I85PREP
⌘ K
MS CDL Passenger study materials
MS CDL Passenger study resources

MS CDL Passenger practice questions

One question at a time. Build your MS CDL Passenger understanding.

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 inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During a pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, how should you verify each emergency exit?

  1. Operate it from inside and outside Correct answer.
  2. Verify a tamper-evident seal is unbroken
  3. Check that the exit window glass is clean and clear
  4. Confirm it is locked from the outside at all times

Explanation

Emergency exits must be operable from both inside and outside the vehicle so passengers can escape in a crash or fire. Operating each exit during the walk-around confirms the latch, hinge, and handle work freely and are not jammed or blocked.

Question 2Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

When inspecting the fire extinguisher on a passenger-carrying vehicle, you should confirm that it is:

  1. The largest size that fits in the baggage compartment
  2. Replaced with a new unit before every trip
  3. Stored in a locked compartment behind the last seat
  4. Charged, mounted securely, and within easy reach Correct answer.

Explanation

A fire extinguisher must be fully charged, securely mounted, and reachable from the driver's position without leaving the seat area. Checking the gauge, mount, and location during the pre-trip inspection confirms it will be usable in an emergency.

Question 3Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

Which lights must you check during the walk-around portion of a bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. Only the clearance lights and marker lights facing forward
  2. Only the headlights and the interior dome lights
  3. All exterior lights, including brake lights and signals Correct answer.
  4. Only the brake lights and the backup alarm

Explanation

The walk-around must confirm every required exterior light works, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, four-way flashers, and clearance lights. Checking only a few lights leaves the bus with a safety defect that could cause a crash or a violation.

Question 4Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

What is the purpose of the standee line in a passenger bus?

  1. It indicates the aisle path passengers use to reach the rear exit
  2. It shows where luggage must be stored during the trip
  3. It shows the area forward of which passengers may not stand Correct answer.
  4. It marks the maximum number of standing passengers allowed

Explanation

The standee line marks the forward boundary of the standing-passenger area, and passengers may not stand forward of it while the bus is moving. Checking that the line is visible and unobstructed keeps the aisle and the driver's view clear.

Question 5Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the static air brake check with the engine running and the service brake fully applied, what are you checking for?

  1. That the compressor stops running once the tanks are full
  2. That the parking brake releases when the service brake is applied
  3. That air pressure holds and does not drop fast Correct answer.
  4. That the low-pressure warning buzzer stays silent the whole time

Explanation

With the engine running and the service brake fully applied, air pressure should hold steady or drop only within the allowed rate. A rapid drop points to a leak in the brake system that must be repaired before the bus carries passengers.

Question 6Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

What is the minimum tread depth required for the front tires of a commercial passenger vehicle?

  1. 2/32 of an inch
  2. 6/32 of an inch
  3. 8/32 of an inch
  4. 4/32 of an inch Correct answer.

Explanation

Front steering-axle tires on a commercial motor vehicle must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth, while all other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Checking tread with a gauge during the walk-around catches worn steering tires, which are more prone to failure.

Question 7Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

When checking the passenger entry door during a pre-trip inspection, you should:

  1. Leave it open so passengers can board while you finish the walk-around
  2. Operate it from inside and outside to confirm smooth operation Correct answer.
  3. Test it only with the engine off to avoid injury
  4. Confirm the door only opens from the outside to prevent tampering

Explanation

The entry door must open and close smoothly from both inside and outside, and the controls should respond without sticking. A door that binds or fails to latch is a defect that can trap passengers or let them fall from a moving bus.

Question 8Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

While inspecting the emergency exits on a passenger-carrying vehicle, the buzzer sounds when you open an exit. What does this mean?

  1. The exit is defective and must be locked out of service
  2. The exit should be kept closed during the rest of the inspection
  3. The alarm is working as designed Correct answer.
  4. The alarm system has been wired incorrectly and needs repair

Explanation

Passenger buses are equipped with an alarm that sounds when an emergency exit is opened, alerting the driver. Hearing the buzzer during the inspection confirms the alarm circuit works; it is not a reason to remove the bus from service.

Question 9Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the air brake check on a passenger bus, the low air pressure warning must activate before the pressure falls below:

  1. 120 psi
  2. 60 psi Correct answer.
  3. 150 psi
  4. 90 psi

Explanation

Federal air brake rules require the low air pressure warning to activate before tank pressure drops below 60 psi. Testing this during the pre-trip inspection confirms the driver will get warning before braking performance is lost.

Question 10Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the interior inspection of a passenger bus, which condition must be corrected before the trip?

  1. The fare box shows the previous day's date
  2. A seat is loose on its mounting frame Correct answer.
  3. The rear dome light is noticeably dimmer than the front
  4. The seats are upholstered in mismatched colors

Explanation

Seats, stanchions, and handholds must be securely mounted so passengers are not injured if a seat shifts during braking or a turn. A loose seat is a defect that must be fixed before the bus carries passengers.

Question 11Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the walk-around inspection of a passenger bus, what should you look for when checking the wheel lug nuts?

  1. Each lug nut is painted the same color.
  2. The lug nut covers have been removed.
  3. The lug nuts are finger-tight only.
  4. Rust streaks or shiny threads at the nuts. Correct answer.

Explanation

Loose lug nuts can leave rust streaks or bright metal where the nut has moved against the wheel. Checking for these signs helps catch a loose wheel before a trip, when it could lead to wheel separation.

Question 12Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

What should you confirm about the windshield and wipers during a passenger bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. The windshield tint is dark enough to reduce glare from oncoming headlights.
  2. The wipers are removed to prevent theft.
  3. No driver-view cracks and working wipers. Correct answer.
  4. The washer fluid reservoir is empty to save weight.

Explanation

A clear windshield and working wipers are needed for visibility in rain, snow, and road spray. Cracks in the driver's view or wipers that streak can make the bus unsafe to dispatch.

Question 13Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the walk-around, you see a puddle under the bus. What is the correct pre-trip action?

  1. Identify the fluid and fix the leak before dispatch. Correct answer.
  2. Add sawdust to absorb the fluid and continue.
  3. Ignore it if the puddle is less than one foot wide.
  4. Assume it is water from the air conditioner and proceed.

Explanation

Any puddle under a bus may indicate a fuel, oil, coolant, or brake-fluid leak. The driver should identify the fluid and resolve the leak before operating the vehicle.

Question 14Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

When checking the air brake slack adjusters on a passenger bus, what should you verify?

  1. That the slack adjuster can be rotated freely by hand with the brake applied.
  2. That the slack adjuster is welded to the pushrod.
  3. That the pushrod travel exceeds the limit to ensure full brake application.
  4. That pushrod travel is within limits and the slack adjuster is not loose. Correct answer.

Explanation

Slack adjusters and pushrods must be checked against the manufacturer's limit; excessive travel or a loose adjuster indicates the brakes are out of adjustment. Welding or free rotation with the brake applied would be defects, not passing conditions.

Question 15Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During pre-trip inspection of a bus equipped with a wheelchair lift, what must you check?

  1. That the lift is left in the deployed position for quick boarding during the trip.
  2. That the lift cycles fully and its interlock works with the door open. Correct answer.
  3. That the lift platform is lubricated with oil before every trip.
  4. That the lift warning lights are disconnected to avoid distraction.

Explanation

The lift must complete its full cycle, and the interlock must prevent the bus from moving while the door is open. Disconnected warnings or a lift left deployed would create unsafe conditions for passengers.

Question 16Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

How should you check the mirrors on a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection?

  1. Check that they show only the rear tires.
  2. They are clean, undamaged, and adjusted for required visibility. Correct answer.
  3. Adjust them only after the bus is moving.
  4. Fold them in to reduce wind resistance during the trip.

Explanation

Mirrors must be clean, unbroken, and adjusted before driving so the driver can see the sides, rear, and blind spots. Adjusting them while moving distracts the driver and can be unsafe.

Question 17Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

What should you verify about the horn during a passenger bus pre-trip inspection?

  1. It is louder than the engine at idle.
  2. It only works when the parking brake is set.
  3. It is disconnected so it cannot be used at night.
  4. It sounds clearly and can be heard by others. Correct answer.

Explanation

The horn is a required safety device and must sound clearly during the pre-trip check. A horn that is disconnected or works only in certain conditions fails the inspection.

Question 18Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the interior inspection of a passenger bus, how should you check the first aid kit?

  1. Open it and remove items that might expire soon.
  2. Confirm it is present, sealed, and properly stocked. Correct answer.
  3. Store it in the driver's footwell so it is within easy reach.
  4. Replace it with a fire extinguisher to save space.

Explanation

The first aid kit must be present, sealed, and stocked as required by the carrier and regulations. Removing items or relocating it to the footwell can leave it incomplete or create a hazard.

Question 19Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip air brake check on a passenger bus, what is the correct way to check the air compressor's build-up rate?

  1. With the engine off, pump the brake pedal until the low-pressure warning sounds.
  2. With the engine at operating rpm, pressure rises to governor cut-out within the specified time. Correct answer.
  3. With the engine running, hold the brake pedal down and time how long the pressure takes to drop.
  4. With the engine off, open the drain cocks and watch for moisture.

Explanation

The compressor build-up check measures how quickly the system rises from cut-in to cut-out pressure with the engine at operating rpm. A slow build-up can indicate a weak compressor or a leak and must be corrected before dispatch.

Question 20Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During a pre-trip inspection, you find a crack in the windshield that runs through the driver's line of sight. What is the correct action?

  1. Do not dispatch until the windshield is repaired or replaced. Correct answer.
  2. Record it on the report and drive only at night.
  3. Cover the crack with clear tape and complete the trip.
  4. Continue if the crack is shorter than six inches.

Explanation

A crack in the driver's line of sight obstructs visibility and can spread, so the bus must not be dispatched until the windshield is repaired or replaced. Tape or night driving does not correct the safety defect.

Question 21Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you confirm about the passenger seats?

  1. Seats are folded and stacked at the rear
  2. Seat frames and cushions are secure and undamaged Correct answer.
  3. Seat belts are tied back out of the aisle
  4. Seat cushions are removed for cleaning

Explanation

Seat frames and cushions must be firmly mounted and free of cracks, tears, or sharp edges that could injure passengers. Loose or damaged seats can shift during braking or a collision, so they must be repaired before the bus is dispatched.

Question 22Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

When inspecting the aisle of a passenger bus during the pre-trip inspection, you should verify that the aisle is:

  1. Clear and free of hazards Correct answer.
  2. Used for luggage storage
  3. Roped off for the driver's use
  4. Carpeted to reduce noise

Explanation

The aisle must remain clear so passengers can move to exits without tripping or delay. During pre-trip inspection, remove any boxes, bags, or loose items and confirm the aisle is not blocked by folded seats or equipment.

Question 23Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip inspection, what should you check about the entrance steps and stepwell of a passenger bus?

  1. Clean, dry, and undamaged Correct answer.
  2. Raised to increase ground clearance
  3. Covered with loose rubber mats
  4. Painted with a bright warning color

Explanation

Entrance steps and the stepwell are high-traffic areas where passengers board and leave the bus. They must be clean, dry, and free of cracks, loose tread, or debris, and handrails must be secure so passengers have a safe grip.

Question 24Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During a pre-trip inspection, how should you test the service brakes on a passenger bus?

  1. With the bus parked, press the pedal and listen for air leaks only
  2. At low speed, check for smooth stopping without pulling Correct answer.
  3. With the engine off, pump the pedal until it feels firm
  4. At highway speed, apply the brakes hard to check for skidding

Explanation

A low-speed service brake test confirms that the brakes apply evenly and bring the bus to a smooth stop without pulling to one side. Testing at highway speed is unsafe during a pre-trip inspection, and a parked pedal check does not prove stopping performance.

Question 25Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

How should you check the parking brake during the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus?

  1. Set the brake at highway speed to test its holding power
  2. Check only that the brake handle moves freely
  3. Set it and try to move; the bus should hold Correct answer.
  4. Apply the brake while rolling and note any pull

Explanation

The parking brake must hold the bus when it is set and the driver tries to move forward gently. This check confirms the brake can prevent rolling; testing at highway speed or only moving the handle does not prove holding power.

Question 26Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

When checking steering wheel free play during a passenger bus pre-trip inspection, you should:

  1. Turn the wheel fully left and right with the engine off
  2. Rock the steering wheel while the bus is moving
  3. With the engine running, measure free play against the limit Correct answer.
  4. Measure tire pressure before turning the wheel

Explanation

Steering free play is checked with the engine running and the front wheels straight ahead. Turn the wheel gently until resistance is felt, measure the movement, and compare it with the manufacturer's limit; excessive play means the steering needs repair.

Question 27Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip inspection of a passenger bus, what should you confirm about emergency equipment such as spare fuses and reflectors?

  1. Spare fuses are kept in the driver's pocket
  2. Spare fuses and reflectors are present and secure Correct answer.
  3. The fire extinguisher is the only required item
  4. Reflectors are stored in the engine compartment

Explanation

Required emergency equipment must be on board and ready for use before the trip. Confirm spare fuses are available and that reflectors are present, secure, and accessible, not stored in the engine compartment or other unapproved location.

Question 28Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the walk-around inspection of a passenger bus, what should you check about the tires?

  1. Only that the tires are black and round
  2. Inflation, tread, and sidewalls are serviceable Correct answer.
  3. That the tire brand and model match on all axles
  4. That the tires are warm to the touch

Explanation

Tires must be properly inflated, have adequate tread, and be free of cuts, bulges, or exposed cords. Also check between dual tires for trapped objects that could damage the sidewalls; brand matching and tire temperature are not pre-trip acceptance criteria.

Question 29Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip inspection of a bus with air brakes, you can see the brake linings through the inspection hole. What should you check?

  1. That the drum is cool to the touch
  2. That the linings are thick enough and free of cracks or oil Correct answer.
  3. That the linings are painted to match the drum
  4. That the lining wear is even with no more than one inch remaining

Explanation

Brake linings must have enough friction material and must not be cracked, glazed, or contaminated with oil or grease. A contaminated or excessively worn lining can reduce braking performance, so the bus should be repaired before dispatch.

Question 30Pre-trip inspection of passenger-carrying vehicles (walk-around, brake and lighting checks, interior and emergency-equipment check)

During the pre-trip inspection, you find that the low air pressure warning does not sound when the pressure drops. What should you do?

  1. Report it after completing the trip
  2. Do not dispatch until repaired Correct answer.
  3. Continue if the service brakes still apply
  4. Pump the brakes until the warning sounds

Explanation

The low air pressure warning is a required safety device that alerts the driver before brake performance is lost. If it does not sound, the bus must be removed from service until the warning system is repaired; continuing the trip or reporting it later is not acceptable.

Question 31Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Before leaving a terminal with a loaded passenger bus, what is the driver's responsibility regarding the number of passengers on board?

  1. Allow extra riders to stand in the aisle when seats are full
  2. Keep the count within seating and standee limits Correct answer.
  3. Record the total only after the bus crosses a state line
  4. Limit the count to the number of seat belts installed on the bus

Explanation

A passenger bus has a rated capacity that combines seated spaces and, where the bus is designed for it, standee spaces. The driver must count passengers before departure and keep the total within those limits. Standing in the aisle does not create extra legal capacity and can obstruct evacuation.

Question 32Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

On a bus that is designed to carry standing passengers, what does the standee line indicate?

  1. The location where emergency equipment must be stored
  2. The maximum permitted height for carry-on baggage
  3. The area forward of which no passenger may stand Correct answer.
  4. The boundary where the driver must stop to board passengers

Explanation

The standee line is a floor marking, usually behind the driver, that separates the area where standing passengers may ride from the area they must keep clear. No passenger may stand forward of that line while the bus is moving. Keeping that space clear protects the driver's view and access to controls.

Question 33Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Which condition must exist in the aisle before you move a passenger bus?

  1. The aisle is blocked only while the bus is stopped
  2. Carry-on bags are stacked at the rear door
  3. The aisle is clear of baggage and other objects Correct answer.
  4. Passengers are seated in the aisle

Explanation

The aisle must remain clear so passengers can move to exits and the driver can reach safety equipment. Baggage, boxes, or other objects may not be left in the aisle while the bus is moving. Clearance is required even on short trips.

Question 34Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Where should a passenger's large suitcase be placed when the bus has a baggage compartment?

  1. In the aisle near the passenger's seat
  2. In the baggage compartment, secured against shifting Correct answer.
  3. Blocking the rear emergency door for quick unloading
  4. On the seat next to the passenger

Explanation

Large baggage belongs in the baggage compartment when one is provided. It must be stowed so it cannot shift and strike passengers or block an exit. Carry-on items left in the aisle or on seats can become projectiles in a sudden stop.

Question 35Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

What must you do with the passenger doors before moving the bus from a stop?

  1. Confirm they are fully closed and secure Correct answer.
  2. Lock them only if passengers request it
  3. Leave them open until the bus reaches cruising speed
  4. Open them slightly to ventilate the passenger area

Explanation

Passenger doors must be fully closed and secure before the bus moves away from a stop. An open or improperly latched door can let passengers fall out and can interfere with the driver's control. The driver confirms closure as part of the trip-start check.

Question 36Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

When must you brief passengers on emergency exits and other safety equipment?

  1. Before departure and when new riders board Correct answer.
  2. At the first scheduled rest stop after departure
  3. Only after an emergency has actually occurred
  4. Only when the bus is chartered by a school district

Explanation

Passengers need safety information before the bus starts moving, and newly boarding passengers need it when they join the trip. The briefing covers emergency exits, fire extinguisher location if applicable, and any seat-belt requirement. Waiting for an emergency or a rest stop defeats the purpose.

Question 37Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

A passenger brings several heavy boxes aboard a bus with no separate cargo area. What is the safest action?

  1. Stack them on an empty seat and continue without securing them
  2. Place them in the aisle so the driver can monitor them
  3. Refuse them if they cannot be secured clear of the aisle Correct answer.
  4. Put them in front of the standee line to keep the aisle clear

Explanation

Cargo carried in the passenger compartment must be secured so it cannot shift, and it may not block the aisle or an exit. If heavy boxes cannot be stowed safely within the bus's limits, the driver should refuse them. Convenience does not override securement and clearance rules.

Question 38Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

At a busy stop, passengers are standing forward of the standee line. What should you do before moving?

  1. Move slowly so they can keep their balance
  2. Direct them behind the standee line or off the bus Correct answer.
  3. Continue because the line applies only to seated passengers
  4. Ask them to sit on the floor behind the line

Explanation

The standee line marks the forward limit for standing passengers. If riders are ahead of it, the driver must correct the situation before moving, either by directing them behind the line or removing them from the bus. Moving with passengers forward of the line is unsafe and violates the seating and standee rules.

Question 39Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

If a bus is not designed to carry standing passengers, what is the rule for passengers without seats?

  1. They may stand only during daylight hours
  2. They may stand if the trip is shorter than one mile
  3. They may stand behind the driver's seat
  4. They must not ride standing in the aisle Correct answer.

Explanation

A bus that is not designed for standees has no legal standing area. Passengers without seats must not ride standing in the aisle, even for a short distance. The driver should not move until the seating limit is met.

Question 40Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Which set of checks belongs to the loading and trip-start phase for a passenger bus?

  1. Review the route map and calculate fuel mileage
  2. Count riders, clear the aisle and exits, close doors Correct answer.
  3. Check tire tread depth, brake adjustment, and engine oil level
  4. Test the fire extinguisher pressure and inspect the battery cables

Explanation

Loading and trip-start checks focus on people, aisles, exits, and doors. The driver counts passengers, confirms clearance, and ensures doors are closed before moving. Mechanical inspections and route planning belong to other phases.

Question 41Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

After loading passengers at a scheduled stop, what is the most reliable way to confirm the bus is within its passenger capacity?

  1. Ask the last passenger who boarded to estimate how many people are aboard.
  2. Check the rearview mirror for empty seats and subtract that number from the seat count.
  3. Assume the dispatcher's ticketed count matches the number actually aboard.
  4. Count the seated and standing passengers and compare the total with the bus's rated capacity. Correct answer.

Explanation

The driver must know the actual headcount before departing each stop, because ticketed or estimated counts can be stale or wrong. Count both seated and standing passengers and compare the total to the bus's posted seating plus standee capacity.

Question 42Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

A transit bus has a posted capacity of 40 seated and 15 standing passengers. At a stop, 42 seated passengers and 16 standing passengers board. What must you do before departing?

  1. Depart normally because all passengers are behind the standee line.
  2. Move seated passengers to the rear door area to make room.
  3. Ask enough passengers to leave so the total does not exceed 55. Correct answer.
  4. Allow the extra standees because the standee line marks the limit.

Explanation

The rated capacity is 55 passengers: 40 seated plus 15 standing. With 58 aboard, the bus exceeds capacity by three, so the driver must reduce the load before moving; the standee line controls position, not the number of standees.

Question 43Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Where should a passenger place a small carry-on bag that will not fit under the seat?

  1. In front of the emergency exit door.
  2. In the aisle next to the passenger's seat.
  3. In an overhead rack or another approved stowage area. Correct answer.
  4. On the passenger's lap for the entire trip.

Explanation

Carry-on items must be stowed so they cannot block the aisle, doorway, or emergency exit. An overhead rack or other approved stowage area keeps the item secured; the aisle, exit, and lap are not safe storage locations.

Question 44Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Before closing an exterior baggage compartment on a passenger bus, what should you confirm?

  1. The compartment door will be left unlocked for passenger access.
  2. Items are arranged so the compartment door can close and latch fully. Correct answer.
  3. The compartment is filled to the top so nothing can move.
  4. Every bag is tagged with the passenger's seat number.

Explanation

The baggage compartment must be able to close and latch completely so baggage cannot shift or fall out. Items should be arranged or secured to prevent movement and to keep the door and latch area clear.

Question 45Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

At a stop, passengers crowd into the stepwell and doorway as others board. What is your responsibility before you close the door and move?

  1. Ensure no passenger is standing in the doorway or stepwell and that the door can close fully. Correct answer.
  2. Let passengers remain in the stepwell if they hold the handrail.
  3. Close the door slowly so anyone in the stepwell can step back.
  4. Move only after announcing that the bus is departing.

Explanation

The doorway and stepwell must be clear before the door is closed and the bus moves. A passenger standing there can be struck by the door, fall from the step, or block a rapid evacuation.

Question 46Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

A passenger places a folding cart in front of the rear emergency exit and says it is light. What should you do?

  1. Allow it if the cart weighs less than 10 pounds.
  2. Allow it if the passenger holds the cart during the trip.
  3. Require the cart to be moved so the emergency exit remains unobstructed. Correct answer.
  4. Place the cart in the aisle near the exit instead.

Explanation

Emergency exits must remain unobstructed at all times so passengers can evacuate quickly. A light item or a passenger holding it does not remove the obstruction; the cart must be moved to an approved stowage location.

Question 47Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Why should you count passengers after each stop rather than relying only on the count from the terminal?

  1. To decide which passengers should stand.
  2. To calculate the fare for each passenger.
  3. To report the count to the maintenance shop.
  4. To detect passengers who boarded or left without being recorded and to stay within capacity. Correct answer.

Explanation

The number of passengers can change at every stop, and terminal or ticket counts may miss someone who boarded without being recorded. A fresh count lets the driver detect discrepancies and stay within seating and standee limits.

Question 48Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

A bus has 40 seats and a standee capacity of 12. At a stop, 39 passengers are seated, 12 are standing behind the line, and two more passengers board. What is the correct action?

  1. Allow both because there is one empty seat and standees are behind the line.
  2. Allow both because the bus has not reached its seated capacity.
  3. Seat one additional passenger, but do not allow the other to remain aboard. Correct answer.
  4. Refuse both because any standee makes the bus full.

Explanation

The bus capacity is 52: 40 seats plus 12 standees. Currently 51 passengers are aboard, so only the empty seat is available; the second boarder would become a 13th standee and exceed capacity, regardless of position behind the line.

Question 49Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

On a bus carrying standees, how do you reconcile the need for standing passengers with the requirement to keep the aisle clear?

  1. Standees may occupy the aisle behind the standee line, but baggage and other objects must not block the aisle or exits. Correct answer.
  2. Standees must sit on the floor so the aisle remains physically empty.
  3. No standees are allowed at any time; all passengers must be seated.
  4. The aisle may be blocked by standees because the standee line permits it.

Explanation

The standee line sets the forward boundary for standing passengers; it does not permit blocking the aisle or exits with baggage or cargo. The aisle and emergency exits must remain clear even when standees are carried.

Question 50Loading, boarding, and trip start (passenger count, seating and standee limits, baggage and cargo securement, door and aisle clearance)

Why must no passenger ride in an exterior baggage compartment of a passenger bus?

  1. It is permitted only if the passenger holds the compartment door open.
  2. It is allowed if the trip is shorter than 10 miles.
  3. It is allowed if the driver checks on the passenger at each stop.
  4. It is prohibited because the compartment is not designed for passengers and has no safe restraint or ventilation. Correct answer.

Explanation

An exterior baggage compartment is not a passenger space and lacks safe seating, restraints, and ventilation. No passenger may ride there, even for a short distance or with driver checks.