MO CDL Passenger cheat sheet

Pre-trip order: approach vehicle, check lights/leaks under hood and around engine, then cab/interior, then walk-around (front, both sides, rear), then brake tests and final air checks.

Leak check: look for puddles or drips under the engine, transmission, and rear axle; note color (coolant green/orange, oil black/amber, fuel, gear lube) and report fresh leaks before moving.

Engine compartment: check coolant level at the reservoir (never open a hot pressurized cap), oil level on the dipstick, power steering fluid, washer fluid, belt tension/cracks, and hose condition.

Steering: with engine running and wheels straight, play at the steering wheel rim should not exceed 10 degrees (about 2 inches at a 20-inch wheel) before the front wheels begin to move.

Tire rules: minimum tread depth 4/32 inch on front (steering) tires and 2/32 inch on all other tires; check for cuts, bulges, sidewall damage, and matched dual spacing - no touching duals.

Brake system: with engine off and system charged, apply firm pressure and hold; no more than 3 psi loss in one minute for a single vehicle (leak rate test), and no audible air leaks.

Air brake warning: compressor must build from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds at fast idle; the low-air warning must activate by 60 psi, and the spring (parking) brakes must set between 20 and 45 psi.

Lights and reflectors: verify headlights (high/low), turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, clearance/marker lights, and reflectors; use a helper or wall reflection since a solo driver cannot see all at once.

Passenger-specific items: check passenger doors open/close and emergency exits, aisle clear, seats secure, fire extinguisher charged and mounted, emergency kit, and no loose items that could become projectiles.

Scoring is from the vehicle's position and reference points, not from how the maneuver felt: crossing a boundary line or striking a cone/barrier scores points, and too many points fails the exercise.

Straight-line backing: back the vehicle through a marked lane without touching lines or cones; use both mirrors, correct with small steering inputs, and stop to re-check rather than oversteering.

Offset backing (left or right): back into a lane offset to the side; pull forward to set up, then back while watching the trailer/side clearance in the mirrors, finishing fully inside the lane.

Parallel parking (alley dock): position alongside, back at a controlled angle, and stop when the rear is clear; pull forward to finish inside the box without hitting the front or rear boundaries.

Pull-up rule: a pull-up (forward correction) is allowed but each one costs points; plan the setup so the maneuver needs zero or minimal pull-ups.

Use GOAL - Get Out And Look - only where the test permits; otherwise correct using mirror reference points and slow, deliberate movement with a spotter-free scan.

Speed control: idle or near-idle speed, foot over the brake, and no sudden acceleration; smooth clutch/throttle control prevents stalls, which also score points.

Mirror discipline: check both mirrors before moving and after each correction; fixed reference points on the vehicle (mirror edges, fender) tell you where the tires are relative to the lines.

Stopping: complete stop before changing direction; rolling stops and hitting the boundary at the finish line are common point losses.

Examiner instructions are graded on execution: signal before the maneuver, check mirrors, and complete the turn or lane change smoothly; unsignaled or abrupt moves are point losses.

Left turns: get into the proper lane, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn into the corresponding lane; do not swing wide or cut the corner.

Right turns: check right mirror and blind spot for cyclists/pedestrians, keep the rear tires from climbing the curb, and turn into the correct lane.

Lane changes: mirror, signal, shoulder/head check, then move; cancel the signal and maintain speed - a lane change without a head check is a critical error.

Following distance: use at least a 4-second gap under normal conditions; add one second per 10 mph above 40 mph and more in rain, fog, or heavy traffic.

Railroad crossings: slow, look both ways, listen, and do not shift gears or stop on the tracks; for passenger vehicles, stop and open the door to listen where required.

Speed management: obey posted limits and advisory speeds for curves and ramps; approach intersections and downgrades at a speed that lets you stop within the visible distance.

Intersections: scan left-right-left, cover the brake, and clear the box completely; blocking an intersection or running a stale yellow is a point loss.

Passenger stops: pull close to the curb, stop smoothly, set the parking brake, and check mirrors and blind spots before re-entering traffic after the stop.

CDL classes: Class A = combination over 26,000 lb with towed unit over 10,000 lb; Class B = single vehicle 26,001 lb or more; Class C = vehicles designed for 16+ passengers (including the driver) or hazmat.

Passenger (P) endorsement requires the general knowledge test plus the passenger transport test; a school bus (S) endorsement is separate and requires its own knowledge and skills tests.

Passenger-carrying rules: no alcohol within 4 hours of duty, no use of a hand-held phone while driving, and no texting - serious violations carry disqualification.

Loading and unloading: account for all passengers, never leave passengers unattended on a stopped bus, and ensure emergency exits and aisles stay clear at all times.

Standees and capacity: never exceed the vehicle's rated seated and standing capacity; count passengers when boarding and confirm the count when leaving.

Emergency procedures: stop safely, secure the vehicle, evacuate if there is fire or hazard, call for help, and use the fire extinguisher only on small fires from upwind.

Hazard perception: scan 12-15 seconds ahead, watch for pedestrians at stops, and expect the unexpected near schools, bus stops, and crosswalks.

Hours of service and inspections: complete a pre-trip and post-trip inspection each day, and report defects that affect safe operation before driving.

Brake and tire fundamentals: know the low-air warning threshold (60 psi), spring brake application range (20-45 psi), and tire tread minimums (4/32 front, 2/32 other).