NE CDL School Bus flashcards

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

School bus endorsement

The S endorsement added to a CDL that authorizes operation of a school bus; requires a school bus knowledge test and skills test in a school bus-type vehicle.

Passenger endorsement

The P endorsement required to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver; requires a separate passenger transport knowledge test.

CDL skills test parts

The CDL skills test has three parts: vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving; all three must be passed to receive the CDL.

Knowledge test retake

An applicant who fails a CDL knowledge test must wait a period set by Nebraska DMV policy before retesting; confirm the current waiting period before scheduling.

CLP requirement

A commercial learner permit must be obtained and held before a CDL skills test; the CLP holder must be accompanied by a qualified CDL driver while driving.

School bus knowledge topics

The school bus test covers stop arm use, loading and unloading zones, railroad crossings, student management, and post-trip child-check requirements.

Nebraska school bus permit

A credential issued through the Nebraska Department of Education in addition to the CDL; the CDL and the school bus driver's permit are separate requirements.

Drug and alcohol testing

School bus drivers are subject to pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing under FMCSA rules; a positive test or refusal disqualifies the driver.

Driving record review

Nebraska DMV reviews the driving record and disqualifying offenses before issuing a school bus endorsement; certain convictions bar the endorsement.

Reporting convictions

A school bus driver must report traffic convictions to the employer within the time required by state and federal rules; certain convictions disqualify the driver.

Minimum driver age

Nebraska requires school bus drivers to be at least 18 for intrastate operation; local districts may impose higher age and experience requirements.

Endorsement removal

The school bus endorsement is removed or suspended when the CDL is suspended, revoked, or disqualified; driving without a valid S endorsement is a violation.

Pre-trip inspection scope

The pre-trip inspection covers engine compartment, exterior lights, tires, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, emergency exits, stop arm, and warning lights.

Stop arm and warning lights

The pre-trip check must verify the stop arm, flashing red lights, crossing gate if equipped, and the interior child-check system or alarm.

Air brake leak test

The air brake check includes static leak test, applied leak test, low-air warning, and spring brake test; hydraulic brakes require a pedal fade and fluid check.

Tire tread minimums

Front steer tires require at least 4/32 inch tread depth; other tires require at least 2/32 inch; dual tires must not touch and sidewalls must be undamaged.

Lighting walk-around

The walk-around verifies headlights, high and low beams, turn signals, four-way flashers, brake lights, backup lights, clearance lights, and school bus warning lights.

Emergency equipment

Required equipment includes a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, body fluid cleanup kit, triangles or reflectors, and a seat belt cutter where required.

Post-trip child check

The driver must walk the bus after every trip to check for sleeping or left-behind students and must activate and document the child-check system.

Inspection reports

A written pre-trip and post-trip inspection report is completed each trip; safety defects must be reported to the employer and corrected before operation.

Documents to carry

The driver must carry the CDL, any required endorsements, the medical examiner's certificate when applicable, registration, and proof of insurance.

Roadside inspection documents

During a roadside inspection the driver must present the CDL and medical certificate; failure to produce required documents can result in out-of-service orders and fines.

Driver qualification file

The employer keeps a driver qualification file including application, driving record, medical certificate, road test, and annual review; the driver must supply updates.

Address change notice

The CDL holder must notify the Nebraska DMV of a name or address change within the time required by state law; the license shows class and endorsement codes.

Record of duty status

School bus operations may fall under short-haul or school bus exceptions from the logbook requirement, but local rules may still require trip records.

Medical examiner registry

Interstate CDL drivers must be certified by a physician listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners; the certificate is valid up to 24 months.

Vision standard

At least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction and at least 70 degrees field of vision in each eye; monocular vision requires an FMCSA exemption.

Hearing standard

The driver must perceive a forced whispered voice at not less than 5 feet or meet the audiometric standard of 40 dB in the better ear at specified frequencies.

Blood pressure rule

Blood pressure at or below 140/90 supports a full two-year certificate; higher readings shorten the certification period or disqualify the driver under FMCSA guidelines.

Disqualifying conditions

Uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, certain cardiac conditions, and use of Schedule I drugs or controlled substances without a valid prescription disqualify the driver.

Self-certification categories

CDL holders declare one of four categories: non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, or excepted intrastate, filed with the Nebraska DMV.

Excepted interstate status

Applies to limited operations such as farm-related service industries, government vehicles, and certain school bus operations that meet the federal exception criteria.