NJ CDL Passenger flashcards

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

Minimum steering tire tread

Front steering tires on a passenger vehicle must have at least 4/32 inch of tread depth; all other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Check with a gauge.

Low-air warning threshold

On an air-brake passenger vehicle, the low-air warning buzzer and light must activate before system pressure drops below 60 psi.

Spring brake application range

When air pressure is lost, the spring (emergency) brakes must set automatically at a pressure between 20 and 45 psi.

Static air leak test

With the engine off and the system fully charged, pressure loss must not exceed 3 psi in one minute for a single vehicle.

Applied air leak test

With the service brake fully applied and held for one minute, air pressure loss must not exceed 4 psi for a single vehicle.

Slack adjuster check

With the brakes released, pull each slack adjuster by hand; movement of more than about 1 inch indicates a brake problem requiring repair.

Emergency exit warning test

Open each emergency exit with the ignition on; the audible and visible warning must sound, confirming the exit monitor is working.

Wheel nut defect signs

Cracked or loose lug nuts and rust streaks around wheel nuts indicate a loose wheel; the vehicle must not be driven until corrected.

Wheelchair securement rule

A wheelchair passenger needs a four-point tie-down plus a lap and shoulder belt; the chair must not move more than 2 inches in any direction.

Aisle clearance rule

Aisles and emergency exit paths must stay clear at all times; baggage goes in racks or under seats, never in the aisle.

Cargo force in crash

A 30-pound object in a 30 mph crash can strike with roughly 900 pounds of force, so all cargo must be secured before moving.

Curb stop distance

At a bus stop, stop within 12 inches of the curb where practical, set the parking brake, and only then open the door.

Passenger count after stops

Count passengers after every stop when carrying children or groups, and verify the vehicle is empty at the end of the run.

Following distance formula

Allow at least one second per 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph; add one second above 40 mph. A 40-foot bus needs 4 or 5 seconds.

Curve speed rule

Slow to the posted advisory speed before entering a curve; braking inside the curve risks a rollover because of the high center of gravity.

Mirror scan interval

Check the mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds and before every lane change, because a passenger vehicle has large blind spots behind and beside it.

Downgrade braking rule

Downshift before a long downgrade to control speed with engine braking; do not ride the brakes, which can fade and fail.

Space cushion rule

Keep at least one car length of space to the front for each 10 mph of speed, and a lane of space to the side whenever possible.

Crossing stop distance

At a railroad crossing with a stop requirement, stop 15 to 50 feet before the nearest rail, then proceed only when the way is clear.

Stalled on tracks action

If the vehicle stalls on a railroad crossing, evacuate immediately and move at least 100 feet away at a 45-degree angle toward the approaching train.

Gate lowers on vehicle

If a crossing gate lowers on your vehicle, stop and call for help; do not reverse or drive around the gate.

Crossing gear rule

Select the proper gear before the crossing and never shift while crossing the tracks, because a stall on the rails is a fatal risk.

Fire evacuation steps

If a fire starts, stop, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, evacuate passengers upwind, and call 911. Do not open the engine cover until the fire is out.

Crash report deadline

Report a crash with injuries, a fatality, or a hazardous-material release immediately; a written report is due within 24 hours to the state.

Passenger hours driving limit

Passenger-carrying drivers may drive up to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty, within a 15-hour on-duty window.

Thirty-minute break rule

After 8 cumulative hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required; the break may be satisfied by on-duty-not-driving time.

Sixty-seventy hour limit

A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days until a 34-hour restart.

Passenger endorsement rule

A CDL passenger endorsement (P) is required to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

School bus endorsement

A school bus endorsement (S) is required in addition to the P endorsement to drive a school bus carrying students.

Conviction reporting rule

A driver must report any traffic conviction to the employer within 30 days; disqualifying offenses must be reported immediately.

Record of duty status

Drivers must keep a record of duty status for each 24-hour period and retain supporting documents for 6 months.

Out-of-service defect rule

A vehicle with an out-of-service defect, such as a broken brake light or defective tire, must not be operated until the defect is corrected and documented.