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MT CDL Passenger practice questions

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Question 1Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

Before pulling away from a curb in a passenger van, the driver should do which of the following first?

  1. Turn the steering wheel fully before releasing the parking brake
  2. Shift to drive and accelerate gently while still checking the mirror
  3. Check mirrors and blind spots over the shoulder for approaching traffic Correct answer.
  4. Honk the horn twice to warn nearby pedestrians

Explanation

A commercial driver must confirm the space around the vehicle is clear before moving, using both mirrors and a direct shoulder check to cover blind spots. Signaling and yielding to traffic already in the lane come next. Moving or steering before that check risks a collision with a passing vehicle or cyclist.

Question 2Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What is the correct way to perform a pre-trip inspection of the brake system on a passenger vehicle?

  1. Tap the pedal once at idle and check that the vehicle stops at low speed
  2. Build air pressure, then check for leaks with the engine off and brakes applied Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the dashboard warning light staying off during the first mile
  4. Pump the pedal several times and listen for the compressor to cycle

Explanation

A proper air-brake check requires building full pressure, shutting off the engine, applying the brakes, and watching the gauge for pressure loss over time. This static test reveals leaks that a moving test would miss. Warning lights and brief low-speed stops do not confirm that the system holds pressure.

Question 3Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

When should a driver of a passenger vehicle check the tire pressure?

  1. Immediately after a long highway run
  2. When the tires are cold, before driving any distance Correct answer.
  3. After loading passengers, with the engine running
  4. Only when a tire visibly looks low

Explanation

Tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold, because driving heats the air and raises pressure readings. A cold reading matches the manufacturer's specification. Checking after a run or only when a tire looks low can hide underinflation.

Question 4Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver hears a steady hiss from the air-brake system after shutting off the engine. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. Normal compressor cycling
  2. An air leak in the system Correct answer.
  3. A loose wheel lug
  4. A properly functioning governor

Explanation

A continuous hiss after shutdown suggests air escaping from a line, fitting, or valve. The driver should locate the leak and not operate the vehicle until it is repaired. Normal compressor cycling is intermittent, not a steady hiss.

Question 5Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

Before backing a passenger van in a terminal lot, the driver should:

  1. Sound the horn and back without looking
  2. Use a spotter and check all mirrors Correct answer.
  3. Back quickly to clear the lane
  4. Rely on the backup camera alone

Explanation

Backing requires the use of a spotter when available and continuous mirror checks to cover blind areas. Cameras help but do not replace direct observation. Backing quickly or without looking increases the risk of striking a pedestrian or object.

Question 6Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver finds a cracked mirror on the left side. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Do not operate the vehicle until the mirror is repaired or replaced Correct answer.
  2. Drive the route and report it at the end of the shift
  3. Cover the mirror with tape and proceed
  4. Adjust the remaining mirror to compensate

Explanation

A required mirror that is cracked or missing makes the vehicle unsafe and out of compliance, so it must be repaired before operation. Reporting later or improvising with tape does not restore the required field of view. Adjusting the other mirror cannot replace the lost view on the damaged side.

Question 7Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What is the purpose of a pre-trip inspection on a passenger vehicle?

  1. To calculate fuel use for the trip
  2. To test the radio and passenger announcements
  3. To warm up the engine before departure
  4. To confirm the vehicle is safe and compliant before carrying passengers Correct answer.

Explanation

The pre-trip inspection confirms that safety-critical systems and required equipment are working before passengers board. It is a regulatory and safety requirement, not a warm-up or fuel-planning step. Finding defects before departure prevents breakdowns and crashes on the road.

Question 8Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver is descending a long downgrade in a loaded passenger vehicle. Which technique best controls speed?

  1. Ride the brakes continuously
  2. Use a low gear and light braking Correct answer.
  3. Accelerate to shorten the descent
  4. Shift to neutral and coast

Explanation

Selecting a lower gear uses engine braking to hold speed and reduces reliance on the service brakes. Light, controlled braking supplements the engine. Coasting in neutral or riding the brakes can cause overheating and loss of braking.

Question 9Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

When making a right turn in a large passenger vehicle, the driver should:

  1. Turn from any lane that is clear
  2. Cut the corner closely to keep traffic moving
  3. Turn from the proper lane and watch the right rear for off-tracking Correct answer.
  4. Swing wide to the left before turning

Explanation

Large vehicles off-track, meaning the rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front. The driver should turn from the correct lane and monitor the right rear to avoid striking the curb or objects. Swinging left or cutting corners creates hazards for other road users.

Question 10Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What does a flashing red light at a railroad crossing require a passenger-vehicle driver to do?

  1. Slow down and proceed if no train is visible
  2. Proceed with caution without stopping
  3. Stop, then proceed when it is safe Correct answer.
  4. Stop only if the gate is down

Explanation

A flashing red signal at a railroad crossing requires a complete stop, followed by proceeding only when the way is clear and safe. Visibility of a train is not the test; the signal itself mandates the stop. Gates are an additional warning, not the trigger for stopping.

Question 11Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A passenger-vehicle driver notices the steering feels loose and the vehicle wanders at highway speed. What is the safest response?

  1. Ignore it if the road is straight
  2. Reduce speed and stop in a safe place to inspect Correct answer.
  3. Increase speed to stabilize the vehicle
  4. Continue to the next scheduled stop

Explanation

Loose steering and wandering indicate a possible steering or suspension defect that can worsen at speed. The driver should slow down and stop safely to inspect. Continuing or speeding up risks loss of control.

Question 12Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

When loading passengers, the driver should ensure that:

  1. Exits are locked to prevent opening
  2. Passengers stand in the aisle for short trips
  3. Luggage is stacked near the door for quick unloading
  4. Aisles and exits remain clear of bags and standing obstructions Correct answer.

Explanation

Aisles and emergency exits must stay clear so passengers can move and evacuate quickly. Blocking exits or aisles with bags or people creates a serious hazard. Exits must remain operable, not locked.

Question 13Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What is the correct procedure for checking the emergency exits during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. Check only the main door
  2. Verify exits are locked shut
  3. Test exits only after passengers board
  4. Confirm each exit opens freely and the warning device works Correct answer.

Explanation

Each emergency exit must open freely and its warning buzzer or device must function. This confirms passengers can evacuate in an emergency. Checking only the main door or leaving exits locked defeats the purpose.

Question 14Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver must stop on a steep uphill grade and hold the vehicle. Which action prevents rolling backward?

  1. Release the brake and rely on the transmission
  2. Shift to neutral and coast
  3. Apply the parking brake and hold the service brake until ready to move Correct answer.
  4. Turn the wheels away from the curb

Explanation

On an uphill grade, the parking brake plus the service brake holds the vehicle and prevents rollback while the driver prepares to move. Releasing the brake or shifting to neutral allows the vehicle to roll. Wheel direction matters for parking at a curb, not for holding on a grade.

Question 15Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver should check the coolant level:

  1. After the trip is complete
  2. When the engine is cool, using the proper reservoir Correct answer.
  3. Only if the temperature gauge reads high
  4. Only when the engine is hot and running

Explanation

Coolant should be checked when the engine is cool to avoid burns from pressurized hot coolant. The proper reservoir or sight glass gives an accurate reading. Checking only after a trip or when the gauge is high may be too late to prevent overheating.

Question 16Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver approaching a sharp curve in a passenger vehicle should:

  1. Accelerate through the curve
  2. Coast through in neutral
  3. Brake firmly while in the curve
  4. Reduce speed before entering the curve Correct answer.

Explanation

Speed should be reduced before entering a curve so the vehicle is stable and controlled through it. Braking hard mid-curve can cause a skid or loss of control. Accelerating or coasting in neutral reduces control.

Question 17Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What does the air-pressure gauge reading indicate during a pre-trip inspection?

  1. The fuel pressure
  2. The tire inflation pressure
  3. The pressure available for braking and other air systems Correct answer.
  4. The engine oil pressure

Explanation

The air-pressure gauge shows the pressure in the air-brake system, which must reach the required level before driving. It does not measure oil, tire, or fuel pressure. Insufficient air pressure means the brakes may not function properly.

Question 18Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A passenger vehicle's ABS warning light stays on after start-up. What should the driver do?

  1. Pump the brakes to reset the light
  2. Assume ABS is working normally
  3. Ignore it if the brakes feel normal
  4. Have the system checked before operating Correct answer.

Explanation

A persistent ABS warning light indicates a fault that may reduce braking control in an emergency. The system should be inspected before the vehicle is operated. Pumping the brakes or assuming normal function does not fix the fault.

Question 19Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

When a passenger vehicle must be parked on a downhill grade with a curb, the driver should:

  1. Turn the front wheels away from the curb
  2. Leave the wheels straight
  3. Turn the front wheels toward the curb Correct answer.
  4. Turn the wheels toward the center of the road

Explanation

On a downhill grade with a curb, turning the front wheels toward the curb lets the curb block the vehicle if it rolls. On an uphill grade with a curb, wheels are turned away from the curb. Leaving the wheels straight provides no backup restraint.

Question 20Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver notices a strong smell of exhaust inside the passenger compartment. What is the best action?

  1. Ignore it if passengers do not complain
  2. Turn up the heater to clear the smell
  3. Open a window and continue the route
  4. Stop, ventilate, and inspect for an exhaust leak Correct answer.

Explanation

Exhaust odor inside the cabin can indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. The driver should stop, ventilate the vehicle, and have it inspected before continuing. Continuing the route or masking the smell risks passenger harm.

Question 21Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver finds a brake line with fluid seepage. What is the correct action?

  1. Wipe the line and monitor it during the trip
  2. Top off the fluid and drive
  3. Reduce speed and complete the route
  4. Remove the vehicle from service until repaired Correct answer.

Explanation

Fluid seepage from a brake line indicates a defect that can lead to brake failure. The vehicle must be removed from service and repaired before carrying passengers. Topping off fluid or monitoring during the trip does not correct the leak.

Question 22Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

What is the proper way to adjust the driver's seat and mirrors before starting a trip?

  1. Adjust mirrors first, then the seat
  2. Adjust the seat for reach and control, then set the mirrors Correct answer.
  3. Leave adjustments to the relief driver
  4. Set mirrors while driving to save time

Explanation

The seat should be adjusted first so the driver can reach the pedals and steering wheel with control. Mirrors are then set to reflect the correct view from that seating position. Adjusting while driving is unsafe.

Question 23Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

A driver must make a lane change in heavy traffic with a passenger vehicle. The safest sequence is to:

  1. Move first, then signal
  2. Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, then move when clear Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the mirror only
  4. Speed up and cut into the gap

Explanation

The driver should signal, check mirrors and the blind spot, and change lanes only when the space is clear. Moving before signaling or relying on mirrors alone can cause a collision. Cutting into a gap endangers other drivers.

Question 24Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control for Passenger Vehicles

During a pre-trip inspection, the driver should verify that the horn:

  1. Works and is audible Correct answer.
  2. Sounds only when the engine is off
  3. Plays only a musical tone
  4. Is disconnected to avoid startling passengers

Explanation

The horn is required safety equipment and must be working and audible during the inspection. A disconnected or nonfunctional horn fails the inspection. Horn function does not depend on the engine being off.

Question 25Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Under Montana law, a school bus driver must activate the flashing red lights and stop arm when loading or unloading students on a highway. What must oncoming traffic do while the red lights are flashing?

  1. Stop and remain stopped until the red lights are turned off Correct answer.
  2. Slow to 20 mph and pass with caution
  3. Stop only if children are visible near the roadway
  4. Yield only to the bus itself, not to pedestrians

Explanation

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm on a roadway, drivers approaching from either direction must stop and stay stopped until the signal is withdrawn. The duty is triggered by the signal itself, not by whether a child happens to be visible at that moment. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing is a serious violation in Montana.

Question 26Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger using a wheelchair boards your bus. Which action best protects that passenger before you pull away from the stop?

  1. Rely on the passenger's companion to hold the chair in place
  2. Ask the passenger to lock the chair and proceed slowly
  3. Have the passenger transfer to a seat and leave the chair unsecured
  4. Secure the mobility device and confirm the passenger's belt is fastened Correct answer.

Explanation

Wheelchairs and other mobility devices must be secured to the vehicle, and the occupant must be protected by a belt system before the bus moves. The driver is responsible for confirming both the device securement and the passenger restraint. Leaving either task to the passenger or a companion does not meet the driver's duty.

Question 27Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

When should a driver begin signaling an upcoming passenger stop?

  1. At the moment the brake pedal is first pressed
  2. Only after the bus has come to a complete stop
  3. After passengers have stepped off the bus
  4. Well before the stop so following traffic has time to react Correct answer.

Explanation

Turn signals and brake lights should be used early enough that drivers behind can anticipate the stop and slow down. Signaling at the last instant gives following traffic no reaction time and raises rear-end collision risk. Early, smooth signaling is a core part of safe stop procedure.

Question 28Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Before opening the door to let passengers off at a curb, what should the driver check first?

  1. That the stop request cord has been reset
  2. That the engine is turned off
  3. That all passengers are standing and ready
  4. That the bus is stopped close to the curb and traffic conditions are safe Correct answer.

Explanation

The door should open only after the bus is fully stopped, positioned near the curb, and the driver has checked mirrors and surroundings for hazards. Passengers step into a live traffic lane if the bus is stopped too far out. Engine shutdown is not required at every stop.

Question 29Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger appears unsteady on their feet as they approach the door. What is the appropriate driver action?

  1. Close the door and continue to the next stop
  2. Sound the horn to hurry the passenger along
  3. Move the bus slowly while the passenger finishes stepping down
  4. Wait until the passenger is seated or safely clear before moving the bus Correct answer.

Explanation

The bus should not move until boarding or alighting passengers are seated or safely clear of the vehicle. Passengers with mobility limitations need extra time, and hurrying them invites falls. Patience at the door is a basic passenger-safety duty.

Question 30Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

What is the purpose of the standee line marked on the floor of a passenger bus?

  1. It indicates the location of the emergency exit
  2. It separates the driver's compartment from the cabin
  3. It shows the forward limit where standing passengers may ride Correct answer.
  4. It marks where luggage must be stored

Explanation

The standee line defines the area behind which standing passengers must remain so the driver's view and control of the vehicle are not obstructed. Passengers standing forward of that line can block the driver's visibility and the aisle. It is a passenger-placement rule, not a storage or exit marker.

Question 31Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Which practice best keeps the aisle clear while the bus is in motion?

  1. Allowing passengers to stack luggage in the rear doorway
  2. Permitting carts to be parked beside the driver
  3. Directing passengers to stow bags under seats or in their laps Correct answer.
  4. Letting passengers stand in the aisle near the front

Explanation

A clear aisle lets passengers move to exits quickly in an emergency and prevents tripping while the bus is moving. Bags and carts belong under seats, in overhead space, or in designated storage. Blocking doorways or the aisle defeats that purpose.

Question 32Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Why must a driver never leave the driver's seat with passengers aboard and the engine running?

  1. The radio will lose its signal
  2. The air conditioning will shut down
  3. The farebox will not record the trip
  4. The bus could move or be entered by an unauthorized person Correct answer.

Explanation

An unattended bus with the engine running can roll if the parking brake is not set and can be entered by someone who then moves it. Passengers left aboard without a driver are also unprotected. Securing the bus and shutting down before leaving the seat prevents both risks.

Question 33Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger boards with a small child in a stroller. How should the driver handle the situation?

  1. Require the stroller to be left at the curb
  2. Have the child removed from the stroller and the stroller folded and secured Correct answer.
  3. Allow the child to remain in the stroller in the aisle if the brake is set
  4. Permit the stroller in the aisle as long as an adult holds it

Explanation

Strollers must be folded and stored so they do not block the aisle, and the child should be removed and seated or held. A stroller in the aisle is a tripping and evacuation hazard even if braked or held. Leaving the stroller at the curb abandons the passenger's property.

Question 34Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

While unloading at a stop, a passenger's package falls into the roadway beside the bus. What should the driver do?

  1. Wave the passenger across the lane to recover it quickly
  2. Let the passenger step into the roadway to grab the item
  3. Drive forward and retrieve the item at the next stop
  4. Keep passengers on board and retrieve the item only when it is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

Passengers should not be sent into a live traffic lane to recover property. The driver should hold passengers and either recover the item when traffic allows or arrange another solution. Driving off leaves the passenger without their property and does not address the hazard.

Question 35Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

What is the correct procedure when a passenger requests a stop that is not a designated stop?

  1. Stop at the nearest intersection regardless of markings
  2. Decline and let the passenger off at the next safe designated stop Correct answer.
  3. Refuse service and continue without explanation
  4. Stop immediately wherever the request is made

Explanation

Drivers should stop only at designated or approved locations where it is safe to load and unload. Stopping at an arbitrary point can block traffic or put passengers out in an unsafe place. The passenger should be told politely that the next designated stop will be used.

Question 36Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger becomes disruptive and refuses to stay seated while the bus is moving. What is the safest first response?

  1. Continue driving and argue with the passenger
  2. Bring the bus to a safe stop before addressing the behavior Correct answer.
  3. Open the door and order the passenger off while moving
  4. Increase speed to reach the next stop sooner

Explanation

A disruptive passenger is a distraction and a safety risk, so the driver should first get the bus stopped safely. Only then can the driver address the behavior or request assistance. Arguing while driving or speeding up increases the danger.

Question 37Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

When is it appropriate to use the bus's emergency exit door for routine passenger unloading?

  1. Whenever a passenger asks to use it
  2. At every stop to speed up unloading
  3. Only in an emergency or when the regular door cannot be used safely Correct answer.
  4. Whenever the regular door is crowded

Explanation

Emergency exits are reserved for emergencies or when the normal door is blocked or unsafe. Routine use of emergency exits defeats their purpose and can damage the exit or its alarm. Crowding at the regular door is managed by patience, not by using the emergency exit.

Question 38Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Before backing a bus in a terminal with passengers aboard, what must the driver do?

  1. Rely on the rearview mirror alone
  2. Ask a passenger to watch from a window
  3. Sound the horn once and back immediately
  4. Use a spotter or walk around the bus to confirm the area is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

Backing is a high-risk maneuver because of blind spots, so the driver should use a spotter or check the area on foot before moving. Mirrors alone leave large blind areas behind a bus. A single horn blast does not confirm the path is clear.

Question 39Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger has fallen and is injured on the floor of the bus. What should the driver do first?

  1. Continue to the next stop to save time
  2. Stop safely, secure the bus, and assess the passenger before moving Correct answer.
  3. Ask other passengers to lift the injured person into a seat
  4. Restart the route once the passenger says they are fine

Explanation

The driver should stop safely and secure the bus, then assess the injured passenger and summon help as needed. Moving an injured person can worsen injuries. Continuing the route or having untrained passengers lift the person risks further harm.

Question 40Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

How should the driver handle a passenger who is intoxicated and unsteady at the door?

  1. Assist the passenger to a seat or deny boarding if they pose a safety risk Correct answer.
  2. Allow boarding and ignore the condition
  3. Require the passenger to stand near the door
  4. Ask another passenger to escort them to the rear

Explanation

A driver may assist an impaired passenger to a seat or, if the person poses a risk to themselves or others, deny boarding. Ignoring the condition leaves an unsecured passenger who may fall. Assigning the problem to another passenger is not appropriate.

Question 41Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

What is the purpose of the pre-trip passenger safety check of doors, aisles, and emergency exits?

  1. To check the bus's fuel level
  2. To verify the farebox is working
  3. To confirm exits open freely and the aisle is unobstructed before carrying passengers Correct answer.
  4. To record the number of seats available

Explanation

The pre-trip check confirms that doors and emergency exits operate and that aisles and exit paths are clear before passengers board. Blocked or jammed exits can be fatal in an evacuation. Fare, seating, and fuel checks serve other purposes.

Question 42Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger asks to bring a large, unsecured item aboard that would block the aisle. What should the driver do?

  1. Strap it to the door so it stays put
  2. Refuse the item if it cannot be stored safely out of the aisle Correct answer.
  3. Allow it if the passenger holds it during the trip
  4. Allow it in the aisle if the trip is short

Explanation

Items that cannot be stored securely without blocking the aisle or an exit should not be carried. A loose large object can shift and injure passengers in a stop. Holding an item or strapping it to a door does not make it safe.

Question 43Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

At a stop on a multi-lane road, a passenger must cross the street after getting off. What should the driver do?

  1. Cancel the signal as soon as the door closes
  2. Signal the passenger to cross between parked cars
  3. Keep the red lights and stop arm out until the passenger has crossed safely Correct answer.
  4. Turn off the lights once the passenger steps off the bus

Explanation

On a multi-lane road, the flashing red lights and stop arm should remain out until passengers who must cross have reached safety. Canceling the signal when the door closes exposes the crossing passenger to traffic. Directing someone to cross between parked cars hides them from other drivers.

Question 44Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

Why should a driver count passengers when unloading at a stop?

  1. To report ridership to the state
  2. To confirm no passenger remains on board or is unaccounted for Correct answer.
  3. To set the schedule for the next trip
  4. To decide when to raise fares

Explanation

Counting passengers as they leave helps the driver confirm that no one is left aboard or missing, which matters for children and vulnerable riders. It is a safety check, not a reporting or scheduling function. A mismatch prompts the driver to investigate before leaving.

Question 45Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A bus is stopped to unload passengers when a vehicle behind begins honking and edging around the bus. What is the safest driver action?

  1. Wave the impatient driver past on the right
  2. Open the door and let passengers step out into the lane
  3. Keep the door closed and hold passengers until the vehicle has cleared Correct answer.
  4. Move the bus forward while passengers are still on the steps

Explanation

The driver should not release passengers into a lane where a vehicle is trying to pass. Holding the door closed and waiting until the hazard clears protects the passengers. Moving the bus with people on the steps or waving a car past creates new hazards.

Question 46Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger with a service animal boards. Where should the driver direct the team to go?

  1. To the rear doorway
  2. To the front seat beside the driver
  3. To a location where the animal can lie clear of the aisle Correct answer.
  4. To the steps by the exit door

Explanation

A service animal must be allowed to accompany its handler and should be positioned where it does not block the aisle or an exit. The front seat beside the driver and doorways obstruct the driver's area or evacuation routes. The handler and animal should stay together.

Question 47Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

During an evacuation, why should the driver direct passengers to exit away from traffic and then move them well clear of the bus?

  1. To reduce exposure to passing vehicles and the risk of a secondary collision Correct answer.
  2. To keep the bus's doors from being blocked by luggage
  3. To speed up the return to the route
  4. To allow the driver to finish paperwork

Explanation

Passengers who cluster beside a stopped bus remain exposed to passing traffic and to a possible secondary collision. Moving them well clear and away from the travel lane reduces that exposure. Route timing or paperwork has nothing to do with where passengers are staged.

Question 48Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A driver is loading passengers at night at an unlit stop. Which combination best protects boarding passengers?

  1. Stop in the travel lane with lights off
  2. Pull close to the curb, keep interior lights on, and use the stop signal Correct answer.
  3. Rely on headlights alone and load quickly
  4. Load from the traffic side to save time

Explanation

At night the driver should position the bus close to the curb, keep the interior lights on so passengers can see the steps, and display the proper stop signal to warn traffic. Loading from the traffic side or stopping in the travel lane exposes passengers to moving vehicles. Headlights alone do not light the doorway.

Question 49Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger tells the driver that another rider is carrying an open container of alcohol. What is the most appropriate driver response?

  1. Ignore the report and keep driving
  2. Speed up to reach the terminal faster
  3. Ask the reporting passenger to confront the other rider
  4. Stop safely and address the situation according to company policy before continuing Correct answer.

Explanation

An open container is a policy and safety issue that the driver should handle after stopping safely, following company procedure. Ignoring the report or speeding up leaves the problem unaddressed. Having one passenger confront another invites conflict.

Question 50Loading and Unloading Passengers, Stop Procedures, and Passenger Safety

A passenger is standing near the front of the bus and holding the handrail while the bus is still moving toward the stop. What is the driver's most appropriate action?

  1. Continue to the stop and ask the passenger to remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. Correct answer.
  2. Brake firmly so the passenger learns to sit down before the next stop.
  3. Sound the horn once to warn the passenger and keep driving at the same speed.
  4. Allow the passenger to keep standing as long as one hand is on the handrail.

Explanation

Passengers should be seated or properly positioned before the bus moves, and a driver should not allow a rider to stand and move around while the bus is in motion. The driver should bring the bus to a full stop and ask the passenger to sit until the stop is reached. Firm braking with a standing passenger increases the risk of a fall.