NC CDL Passenger key terms

A systematic walk-around and in-cab check of a bus before driving, covering tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher, and passenger items. It must be completed and defects corrected or reported before the vehicle is moved.

Checks made during a trip, typically at each stop or terminal, looking for cargo shift, overheated tires, brake or air problems, and secure emergency exits. It catches defects that develop after the initial pre-trip inspection.

The inspection completed after finishing a run, before leaving the vehicle, to record defects and ensure no passenger remains on board. Written defect reports are required so the next driver and the carrier know the vehicle's condition.

The written record of a vehicle's condition prepared after each day's work, listing any defects found. The carrier must review it and certify that reported defects were repaired or that repair is unnecessary before the vehicle is used again.

A defect serious enough that the vehicle must not be operated until repaired, such as a brake, steering, or tire failure. Driving with one violates safety rules and exposes the driver and carrier to penalties.

A test of the service brakes and parking brake before driving, confirming the bus stops firmly without pulling and holds on a grade. For air-braked buses it includes checking that air pressure builds and warning devices work.

A sequence checking compressor build-up, governor cut-out, static leaks, applied leaks, low-pressure warning activation, and the emergency spring brakes. Failures mean the bus cannot be placed in service until corrected.

A door, window, roof hatch, or other opening designed for rapid evacuation of passengers. Each must be marked, unobstructed, and operable from inside, and the driver must know how many the bus has.

An audible alarm that sounds when an emergency exit is opened or its latch is released. Drivers must investigate every activation, since it may signal a passenger tampering with the exit or an actual emergency.

A hinged opening in the bus roof used for escape or ventilation, often the only exit if the bus rolls over or doors jam. It must be checked for free operation and clear labeling during inspection.

The safe distance passengers should be moved from a bus in an emergency, generally at least 100 feet from the vehicle and clear of traffic lanes. It reduces exposure to fire, fuel, and passing vehicles.

The required announcement at the start of a trip covering emergency exits, fire extinguisher location, and evacuation procedures. It prepares riders to act quickly and is expected on every trip carrying passengers.

A passenger who rides while standing, permitted only where the bus is designed for it and within posted limits. Standing passengers must be able to reach a handhold and must not block the aisle or exits.

The requirement that the aisle and exit paths stay free of baggage, strollers, and standing passengers so riders can move out quickly. Blocked aisles are a common cause of injury during sudden stops and evacuations.

Placing luggage in designated racks, bins, or compartments and securing it so it cannot shift into the aisle or strike passengers. Items too large for the cabin must go in the baggage bay, never in the aisle.

The use of tiedowns, straps, or enclosed compartments to keep baggage and freight from moving during normal driving and emergency maneuvers. Loose cargo can shift weight, block exits, or injure passengers.

Spreading passenger and baggage load so it stays within axle and tire limits and does not make the bus unstable or light on the steering axle. Overloading a bus is both a handling hazard and a violation.

The maximum load a single axle or axle group may carry, set by the manufacturer and by law. Exceeding it affects braking, steering, and tire life and can result in citations and out-of-service orders.

An act the regulations forbid while operating a passenger vehicle, such as carrying unauthorized riders, standing passengers where not allowed, or allowing riders to interfere with the driver. Knowing these prevents citations and crashes.

The limits on driving and on-duty time set for commercial drivers, including maximum driving hours, required rest breaks, and minimum off-duty periods. Passenger carriers follow specific passenger-carrying rules rather than property-carrier rules.

The log or electronic record showing a driver's driving, on-duty, and off-duty time for each 24-hour period. It must be current, accurate, and retained for the required period for inspection by enforcement.

All time from starting work until release, including driving, loading passengers, inspections, and waiting to be dispatched. It counts toward hours-of-service limits even when the vehicle is not moving.

Physical and mental impairment from insufficient sleep or long work periods that slows reaction time and judgment. Drivers must recognize warning signs and use required rest breaks rather than pushing through drowsiness.

Being rested, sober, medically fit, and free of impairment before taking the wheel. A driver who is ill, medicated, or emotionally unfit must report it and not drive a passenger vehicle.

Required drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers, covering pre-employment, random, reasonable-suspicion, post-crash, and return-to-duty situations. Refusing a test carries the same consequences as a positive result.

Operating the bus while attention is diverted by phones, passengers, controls, or outside events. Passenger carriers restrict phone and device use, and any distraction is especially dangerous with riders on board.

The gap kept behind the vehicle ahead, measured in seconds by counting as that vehicle passes a fixed point. Buses need longer gaps than cars because of weight, stopping distance, and passenger comfort.

The total distance traveled from perception to a full stop, combining reaction distance and braking distance. A loaded bus needs far more room than a car, so speed and following gap must be adjusted accordingly.

The safety margin maintained around the bus on all sides so there is room to steer or brake out of trouble. It is managed by lane position, speed control, and avoiding blind spots alongside the vehicle.

An area beside or behind the bus that mirrors do not fully reveal, larger on buses than on cars. Drivers must check mirrors and use turn signals early, and must remember riders may walk into these zones.

The hazard created when a bus swings left before a right turn and a car or cyclist slips into the open space on the right. Drivers must check mirrors and turn slowly to avoid crushing someone against the curb.

The tendency of the rear wheels of a long bus to cut inside the path of the front wheels during a turn. It requires swinging wider and watching the rear in mirrors to avoid hitting curbs or vehicles.

The required sequence at a crossing: slow down, stop if required, turn off noisy devices, open the window, look and listen both ways, and cross only when the path is clear. Buses carrying passengers must stop at most crossings.

The skill of scanning ahead and to the sides to spot risks, such as pedestrians near the curb, before they become emergencies. It allows smooth early responses instead of hard braking that endangers standing passengers.

The actions taken when a crash or breakdown is imminent or has occurred: control the vehicle, stop safely, secure the scene, account for passengers, and call for help. Calm direction of passengers prevents panic and secondary crashes.

Warning devices placed behind a stopped bus to alert approaching traffic, typically at 10, 100, and 200 feet depending on road type and speed. They are required after breakdowns or crashes when the vehicle is a hazard.

Maintaining order and safety on board through clear announcements, enforcing rules, and defusing conflicts without leaving the driver's seat. It prevents rider interference and injuries from moving around the bus.

The steps after a collision: stop, protect the scene, check for injuries, notify authorities and the carrier, exchange information, and complete required reports. Leaving the scene or failing to report can end a driving career.

Alcohol and drug testing required after certain crashes involving a commercial vehicle, based on fatalities, injury treated away from the scene, or a vehicle towed away. Testing must be arranged promptly after the event.