MT CDL Passenger flashcards

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

Pre-trip brake test

With the vehicle stationary and the service brake applied, watch for air pressure loss greater than 3 psi in one minute or a spongy hydraulic pedal. Any failure places the vehicle out of service.

Convex mirror limitation

Convex mirrors widen the field of view but make objects appear smaller and farther away than they are. Use them for presence detection, not distance judgment, and check flat mirrors for distance.

Minimum steering tire tread

Front steering tires on a commercial vehicle must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth; other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Recapped tires are not allowed on the steering axle.

Backing with a spotter

Back only when necessary, using a spotter outside the vehicle. If you lose sight of the spotter in your mirrors, stop immediately and reestablish contact before continuing.

Ten-foot crossing rule

School bus passengers must cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver's hand signal. The driver counts passengers off and back on before moving.

Wheelchair securement standard

Secure the wheelchair with a four-point tie-down, set the wheelchair brakes, face it forward, and use the occupant lap and shoulder belt. Keep the aisle and exits clear.

Perception-reaction distance

The distance traveled before the brakes are applied. At 55 mph a vehicle covers about 80 feet per second, so a 1.5-second reaction alone covers roughly 120 feet.

Rear-wheel skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding. Do not brake hard; hard braking worsens the skid by reducing tire grip further.

ABS braking technique

Apply firm, continuous pressure and steer where you want to go. Do not pump the pedal. Pedal pulsation and noise are normal and mean the system is working.

Hydroplaning onset

Tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road. It can start at speeds as low as 35 mph with worn tires. Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight.

Grade crossing stop zone

Buses carrying passengers must stop at every railroad crossing, no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, then look and listen both ways.

Stalled on the tracks

Evacuate all passengers immediately and move them away from the tracks, toward the direction of an approaching train, then call 911 with the crossing location.

Multiple track hazard

After one train passes, do not proceed immediately. A second train may approach on another track in the opposite direction, hidden by the first train's noise and bulk.

Overdriving headlights

Driving faster than you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate. Low beams reach about 160 feet, so reduce speed at night below the posted limit.

Fog lamp choice

Use low beams in fog, heavy rain, or snow. High beams reflect off the moisture and reduce visibility. Slow down and increase following distance.

Zero-visibility procedure

If you cannot see the road or its edge, pull completely off the roadway, set the parking brake, and turn on hazard flashers. Never stop in a travel lane.

Downhill gear selection

Before starting down a grade, select the gear you would use to climb it. Engine braking holds speed and prevents the brake fade caused by continuous service braking.

Snub braking technique

Apply the brakes firmly to cut speed by about 5-10 mph, then release and let the engine hold. Repeated light continuous braking overheats the brakes and causes fade.

Runaway ramp use

If brakes fail on a downgrade, steer straight into the escape ramp and keep the vehicle straight. Do not attempt to turn around; the gravel bed is designed to stop you.

Brake fade response

A soft or low pedal, burning smell, or decreasing braking ability means stop at a safe pullout and let the brakes cool. Do not continue down the grade.

Passenger compartment hazmat

Flammable liquids, propane cylinders, and fireworks may not be carried in the passenger compartment. Medical oxygen is allowed only if secured upright and clear of exits.

GVWR loading limit

Never exceed the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating or its axle ratings. Passengers, baggage, and mobility devices all count toward the limit.

PASS extinguisher technique

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Use only on a small fire and keep an exit behind you.

Engine fire evacuation

Stop, shut off the engine, and evacuate passengers upwind at least 100 feet away. Do not fully open the hood, because the rush of air feeds the fire.

Reflector placement

Place warning triangles about 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle, farther on curves or hills, to give approaching traffic time to react.

Passenger-carrying driving limit

Under the passenger-carrying hours-of-service rules, a driver may drive up to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty, within a 15-hour on-duty window.

Thirty-four hour restart

After 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, a driver can reset the weekly cycle by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

Fatigue countermeasures

Rolling down the window or playing loud music does not restore alertness. Stop and take a 20-30 minute nap or use caffeine, and do not drive while drowsy.

Daily vehicle inspection report

A driver records defects on a DVIR each day the vehicle is operated. The carrier must certify that reported defects were repaired before the vehicle is used again.

Air brake warning threshold

An air-brake vehicle must have a warning device that activates before pressure drops below 60 psi, and the spring brakes must apply automatically at low pressure.

CDL alcohol limit

A commercial driver is prohibited from driving with a BAC of 0.04% or higher and from driving within 4 hours of using alcohol. Refusing a required test is a violation.

Post-accident testing windows

After a qualifying crash, alcohol testing must occur within 8 hours and drug testing within 32 hours. Required after a fatality, an injury crash, or a tow-away crash with a citation.