MN CDL Passenger key terms

A required walk-around check of the bus before driving, covering brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, and passenger items. Defects found must be corrected or reported before the vehicle is placed in service.

A stationary test where the driver builds air pressure, checks for leaks with the engine off, and confirms the parking brake holds the bus. Failure indicates the bus must not be driven until repaired.

Verifying that roof hatches, side windows, and rear doors open freely, are labeled, and are not blocked by seats, luggage, or passengers. Exit alarms or buzzers must also function if equipped.

A written record a driver completes listing any mechanical or safety problem found during inspection or operation. It protects the driver legally and ensures the carrier schedules repairs before the bus carries passengers again.

A formal declaration by an inspector or carrier that a bus may not be operated because of a serious safety defect or driver violation. Driving it can bring fines and license consequences.

Confirming each tire has adequate tread depth, no cuts, bulges, or exposed cords, and correct inflation. Bad tires cause blowouts and poor stopping, especially with a full passenger load.

Setting interior and exterior mirrors so the driver can see the sides of the bus, the rear door area, and blind spots before moving. Mirrors must be readjusted after any seat or driver change.

A mechanical brake that holds the bus when parked or stopped for loading. It must be set whenever passengers board or exit and whenever the driver leaves the seat.

An area around the bus the driver cannot see through mirrors, such as directly behind the rear bumper or beside the rear wheels. Passengers, especially children, may be hidden there.

The space immediately around a stopped bus where passengers are at risk from passing traffic or from the bus itself moving. Drivers must watch it until every passenger is clear.

The designated area where a bus stops to let passengers board or exit. It must be clear of obstacles, on firm ground, and positioned so passengers do not step into traffic.

A tally of riders kept by the driver at boarding, at each stop, and after unloading. An accurate count confirms no one is left on the bus, especially a sleeping child or a person with a disability.

A physical count of passengers, often done by pointing at each person, to verify the passenger count matches the number who boarded. It catches miscounts before the bus moves.

A required sweep of the entire bus, including under seats and in the back, after all passengers have exited. It prevents leaving a sleeping or hiding child on board.

A passenger who rides while standing because seats are full. Standees must be allowed only where the bus is designed for it, and they must hold a rail or strap while the bus moves.

A marked line on the floor showing where standing passengers may not go, usually just behind the driver. Keeping the area ahead clear protects the driver's view and controls.

The maximum number of passengers and weight a bus is designed to carry safely. Overloading harms braking, steering, and tire performance and may violate the vehicle's rating.

Tying down or stowing bags, wheelchairs, and other items so they cannot shift, block aisles, or become projectiles in a sudden stop. Aisles and exits must stay clear.

Locking a wheelchair to the floor with tiedowns and using a lap and shoulder belt for the rider. The system must be checked by the driver before the bus moves.

Safely raising or lowering a passenger using the bus wheelchair lift. The driver sets the parking brake, deploys the lift on level ground, and watches the passenger until the lift cycle ends.

Help given to riders who need it, such as elderly people, riders with disabilities, or those with packages. It includes offering an arm, waiting for a seat, and allowing extra time.

The organized removal of passengers from a bus during a fire, crash, or other danger. The driver picks the safest exit, keeps order, and moves people well away from traffic.

A portable device carried on the bus for fighting small fires. The driver must know its location, check the gauge, and aim at the base of the flames, never using it on a large fire.

A warning triangle or reflective device placed behind a disabled bus to alert approaching traffic. It is set out when the bus is stopped on or near a roadway at night or in low visibility.

Four-way flashing lights used to warn other drivers that the bus is stopped or moving slowly. They are turned on when the bus breaks down or must stop in an unsafe place.

A side or rear door designed for quick escape, marked with instructions and kept unlocked and unobstructed. Passengers should be told how it opens during the safety briefing.

A short talk before departure covering exits, seat belts, fire extinguisher location, and emergency procedures. It prepares passengers to act quickly if the driver is disabled.

Requiring the driver and passengers to wear seat belts where the bus is equipped with them. Belts keep riders in place during a crash and reduce ejection risk.

Steps taken after a collision: stop, protect the scene, check for injuries, call for help, and report the crash. The driver must not leave the scene until released by authorities.

A written record of an accident filed with the carrier and, when required, the state. It includes time, place, injuries, and witnesses and must be accurate and timely.

Basic care given to injured passengers before medical help arrives, such as stopping bleeding and keeping the person warm. Only trained drivers should move an injured person.

A diamond-shaped sign on a vehicle showing the class of dangerous goods it carries. A passenger driver must recognize placards and keep distance from such vehicles in a crash or fire.

A special credential added to a CDL allowing a driver to haul certain dangerous goods. A passenger-only driver does not hold it and generally may not transport such cargo.

A document that describes the dangerous goods in a shipment, including the proper name, class, and quantity. Emergency responders rely on it to know what hazards are present.

The amount of a hazardous substance that, if released, must be reported to authorities. A spill above this level triggers notification and cleanup requirements.

Instructions carried with hazardous cargo describing first aid, firefighting, and spill handling. It helps the driver and responders act safely if an incident occurs.

Planning rest, meals, and breaks so the driver stays alert on long passenger runs. Tired driving slows reaction time and is a leading cause of bus crashes.