ND CDL Passenger cheat sheet

Before driving, inspect at least these parts: service brakes (including trailer connections), parking brake, steering mechanism, lights and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear-vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.

During the walk-around, check for missing or loose lug nuts, cracked or bent rims, and tires with tread depth below 4/32 inch on the front steering axle or below 2/32 inch on all other tires.

Check tire inflation with a gauge when tires are cold; underinflation causes heat buildup and is a leading cause of tire failure on passenger vehicles.

Test the service brake by starting the engine, building air pressure to governor cut-out (about 120-125 psi), then applying and releasing the brake to confirm no air loss beyond 3 psi in one minute with the engine off and brakes released.

Test the parking brake by applying it and gently pulling against it in a low gear to confirm it holds the vehicle.

Check that all interior lights, stepwell lights, and passenger warning devices work; a burned-out clearance light or stop light makes the vehicle out of service.

Inspect the emergency exits so that each door opens, closes, and latches properly and the exit warning buzzer sounds when the door is opened with the ignition on.

Verify the fire extinguisher is charged and secured, the first-aid kit is stocked, and the emergency reflective triangles are present.

Load baggage so that aisles and emergency exits stay clear; a blocked aisle is a violation that can prevent evacuation during a fire or crash.

Distribute weight so no axle is overloaded; check the gross vehicle weight rating and axle weight ratings before accepting a load.

Secure cargo with tie-downs rated for the load; the working load limit of the tiedown system must be at least half the weight of the article being secured.

Load heavy items low and toward the center of the vehicle to keep the center of gravity low and reduce rollover risk.

Close and latch all baggage compartment doors before moving; an open compartment door can strike a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Do not allow passengers to stand in the aisle while the bus is moving; passengers must be seated or holding a handrail before the vehicle moves.

When unloading, set the parking brake, place the transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set, and shut off the engine before opening the door if the stop is unattended.

Count passengers when loading and unloading so no one is left behind at a stop; use a consistent head count method and check the mirrors and aisle.

Maintain a following distance of at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph, and add one extra second for speeds above 40 mph.

Use the pivot point method for turning: the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels, so swing wide enough to keep the rear tires from striking the curb or a parked vehicle.

Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad crossing; never shift gears while crossing the tracks.

Use the mirrors continuously and check blind spots before changing lanes; large passenger vehicles have blind spots directly behind and along both sides.

When backing, use a spotter whenever possible; if no spotter is available, get out and check behind the vehicle before backing.

Reduce speed before entering a curve and accelerate gently through it; braking in a curve can cause a skid or rollover, especially in a top-heavy passenger vehicle.

On a downgrade, select a lower gear before starting down the grade and use the engine brake or retarder; do not ride the service brakes continuously.

At a drawbridge or highway-rail crossing, stop when required and never proceed until you are sure the path is clear and the signal permits movement.

Before loading, announce the destination and check that passengers have the correct fare or pass; do not allow standees where prohibited.

Close the door only after all passengers are seated or holding a handrail, and check the aisle and stepwell before moving.

Do not allow passengers to ride in the baggage compartment or in any area not designed for passengers.

Prohibit smoking, eating, and drinking on the vehicle if company policy or local law requires it; enforce rules calmly and consistently.

When a passenger becomes disruptive, stop the vehicle in a safe place and follow company policy; do not physically restrain or argue with the passenger while driving.

Secure passengers using wheelchairs with a four-point tiedown and a lap and shoulder belt; do not rely on the wheelchair brakes alone.

At a stop, set the parking brake before opening the door, and check the mirror before closing the door to prevent catching a passenger.

Keep a current passenger count and know how many passengers are aboard in case of an evacuation or emergency.

After a crash, stop immediately, protect the scene, and check for injuries; call 911 and report the location, number of injuries, and any hazards.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic; moving a person with a spinal injury can worsen it.

Set out reflective triangles to warn traffic: place them within 10 minutes of stopping, about 10 feet behind the vehicle, 100 feet behind at highway speeds, and 100 feet ahead on a two-way road.

Turn off the engine, set the parking brake, and shut off the battery if there is a fire risk; use the fire extinguisher only on a small fire and from upwind.

Evacuate passengers through the nearest safe exit, keeping them together and away from traffic; account for all passengers using your head count.

For a fire in the engine compartment, do not open the hood fully; discharge the extinguisher through the hood opening or grille to avoid feeding oxygen to the fire.

If the vehicle is stalled on railroad tracks, get everyone out and move at least 100 feet away from the tracks, then call the railroad emergency number posted at the crossing.

Report the crash to your employer and complete required written reports; exchange information with other drivers and give aid within your training.

Check the engine compartment for fluid levels, belts, hoses, and the power steering reservoir; low power steering fluid can make steering difficult.

Test the horn and all lights, including turn signals, four-way flashers, clearance lights, and stop lights.

Inspect the windshield and mirrors for cracks or obstructions; a cracked windshield or dirty mirror can fail a roadside inspection.

Check the exhaust system for leaks and secure mounting; carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous in a passenger vehicle.

Verify that the emergency door buzzer and the emergency exit release work properly.

Keep the aisle clear of baggage at all times.

Do not exceed axle or gross weight ratings.

Secure cargo with tie-downs rated for the load.

Load heavy items low and centered.

Close and latch all compartment doors before moving.

Set the parking brake before opening the door at a stop.

Use one second of following distance per 10 feet of vehicle length below 40 mph, plus one second above 40 mph.

Stop at least 15 feet from railroad tracks and never shift gears while crossing.

Swing wide on turns because rear wheels follow a shorter path.

Reduce speed before a curve and accelerate gently through it.

Select a lower gear before starting down a steep grade.

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

Announce the destination and confirm fares before loading.

Close the door only after passengers are seated or holding a handrail.

Never allow passengers in the baggage compartment.

Secure wheelchair passengers with a four-point tiedown and a lap and shoulder belt.

Stop in a safe place to handle a disruptive passenger.

Keep an accurate passenger count at all times.

Stop, protect the scene, check for injuries, and call 911.

Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.

Place reflective triangles within 10 minutes of stopping.

Evacuate passengers through the nearest safe exit and keep them away from traffic.

Do not open the hood fully if the engine is on fire.

Move at least 100 feet from railroad tracks if the vehicle stalls on them.