ND CDL School Bus flashcards

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

Pre-trip inspection areas

The six key areas are engine compartment, cab and controls, walk-around lights, tires and wheels, brake system, and cargo/securement areas. Each must be checked before every trip to ensure the bus is safe.

Air brake leak check

With the engine off and brakes released, the system should lose no more than 3 psi per minute for a single vehicle. Greater loss indicates a leak that must be fixed before driving.

Push-pull steering

A steering method where one hand pulls the wheel down while the other pushes it up, without crossing the arms. It keeps both hands on the wheel and improves control.

Backing a school bus

Back only when necessary, use a spotter when available, check mirrors on both sides, and get out to look behind the bus if no spotter is present.

Double-clutching

A shifting technique for non-synchronized transmissions: press the clutch, shift to neutral, release the clutch, press it again, then shift into the next gear.

Engine braking on downgrades

Downshift to a lower gear before starting a descent to use engine braking. Do not coast in neutral, which is illegal in most states and reduces control.

12-15 second scan

Keep your eyes moving and scan 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the bus. At highway speeds this equals about a quarter mile of roadway.

Mirror check interval

Use the mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds to monitor traffic behind and beside the bus. Adjust mirrors before departure so you can see the bus side and adjacent lane.

Turn signal distance

Signal at least 100 feet before turning in urban areas and 300 feet on highways. Signal early, and cancel the signal after completing the turn.

School bus warning lights

Use flashing amber lights to warn traffic that you are preparing to stop, then activate red lights and the stop arm when stopped to load or unload students.

Following distance rule

Maintain at least a 4-second following distance in ideal conditions. Increase to 6 seconds or more for school buses carrying students or in poor weather.

Railroad crossing stop

Stop at least 10 feet from railroad tracks and do not shift gears while crossing. Look and listen for trains before proceeding across the tracks.

Space cushion

Keep at least one lane of space to the side and enough room ahead to stop safely. When stopped behind a vehicle, leave space to see its rear tires touching the road.

Tailgater response

When a vehicle tailgates, increase your following distance ahead so you can brake gradually. Change lanes or pull over to let the aggressive driver pass.

Hazard clues

Watch for brake lights, turn signals, drivers looking over their shoulders, and children near the road. These clues indicate possible hazards ahead.

Intersection scan

At intersections, look left, right, and left again before proceeding. Do not assume other drivers will stop, even if they have a stop sign.

Three distraction types

Distraction can be visual (eyes off road), manual (hands off wheel), or cognitive (mind off driving). All three impair performance and increase crash risk.

Cell phone use on bus

Do not use a cell phone while driving a school bus unless it is hands-free and permitted by company policy. Texting is illegal in most states.

Aggressive driver response

Avoid eye contact, do not gesture, and give the aggressive driver space to pass. Do not stop on the road to argue; drive to a safe public place if needed.

Reporting aggressive drivers

Note the license plate, vehicle description, and location, then call the police. Do not chase or confront the aggressive driver yourself.

High beam dimming

Use low beams when following another vehicle within 500 feet or meeting oncoming traffic within 500 feet. Use high beams on open highways when no other vehicles are present.

Night glare response

Do not look directly into oncoming headlights. Look toward the right edge of the road to maintain lane position and reduce glare blindness.

Fog headlight rule

Use low-beam headlights in fog because high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility. Use fog lights if equipped to cut through the fog.

Stopping in fog

Do not stop on the road in fog. If you must stop, pull off the road and turn on four-way flashers to alert other drivers.

Parking brake test

Set the parking brake, shift to a low gear, and gently pull against it to confirm the vehicle does not move. This verifies the brake holds before driving.

Right turn clearance

A school bus is longer and heavier than a car, and its rear wheels track inside the front wheels. Allow extra clearance when turning right to avoid hitting the curb.

Clutch use

Press the clutch fully to the floor before shifting, then release it smoothly to avoid jerking or stalling. Do not ride the clutch or rest your foot on the pedal.

Blind spot check

Turn your head and look over your shoulder before changing lanes. Mirrors do not show everything, so a direct look is required to confirm the blind spot is clear.

Eye contact

Make eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists at intersections to confirm they see you before proceeding. Do not assume they will stop.

Curve speed control

Slow down before entering a curve, then maintain a steady speed through it. Braking in a curve can cause a skid, especially on slippery surfaces.

Lane change gap

When merging or changing lanes, signal early, check mirrors and blind spots, and leave a gap large enough for your bus. Pass quickly and do not linger beside other vehicles.

Construction zone hazards

In construction zones, watch for workers, narrowed lanes, and changed traffic patterns. Reduce speed and follow flaggers and posted signs.

Passenger distraction

Passengers can distract the driver. Maintain discipline and address behavior only when the bus is stopped, never while the bus is moving.