheelchair is folded and stored in the aisle so the passenger can use a regular seat.
- the wheelchair is left unsecured so the passenger can move freely.
Explanation
A wheelchair and its occupant must be secured so they do not shift during movement or sudden stops. The securement must not block the aisle or any emergency exit. Forcing a transfer or leaving the wheelchair loose creates serious safety risks.
Question 47Loading and unloading passengers
During loading, a passenger places a large suitcase in the aisle. The driver should:
- allow it if the passenger promises to hold it on their lap for the whole trip.
- require it to be stowed securely out of the aisle and away from exits. Correct answer.
- place it in front of the rear emergency door so it is out of the aisle.
- set it on the dashboard where the driver can watch it.
Explanation
Baggage must be stowed so it cannot slide, block the aisle, or obstruct an emergency exit. The aisle and exit paths must remain clear at all times. A suitcase held on a lap or placed near an exit still creates a hazard.
Question 48Loading and unloading passengers
A bus driver is asked to unload a passenger at a corner where the bus would have to stop in an active travel lane with no safe sidewalk access. The safest action is to:
- continue to a safe, legal place away from traffic. Correct answer.
- let the passenger off at the next red light even if traffic is still moving.
- open the door and allow the passenger to cross the active traffic lanes.
- stop in the travel lane and unload the passenger as quickly as possible.
Explanation
Unloading in an active travel lane or forcing a passenger to cross traffic creates an immediate danger. The driver should proceed to a safe, legal location where the bus can stop and passengers can exit away from moving vehicles. Convenience does not justify an unsafe drop-off.
Question 49Loading and unloading passengers
While en route, several passengers stand in the aisle and block access to an emergency exit. The driver should:
- lock the emergency exit to prevent use.
- continue because the next stop is close.
- increase speed to shorten the trip.
- have them clear the aisle and exit before continuing. Correct answer.
Explanation
A blocked aisle or emergency exit prevents safe evacuation and is not acceptable while the bus is moving. The driver must restore clear access before continuing. Speed changes or locking exits do not correct the hazard.
Question 50Loading and unloading passengers
When loading or unloading passengers, parking in which location is most likely to create an unsafe condition?
- a designated bus stop with a curb
- a crosswalk or intersection Correct answer.
- a bus terminal loading zone
- a marked passenger loading zone
Explanation
A crosswalk or intersection must remain clear for pedestrians and traffic, and stopping there forces passengers to board or exit in an unsafe area. Designated bus stops, terminal zones, and marked loading zones are intended for passenger movement. Using them reduces conflict with traffic.