MO CDL Passenger flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Steering wheel free play limit

With the engine running and wheels straight, play at the rim should not exceed 10 degrees, roughly 2 inches at a 20-inch wheel, before the front wheels respond.

Front tire tread minimum

Steering axle tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth; all other tires need 2/32 inch. Check for cuts, bulges, and exposed cords.

Air leak rate test

With the engine off and system charged, apply and hold firm brake pressure; pressure loss should not exceed 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle.

Low-air warning threshold

The low-air warning buzzer or light must activate by 60 psi, warning the driver before spring brakes apply automatically between 20 and 45 psi.

Compressor build-up check

At fast idle, the compressor should raise pressure from 85 to 100 psi within 45 seconds; slower build-up indicates a compressor or governor problem.

Leak check under vehicle

Inspect beneath the engine, transmission, and rear axle for fresh drips or puddles; note fluid color to identify coolant, oil, fuel, or gear lube.

Passenger door and exit check

Verify passenger doors open and close fully, emergency exits operate freely, and aisles and exit paths are clear of obstructions before departure.

Pre-trip inspection sequence

Approach and check for leaks and lights, inspect the engine compartment, check the cab and interior, walk around front, sides, and rear, then test brakes.

Straight-line backing

Back through a marked lane using both mirrors and small steering corrections; crossing a boundary or striking a cone adds penalty points.

Offset backing maneuver

Set up alongside the target lane, then back into the offset lane while watching side clearance in the mirrors, finishing completely inside the boundary.

Parallel parking (alley dock)

Position alongside the space, back at a controlled angle, and stop when clear; pull forward to finish inside the box without touching boundaries.

Pull-up penalty

A pull-up is a forward correction during a backing maneuver; it is allowed but each one adds points, so plan the setup to avoid them.

GOAL technique

Get Out And Look: stop and walk around the vehicle to verify clearance when mirrors are insufficient, used only where the test permits.

Speed control in skills test

Move at idle or near-idle speed with the foot over the brake; stalls and sudden acceleration both score penalty points on basic control exercises.

Reference points for backing

Fixed vehicle features such as mirror edges or fender lines show where the tires sit relative to boundary lines, guiding steering corrections.

Complete stop requirement

Come to a full stop before changing direction during a maneuver; rolling stops and hitting the finish boundary are common point losses.

Mirror discipline in maneuvers

Check both mirrors before moving and after every correction; continuous mirror scanning keeps the vehicle aligned within the marked boundaries.

Left turn execution

Enter the proper lane, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn into the corresponding lane without swinging wide or cutting the corner.

Right turn execution

Check the right mirror and blind spot for cyclists and pedestrians, keep rear tires off the curb, and finish in the correct lane.

Lane change sequence

Mirror, signal, shoulder or head check, then move; cancel the signal and maintain speed. Missing the head check is a critical error.

Following distance rule

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

Railroad crossing procedure

Slow down, look both ways, and listen; never shift gears or stop on the tracks. Passenger vehicles may be required to stop and open the door.

Intersection scanning

Scan left-right-left, cover the brake, and clear the intersection completely; blocking the box or running a stale yellow loses points.

Passenger stop procedure

Pull close to the curb, stop smoothly, set the parking brake, then check mirrors and blind spots before re-entering traffic after the stop.

Speed management on road test

Obey posted limits and advisory curve and ramp speeds; approach intersections at a speed allowing a stop within visible distance.

CDL class definitions

Class A is a combination over 26,000 lb towing over 10,000 lb; Class B is a single vehicle 26,001 lb or more; Class C covers 16+ passengers or hazmat.

Passenger endorsement requirement

The P endorsement requires passing the general knowledge test plus the passenger transport test; the school bus S endorsement requires separate tests.

Alcohol and phone rules

No alcohol within 4 hours of duty, no hand-held phone use while driving, and no texting; serious violations carry disqualification.

Passenger accountability

Count passengers when boarding and confirm the count when leaving; never leave passengers unattended on a stopped bus and keep exits clear.

Standee and capacity limits

Never exceed the vehicle's rated seated and standing capacity; overloading affects braking, stability, and evacuation in an emergency.

Emergency evacuation steps

Stop safely, secure the vehicle, evacuate if fire or hazard exists, call for help, and use the extinguisher only on small fires from upwind.

Daily inspection duty

Complete a pre-trip and post-trip inspection each day and report defects affecting safe operation before driving the vehicle.

Spring brake application range

When air pressure drops to between 20 and 45 psi, the spring (parking) brakes apply automatically, bringing the vehicle to a stop.