MN CDL Passenger cheat sheet

Pre-trip inspection must cover: service brakes, parking brake, steering, lights and reflectors, tires and wheels, mirrors, horn, windshield wipers, emergency exits, and emergency equipment.

Brake test: with engine running and vehicle stationary, apply service brake and hold 5 seconds - pedal must not fade or sink; then test parking brake for hold.

Air brake check (if equipped): with engine off, release parking brake, apply service brake and hold - loss of more than 3 psi in one minute (single vehicle) signals a leak.

Tire rule: minimum tread depth 4/32 inch on front steering tires and 2/32 inch on all other tires; no cuts, bulges, or exposed cord.

Emergency exit check: each exit opens from inside and outside, warning buzzer sounds when opened with ignition on, and exit is unobstructed and labeled.

Mirror check: adjust flat and convex mirrors so the entire side of the bus and a portion of the rear tires are visible; convex mirrors show wide-angle blind spots.

Lighting check: headlights (high/low), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, four-way flashers, clearance lights, and interior dome lights all function.

After any defect affecting safety, the vehicle is placed out of service until repaired; document the defect and notify the carrier before operating.

Stop the bus parallel to and within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and place the transmission in Park or Neutral before opening the door.

Activate four-way flashers before stopping and keep them on throughout loading and unloading; use the crossing gate/stop arm where equipped.

Count passengers by seat or by tally before moving and after each stop; never move the bus until every passenger is seated or secured.

Standees are limited by the manufacturer's rated capacity; do not exceed the posted seated-plus-standing capacity of the bus.

Passengers must be allowed to cross only in front of the bus after the driver signals; never wave passengers across multiple lanes.

Lift and secure mobility devices per tiedown procedure: four-point securement on the floor, brakes locked, occupant restraint and lap/shoulder belt fastened.

Check mirrors and blind spots and do a walk-around visual sweep before pulling away from any stop; sound the horn only if a hazard exists.

Do not allow riders to board or exit except at the front door unless the bus is equipped and designated for rear-door unloading.

Fire: stop, shut off engine, set parking brake, evacuate passengers upwind and at least 100 feet away, then call 911 - never open the engine cover to fight an engine fire.

Evacuation order: engine off, parking brake set, keys left in ignition, passengers moved to a safe assembly point, then a head count.

Emergency exits include the rear door, side windows marked as exits, and roof hatches; know the operation of each before driving.

Use the fire extinguisher with the PASS method: Pull pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side.

If brakes fail: downshift, apply parking brake gradually, use engine braking, and look for an escape ramp or safe runoff area.

If a tire blows: hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, and steer to a safe stop.

If the bus stalls on railroad tracks: evacuate immediately, move at least 100 feet away, and call the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.

Report any accident or emergency to dispatch as soon as passengers are safe; document the time, location, and actions taken.

Passenger carrier drivers are subject to a 0.04% BAC limit; a CDL holder convicted of DUI in a personal vehicle is disqualified for one year (three years if carrying hazmat).

Railroad crossing rule for passenger vehicles: stop at all crossings, whether or not the signal is active, unless the crossing is exempted and flagged.

Passenger carriers must not permit standees to obstruct the aisle, stairwell, or emergency exits at any time.

Driver must ensure all passengers are seated before moving and must not permit riders to board or exit while the bus is in motion.

Hours-of-service for passenger carriers: 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving, 15-hour on-duty window, 10-hour driving limit, 60/70-hour limits in 7/8 days.

A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, without a 34-hour restart.

Use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving a commercial motor vehicle is prohibited; hands-free is allowed only with a single-button or earpiece device.

Seat belt use is required; the driver must be restrained and must require passengers in equipped seats to use belts.

Post-crash: stop, secure the scene, set out warning triangles, render aid within training, notify 911, and remain at the scene until released by authorities.

Place reflective warning triangles: one at 10 feet, one at 100 feet, and one at 200 feet behind the vehicle on a highway (or as required by state law).

If a hazardous materials release occurs, keep people upwind and uphill at least 1,500 feet and call the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Do not attempt to clean up a hazardous materials spill; only trained and equipped responders may handle the material.

Emergency response information must accompany hazardous materials shipments; the shipping paper must be within reach of the driver.

Placards are required for shipments above reportable quantity thresholds; the placard indicates the hazard class, not the specific material name.

A driver involved in a crash must provide name, address, license number, and vehicle information to the other party and to police.

Reportable crash under FMCSA: fatality, bodily injury requiring treatment away from the scene, or disabling damage requiring a tow - report to the carrier within 24 hours.

Passenger (P) endorsement requires a knowledge test and a skills test in a representative passenger vehicle; no separate P skills test if the vehicle is a bus with 16+ passengers.

The P endorsement allows operation of vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver; a school bus (S) endorsement is separate.

A driver must be at least 21 to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines and at least 18 for intrastate operation.

Medical examiner's certificate must be current and carried; the driver must meet vision (20/40 each eye corrected) and hearing standards.

Disqualifying offenses include leaving the scene of an accident, using a vehicle in a felony, and driving with a suspended CDL.

The driver must inspect the bus and complete a written report at the end of each day; defects must be noted and reported before the next trip.

Passenger carriers must maintain driver qualification files including employment application, motor vehicle record, road test, and medical certificate.

Announce stops and rules clearly; passengers must know where exits are and how to use them in an emergency.

Keep the aisle and stairwell clear at all times; baggage must be stowed in racks or compartments, not in the aisle.

Prohibit smoking, eating, and drinking where posted; enforce rules consistently and calmly.

In an emergency, give clear, short directions: stop, evacuate, assemble, head count - one instruction at a time.

Assist passengers with disabilities boarding and exiting; allow service animals to accompany the passenger.

Never leave passengers unattended in a running bus; shut down and secure the vehicle if you must leave.

Passenger vehicles generally may not carry hazardous materials except in limited quantities; the driver must know the rules before accepting any shipment.

Hazard classes: 1 explosives, 2 gases, 3 flammable liquids, 4 flammable solids, 5 oxidizers, 6 toxic, 7 radioactive, 8 corrosive, 9 miscellaneous.

If you suspect a hazardous materials release, isolate the area, stay upwind, and call 911 and the National Response Center.

Never smoke or use open flame near a vehicle carrying flammable materials; keep the engine off during loading and unloading.

Emergency response guidebook (ERG) provides initial isolation distances and protective actions for each hazard class.

A driver must not transport hazardous materials without the required placards, shipping papers, and emergency response information.

Stop immediately, set parking brake, turn off engine, and turn on four-way flashers.

Check for injuries and render first aid within your training; call 911 and report location, injuries, and hazards.

Move passengers to a safe location away from traffic and the vehicle; do a head count.

Set out warning devices and keep traffic away from the scene.

Exchange information with other drivers and provide it to police.

Do not leave the scene until released by authorities; notify dispatch and complete required reports.

If hazardous materials are involved, keep people upwind and uphill and do not attempt cleanup.

Document the incident: time, location, weather, road conditions, and actions taken.

If fire is detected, stop the bus, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and evacuate immediately.

Move passengers at least 100 feet upwind and away from the vehicle.

Use the fire extinguisher only on small fires and only from a safe distance with an escape route.

Never open the engine cover if an engine fire is suspected - it feeds oxygen to the fire.

Know the location and operation of all emergency exits before driving.

After evacuation, account for all passengers and call 911.

Do not attempt to restart the vehicle after a fire until it is inspected.

Report the fire and evacuation to dispatch and complete an incident report.

Stop within 12 inches of the curb where practical and set the parking brake before opening the door.

Turn on four-way flashers during loading and unloading.

Count passengers before moving and after each stop.

Do not exceed the rated seated-plus-standing capacity.

Allow passengers to cross only in front of the bus after you signal.

Secure mobility devices with four-point tiedowns and occupant restraints.

Check mirrors and blind spots before pulling away.

Board and exit only at designated doors.

Check service brakes, parking brake, and steering for proper operation.

Inspect tires for tread depth (4/32 front, 2/32 other) and damage.

Test all lights: headlights, taillights, brake, turn, four-way, clearance, and interior.

Verify mirrors are adjusted and clean.

Test horn and windshield wipers.

Check emergency exits open from inside and outside and buzzer sounds.

Confirm emergency equipment: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, warning triangles, and fuses.

Document defects and place vehicle out of service if safety-related.

Know the nine hazard classes and their placards.

Passenger vehicles may carry only limited quantities of hazardous materials.

If a release occurs, isolate the area and stay upwind.

Call 911 and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Do not attempt cleanup of hazardous materials.

Keep shipping papers and emergency response information within reach.

Never smoke or use open flame near flammable materials.

Use the ERG for initial isolation distances.

Minimum age 21 for interstate CMV operation; 18 for intrastate.

Current medical examiner's certificate required and carried.

Vision standard: 20/40 corrected in each eye; hearing standard applies.

Driver qualification file includes application, MVR, road test, and medical certificate.

Disqualifying offenses include DUI, leaving the scene, and felony vehicle use.

0.04% BAC limit applies to passenger carrier drivers.

Hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.

Seat belt use is required for driver and passengers.

10 consecutive hours off duty before driving.

15-hour on-duty window.

10-hour driving limit per duty period.

60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 days.

34-hour restart resets the 60/70-hour cycle.

Must keep records of duty status unless exempt.

No driving after 60/70-hour limits without restart.

Report hours accurately and retain records.

Passenger vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings unless exempted and flagged.

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail.

Turn off distracting devices and open the window to listen.

Look and listen in both directions before proceeding.

Do not stop on tracks; ensure enough space to clear the crossing.

If stalled on tracks, evacuate immediately and move at least 100 feet away.

Call the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.

Never attempt to beat a train; trains cannot stop quickly.

Fire extinguisher: minimum 5 BC rating, mounted and accessible.

First aid kit: stocked and within reach.

Warning triangles: three reflective triangles.

Fuses: spare fuses for the vehicle.

Emergency exits: marked and operable.

Flashlight: working and accessible.

Seat belt cutter and window breaker where equipped.

Check equipment during pre-trip inspection.

Announce stops and rules clearly.

Keep aisle and stairwell clear.

Prohibit smoking and eating where posted.

Give short, clear directions in an emergency.

Assist passengers with disabilities.

Never leave passengers unattended in a running bus.

Use the PA system to communicate.

Enforce rules calmly and consistently.

Report crashes to the carrier within 24 hours if fatality, injury, or tow-away.

Provide name, address, license number, and vehicle information to police and other parties.

Remain at the scene until released.

Document time, location, weather, and actions.

Notify dispatch as soon as passengers are safe.

Complete required written reports.

Cooperate with investigators.

Do not admit fault; state facts.

If brakes fail, downshift and apply parking brake gradually.

Use engine braking and look for escape ramp.

If a tire blows, hold the wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator.

Do not brake hard after a blowout.

Steer to a safe stop away from traffic.

Set out warning triangles after stopping.

Check passengers for injuries.

Report the incident to dispatch.

P endorsement requires knowledge and skills tests.

Skills test in a representative passenger vehicle.

School bus (S) endorsement is separate.

P endorsement covers vehicles carrying 16+ passengers including driver.

Knowledge test covers inspection, loading, safety, and emergencies.

Skills test covers pre-trip, basic control, and on-road driving.

Medical certificate required.

Minimum age requirements apply.

Set parking brake before opening door.

Use four-way flashers during loading.

Count passengers before moving.

Do not exceed rated capacity.

Allow crossing only in front of the bus.

Secure mobility devices with four-point tiedowns.

Check mirrors before pulling away.

Board and exit at designated doors only.

Any safety-related defect places vehicle out of service.

Document defects and notify carrier.

Do not operate with defective brakes, steering, or lights.

Tire defects include cuts, bulges, and exposed cord.

Emergency exit defects must be repaired before operation.

Mirror defects impair visibility and must be fixed.

Horn and wiper defects affect safety.

Complete written report at end of day.

Placards indicate hazard class, not specific material.

Class 1 explosives, Class 2 gases, Class 3 flammable liquids.

Class 4 flammable solids, Class 5 oxidizers, Class 6 toxic.

Class 7 radioactive, Class 8 corrosive, Class 9 miscellaneous.

Placards required above reportable quantity thresholds.

Emergency response information must accompany shipment.

Shipping papers within reach of driver.

Never smoke near flammable materials.

10 hours off duty before driving.

15-hour on-duty window.

10-hour driving limit.

60/70-hour limits in 7/8 days.

34-hour restart.

Records of duty status required unless exempt.

No driving after limits without restart.

Report hours accurately.

Stop, shut off engine, set parking brake.

Evacuate passengers upwind at least 100 feet.

Do a head count after evacuation.

Call 911 and report location and injuries.

Know all emergency exits before driving.

Never open engine cover for engine fire.

Use fire extinguisher only on small fires.

Do not restart vehicle after fire until inspected.

Stop at all crossings unless exempted and flagged.

Stop 15 to 50 feet from nearest rail.

Open window and listen.

Look both directions before proceeding.

Do not stop on tracks.

If stalled, evacuate and move 100 feet away.

Call railroad emergency number.

Never try to beat a train.

Minimum age 21 interstate, 18 intrastate.

Medical certificate current and carried.

Vision 20/40 corrected each eye.

DUI conviction disqualifies one year (three with hazmat).

Leaving scene and felony vehicle use are disqualifying.

0.04% BAC limit for passenger carriers.

Hand-held phone use prohibited while driving.

Seat belt required.

Do not exceed seated-plus-standing capacity.

Standees must not block aisle or exits.

Baggage stowed in racks or compartments.

Count passengers before moving.

Allow crossing only in front of bus.

Secure mobility devices.

Check mirrors before pulling away.

Board and exit at designated doors.

Keep people upwind and uphill at least 1,500 feet.

Call National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

Do not attempt cleanup of hazardous materials.

Isolate the area and prevent ignition sources.

Notify 911 and dispatch.

Use ERG for isolation distances.

Document the incident.

Remain at scene until released.

Announce stops and rules clearly.

Keep aisle and stairwell clear.

Prohibit smoking and eating where posted.

Give short, clear directions in emergencies.

Assist passengers with disabilities.

Never leave passengers unattended in running bus.

Use PA system to communicate.

Enforce rules calmly.

Check brakes, steering, and parking brake.

Inspect tires for tread and damage.

Test all lights.

Adjust and clean mirrors.

Test horn and wipers.

Check emergency exits and buzzer.

Confirm emergency equipment.

Document defects and out-of-service if safety-related.